Google DeepMind hires Contextual AI team in $100 million licensing deal

Google DeepMind hired more than 20 researchers from artificial intelligence startup Contextual AI. The group includes CEO and co-founder Douwe Kiela.

Google is also licensing Contextual AI’s technology. The deal is reportedly valued at approximately $100 million.

The move strengthens Google’s position in generative AI for enterprise use. Contextual AI specializes in large language models focused on data privacy and accuracy.

The startup utilizes retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), a technique Kiela helped pioneer. Amazon and Salesforce previously backed the company.