Unique Startup Raises $30 Million to Revolutionize Agentic AI in Financial Services

A four-year-old Swiss startup, Unique, has made waves in the tech world by raising $30 million in a Series A funding round aimed at harnessing the potential of “agentic AI.” The investment was led by DN Capital, a London-based venture capital firm, and CommerzVentures, the investment arm of Germany’s Commerzbank.

What is Agentic AI?

You might wonder, “What exactly is agentic AI?” In simple terms, it’s a step beyond traditional AI chatbots. Agentic AI refers to systems that can autonomously make decisions and perform various tasks, ranging from mundane activities like online shopping to more complex operations in workplaces, such as streamlining factory efficiency.

Unique’s Mission

Founded in Zurich in 2021 by CEO Manuel Grenacher, CCO Michelle Heppler, and CTO Andreas Hauri, Unique aims to build an intelligent workforce specifically tailored for the financial services industry. This includes banking, insurance, and private equity sectors, where the automation of workflows can provide significant benefits.

For instance, Unique offers customizable AI agents designed for various tasks:

• Investment Research Agent: This agent leverages both internal and external information sources to answer queries in natural language. Imagine asking your AI to sift through complex data and provide you with a concise summary—it’s like having a financial research assistant at your fingertips!

• Due Diligence Agent: This tool analyzes meeting transcripts and compares them with past evaluations to recommend questions that bank personnel should ask. It’s like having an experienced colleague nudging you in the right direction during crucial evaluations.

Image Credits: Unique

Evolving from Video to Finance

Initially focused on AI-powered video solutions for sales teams, Unique has pivoted to a role that resembles a “co-pilot for finance teams.” This evolution highlights the flexibility and responsiveness that many tech startups must embody in today’s rapidly changing landscape. By 2023, Unique launched its services in partnership with the esteemed Swiss private national bank, Pictet, which has also come on board as a strategic investor.

Unique isn’t stopping there. They’re also collaborating with prominent Swiss financial institutions, including UBP and Graubündner Kantonalbank, solidifying their foothold in the market.

Future Plans

With their fresh $30 million in funding, Unique is geared up for international expansion, with a keen eye on the U.S. market. To date, the company has raised a total of $53 million and plans to use this capital to broaden their reach and continue enhancing their product offerings.

Conclusion

Unique’s groundbreaking approach to agentic AI has the potential to reshape the financial services landscape. As they expand and innovate, it’s exciting to think about the efficiency and strategic advantages these AI tools can bring to traditional financial practices.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.