Microsoft Acquires Nuance for $19.7 Billion - Daily Crunch
Tech News Highlights: April 12, 2021
Significant developments in the technology sector occurred today, including a substantial acquisition by Microsoft, Twitter’s expansion into Africa, and potential new smart home innovations from Apple. This is a summary of the key events for April 12, 2021.
Microsoft’s Major Healthcare Tech Acquisition
Microsoft announced the acquisition of Nuance Communications for $19.7 billion this morning. The primary impetus behind this move appears to be a focus on the healthcare industry. Microsoft previously launched a Cloud for Healthcare, and Nuance offers specialized products like Dragon Ambient eXperience, Dragon Medical One, and PowerScribe One for radiology reporting.
According to a company blog post, this acquisition is a further step in Microsoft’s strategy of developing industry-specific cloud solutions.
Industry analysts suggest that this deal will enable Microsoft to address critical deficiencies in both speech recognition technology and health data management.
Updates from Tech Giants
Both Apple and Google are scheduled to participate in a Senate hearing concerning competition within app stores. Apple has confirmed its attendance after initial uncertainty.
Twitter is establishing its first African operational hub in Ghana. The company stated it aims to integrate more deeply with the dynamic communities driving conversations across the continent by building a local team.
Reports indicate that Apple is developing a combined Apple TV/HomePod device, as well as a smart speaker with a display resembling an iPad. These products signal a renewed effort to compete in the smart home market.
Startups, Funding, and Venture Capital News
Austin-based startup The Zebra has achieved unicorn status, raising $150 million after experiencing a doubling of revenue in 2020. The Zebra provides a real-time quote comparison tool for auto and homeowners insurance.
Adam Leeb, co-founder of Astrohaus, shared insights into the challenges and rewards of launching a hardware startup in Detroit.
EcoCart secured $3 million in funding for a browser extension, similar to Honey, designed to offset shoppers’ carbon emissions. The company operates on an affiliate marketing model, using commissions to fund carbon offsetting initiatives.
Expert Insights from Extra Crunch
Organizations seeking optimal results from their AI projects should prioritize the use of industry-specific models. This approach ensures greater accuracy and relevance.
The initial IPO pricing of UiPath may serve as a cautionary signal for investors in late-stage companies. The valuation fell short of expectations held by its final private investors.
The potential for profitability in the ride-hailing industry is nearing a critical juncture. The Exchange provides further analysis on this topic.
(Extra Crunch is a membership program designed to support founders and startup teams. Sign up for access here.)
Additional News
President Biden is assembling a cybersecurity team, appointing two veterans from the National Security Agency to key government positions, including the inaugural national cyber director.
Executives from the tech and automotive industries convened at the White House to discuss potential solutions to the ongoing global chip shortage.
The first episode of TechCrunch’s new podcast, Found, is now available, detailing how one founder identified a significant gap in healthcare and acquired the necessary skills to address it.
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