Oosto News
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The US AI powered parking platform is acquiring Oosto for $125 million in an all-share deal, "TechCrunch" reports.
US AI powered parking platform Metropolis is acquiring Israeli AI facial recognition company Oosto for $125 million in an all-share deal. Oosto, formerly known as AnyVision, has raised $352 million, with $235 million in its most recent financing round in 2021. The acquisition will see Oostos CEO Avi Golan and CTO Dieter Joecker take senior roles at Metropolis. Oosto, which has developed an AI platform for face, body, and object recognition, serves clients in finance, retail, health, sports, and gambling. The company recently laid off about 10 employees and saw several senior executives depart.
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Intellicene Enters into a Partnership with Oosto
Intellicene, a developer of integrated, intelligent security software platforms, has announced a strategic partnership with Oosto, a provider of Vision AI solutions including facial biometrics. The collaboration supports the integration of Oosto’s advanced facial recognition technology within Intellicenes suite of intelligent security software, enhancing Intellicene’s technology offerings to the company’s global customer base. Oosto’s AI-driven technology will enhance Intellicene’s Symphia platform’s capabilities, providing an additional layer of protection that can effectively identify, track, and alert of any potential security threats in real time.
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SoftBank portfolio co AnyVision lays off top executives
Israeli facial technology startup Oosto, formerly known as AnyVision, has seen a number of its senior managers leave the company in recent weeks. The company has also laid off 10 of its 95 employees. Despite being awarded new facial recognition technology projects in Dubai and Qatar, the company has struggled to increase its market share in the region. Oosto sold its security activities to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems three years ago following criticism of its systems being used by Israeli security authorities to monitor the Palestinian population. The company continues to operate in the commercial sector, signing agreements with various entities including a horse racing stadium in Australia and casinos in Las Vegas and Oklahoma.
LayoffsManagement Changes
Oosto ends collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University | Biometric Update
Facial recognition company Oosto has ended its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) CyLab Biometric Research Center. Oosto, formerly known as Anyvision, partnered with CyLab in 2021 for research in advanced object classification and behavior recognition algorithms. The reason for the partnership termination was not disclosed. Oostos head of research and research engineering has also departed. Oostos main products are in the public safety industry, and it has customers such as Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Ford, Verizon, and Macys. In 2021, the company raised $235 million in funding. Oosto attracted controversy in 2019 for allegedly providing technology for surveillance on Palestinians. The company has since focused on AI ethics compliance and ethical facial recognition. Oosto recently presented new face biometrics products and deployed its facial recognition software at the Australian Turf Club and partnered with Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises.
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Oosto's Latest Software Release Pushes Real-time Identification and Threat Detection to the Edge
Raphael Hospital Implements Oosto's Vision AI Technology to Secure Sensitive Areas and Help Keep Operating Rooms Sterile
Visual AI Company AnyVision Changes its Name to Oosto
AnyVision raises $235 million Series C led by SoftBank
Israeli AI-based face recognition startup AnyVision has completed a $235 million Series C funding round led by SoftBank and Eldridge Industries. The funding round is one of the largest ever for an AI-based face recognition company. AnyVision develops software for real-time face and object recognition and its technology can be used for security and commercial purposes. The company had previously raised $115 million. The funding highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the tech market.
Investment
US firms said using Israeli tech for controversial facial recognition
AnyVision, an Israeli company that makes facial recognition technology, has gained several big-name clients in the US. The company uses AI technology to recognize faces, bodies, and objects for various purposes. The use of facial recognition technology has faced criticism from civil liberties activists who argue that it is biased and infringes upon privacy. Despite this, AnyVisions clients include Cedars-Sinai, BP, Macys, Menards, Mercedes-Benz, Houston Texans, Golden State Warriors, MGM Resorts International, and Cherokee Nation Entertainment. The company has called for regulation to prevent misuse of the technology but opposes blanket bans. AnyVision has faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including staff layoffs. The company raised $43 million in funding in September 2020.
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AnyVision files patent for facial recognition drone
Israeli facial recognition technology developer AnyVision has filed a patent for a technology that would allow drones to change their flight angle, improving facial recognition capabilities. The patent was filed in August 2019 and has now been published. AnyVision insists it is not working with US government agencies and is focused on commercial applications of its technology. The company spun off its machine vision military activities into a partnership with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. called SightX. Microsoft withdrew its investment in AnyVision due to concerns about the technology being used for mass tracking. AnyVision explains the difference between police and commercial use of facial recognition technology. The company is developing civilian technologies for retail chains, sports stadia, airports, and casinos.
