Centific Secures $60 Million for Global AI Expansion

Centific, a U.S.-based startup specializing in AI-driven data solutions, has successfully secured $60 million in Series A funding, with Granite Asia, a prominent venture capital firm based in Singapore, leading the round. This substantial investment is aimed at fueling Centific's ambitious global expansion plans, particularly in Asia, where AI startups are increasingly focusing their efforts.

Centific's AI 'data foundry' technology is designed to process and analyze vast amounts of data, providing valuable insights that can inform strategic decision-making for enterprises. The company works with larger businesses to develop, train, and deploy AI models, with a focus on eliminating bias, hallucinations, and other errors. According to CEO Venkat Rangapuram, the funding round is not driven by necessity but by ambition, aiming to empower enterprises with resilient, agile, and finely-tuned AI systems.

With the new funds, Centific plans to enhance the functionality of its platform, bolster its research and development efforts, and deepen collaborations with key partners such as Nvidia, Microsoft, and Lenovo. The company's origins trace back to the U.S. division of Pactera, a Chinese IT consulting and outsourcing firm, which became an independent entity after being acquired by Chinese Electronics Corporation in 2020.

Granite Asia, born from GGV Capital, sees the investment in Centific as part of its mission to build enduring infrastructure for the future of industry. The venture capital firm, led by senior managing partner Jenny Lee, has quickly established new relationships across the region, including strategic partnerships with the Indonesia Investment Authority and a joint venture with Japanese private equity firm Integral. Granite Asia's vision is to become the dominant capital platform for startups and businesses across Asia, anchored in the region.

Rangapuram expressed excitement about the possibilities of physical AI, particularly in ASEAN and Singapore, highlighting the global nature of the future AI landscape. The partnership with Granite Asia is seen as a strategic move to diversify from the North American market into alternate markets around the globe, leveraging Granite's network and resources within Asia and India.

This funding round reflects the broader trend of increased investment in AI and data analytics, as businesses recognize the value of data-driven insights. Centific's technology addresses the need for advanced solutions that can handle complex data challenges and deliver actionable insights, positioning the company as a leader in the AI data solutions space. With this investment, Centific is well-positioned to accelerate its growth trajectory and solidify its market presence.