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AnyVision Offers 5 Indications for Fair, Ethical and Unbiased Use of Face Recognition Amidst Rising Public Debate
AnyVision plans to scale biometrics business with appointment of new CEO Biometric Update
AnyVision has appointed Avi Golan as its new CEO, while co-founder Eylon Etshtein becomes the companys president. Golan brings over 30 years of experience in operations and technology innovation, including as an Operating Partner with SoftBank. AnyVision recently announced a $43 million funding round and plans to scale its touchless biometric access control and remote authentication business. The article also mentions Ping Identity appointing Emma Maslen as its new VP and GM for the EMEA and APAC regions.
Management Changes
Rafael enters the computer vision market, in talks to launch joint defense company with AnyVision
Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. is in advanced negotiations with AnyVision Interactive Technologies Ltd. to form a joint company based on the latters defense activities. Rafael will acquire 50% of the shares of the new company, with the remainder going to AnyVisions existing shareholders. The deal has received permission from most Israeli regulators. Rafael will invest tens of millions of dollars in the acquisition. AnyVision is known for its computer vision technology and the new joint company will adapt that technology for military purposes. AnyVisions civilian activities will be separated from its defense-related work.
Acquisition
AnyVision Raises $43 Million as the Demand for Safe, Seamless Access to Shared Spaces and Remote Services Skyrockets
AnyVision, a provider of AI-enabled visual intelligence software, has announced the addition of $43 million in funding. The funding will be used to scale its Touchless Access Control and Remote Authentication products. The company sees significant growth opportunity for Touchless Access Control across all verticals within organizations that host large numbers of people in shared spaces, such as corporate real estate, banking and financial services, manufacturing, and hospitality. Many organizations that provide secure services on personal devices have already deployed Remote Authentication, and AnyVision reports strong demand for its software.
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AnyVision biometrics rolled out in Spanish supermarkets, CMO answers bias concerns Biometric Update
Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona is implementing a biometric facial recognition camera system in 40 stores to block access to individuals who are not allowed to enter or be near employees. The system, developed by AnyVision, will match faces to images in the judicial system to prevent robberies and theft. AnyVisions Chief Marketing Officer argues that specialized providers with proper privacy and bias prevention methods should sell facial recognition technology. AnyVision has been involved in a potential partnership with the Israel Defense Forces for biometric facial recognition in the Palestinian territories. The companys thermal cameras, without facial biometrics, have been installed in hospitals for COVID-19 relief efforts.
Customers
AnyVision and Boon Edam Announce Strategic Partnership to Bring State-of-the-Art, AI-Powered Entrance Solutions to Customers Around the World
AnyVision system detects facemask dodgers
AnyVision, an artificial intelligence-driven computerized vision company, has developed a system that detects whether or not a person is wearing a mask. The system consists of a screen that can be installed in various public places. It displays a green Like icon if the person is wearing a mask and a red thumbs down if they are not. The system is currently installed in several hospitals in Israel and has garnered interest from hospitals overseas. AnyVision intends to expand the system to office buildings and other public places. The company does not transfer information to third parties and does not use facial recognition in this instance. AnyVision has previously collaborated with the Ministry of Defence and Ichilov Hospital on a computerized vision system for improving coronavirus testing.
Customers
Face Recognition Startup AnyVision Continues Layoff Spree
Israeli AI-based face recognition startup AnyVision Interactive Technologies Ltd. has laid off dozens of employees and made significant salary cuts due to the decline in corporate operations caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. In March, Microsofts investment arm M12 divested its stake in AnyVision.
Layoffs
Face Recognition Startup AnyVision to Deploy Thermal Cameras at Tel Aviv Hospital
Israel-based AI face recognition startup AnyVision will deploy thermal cameras at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center to identify potential COVID-19 carriers. The cameras can measure body temperature from a distance and differentiate between high temperature caused by disease or physical activity. AnyVisions system, based on MiniPOP thermal cameras, can be used in public gatherings like airports and stadiums to passively check for fever. AnyVision has faced challenges recently, including Microsofts decision to divest its stake in the company due to concerns about the use of AnyVisions technology by Israeli forces. However, the thermal system does not have face recognition privacy issues as it uses thermal cameras that cannot identify individuals.
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Microsoft to end investments in facial recognition firms after AnyVision controversy
Microsoft announces that it will no longer invest in third-party facial recognition companies, following controversy surrounding its funding of Israeli startup AnyVision. An independent investigation found that AnyVisions technology did not power a mass surveillance program in the West Bank as alleged. However, Microsoft is divesting from AnyVision and will no longer make minority investments in facial recognition firms. The companys focus is shifting towards commercial relationships that provide greater oversight and control over the use of sensitive technologies. Microsoft still has its own facial recognition technology through its Azure cloud computing platform. The companys new investment stance raises questions about its potential acquisition of facial recognition firms and any adjustments to its own use of internal facial recognition software.
Investment
Microsoft probing Israeli facial recognition co AnyVision - report
Microsoft is investigating whether facial recognition technology developed by AnyVision meets its ethical standards. AnyVisions technology is reportedly used by Israeli security forces in the West Bank to identify Palestinians at army checkpoints. Microsoft has hired former US Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct the investigation. AnyVision denies operating a facial recognition system away from checkpoints and invited Microsoft to examine its operations. AnyVision raised $74 million in Series A funding from various investors, including M12.
Customers
AnyVision reevaluates biometrics business in Hong Kong, defends Israeli army work Biometric Update
Microsoft-funded startup AnyVision is reevaluating its business plans in Hong Kong due to controversy surrounding the ethical use of its facial recognition technology. The company faced criticism for collaborating with the Israeli army and alleged collaborations with Hong Kong, Macau, and Russia. Privacy and civil rights groups expressed concerns, but investors, including Qualcomm, Bosch, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Microsoft, concluded that the technology was compliant with AI ethics standards. AnyVision has been doing business with over 40 countries, but its technology has not been sold in Hong Kong yet. The company claims that its facial recognition systems at border crossings provide faster wait times and unbiased safeguards. However, critics argue that the technology can turn society into a surveillance state with little control over AI-based judgments.
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This Israeli face-recognition startup is secretly tracking Palestinians
Anyvision Interactive Technologies, an Israeli biometric recognition firm specializing in facial recognition, is involved in two special projects assisting the Israeli army in the West Bank. One project involves a system installed at army checkpoints to quickly identify individuals with Israeli work permits, while the other project uses facial recognition technology to monitor potential Palestinian assailants. Anyvision has raised $74 million in funding, with investors including Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The company sells three products based on its technology: Better Tomorrow for identifying suspicious behavior, SesaMe for facial recognition on smartphones, and Insights for analyzing shopper behavior. Anyvisions involvement in the West Bank comes amid a global debate on the use of biometric technology and facial recognition.
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Facial recognition co AnyVision raises $31m
Computer vision company AnyVision has raised an additional $31 million and completed a $74 million Series A financing round. The investment comes from M12, Microsoft’s venture fund, DFJ Growth, and OG Technology Partners. AnyVision specializes in face, body, and object-recognition software and has developed core software solutions that make all cameras smart. The funding will be used to continue growing the company’s existing geographies and industry verticals. AnyVision has over 240 employees and global customers including Fortune 50 companies.
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Computer vision startup AnyVision pulls in new funding from Lightspeed
Tel Aviv-based computer vision startup AnyVision has raised $43 million in a Series A funding round, with Lightspeed Venture Partners joining as an investor. The company aims to leverage its computer vision technology in tracking people and objects to create utility for the enterprise world. AnyVision is focused on the security and identity markets, as well as bringing its technology into industry-tailored solutions. Its products include the camera-agnostic surveillance insights platform called Better Tomorrow, the consumer-facing mobile banking authentication solution Sesame, and a retail analytics platform.
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AnyVision Strikes Integration Partnership With Genetec
AnyVision announces a technology integration partnership with Genetec, allowing AnyVisions end users to directly integrate into Genetecs technology. This partnership will enable quick and accurate analysis and identification of data collected by Genetecs sensors. AnyVision aims to make its technology accessible to everyone and create safer environments across different industries.
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AnyVision Secures $28M in Series A Funding - FinSMEs
AnyVision, a Tel Aviv-based company, has secured $28M in Series A funding led by Bosch. The company plans to use the funding to meet global demand and enhance product innovation. AnyVision has developed AI solutions for various industries and has customers such as Microsoft, Google, and Johnson Controls. The company currently has over 130 employees and is expanding with new offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London, and Singapore.
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AnyVision, NVIDIA to develop surveillance cameras with facial recognition tech
AnyVision has partnered with NVIDIA to develop CCTV surveillance cameras with facial recognition technology. The partnership aims to revolutionize law enforcement agencies work and enhance safety and security in cities. The system can recognize a person in a crowd with up to 99% accuracy and can be used to track criminals, find missing people, and analyze suspects. AnyVision emphasizes the importance of protecting personal data captured by the cameras to gain public trust. The partnership is part of NVIDIAs Metropolis Software Partner Program.
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