Schwarz Group companies invest in Aleph Alpha

• Security for sensitive applications: Strengthening sovereign AI technology to European data protection standards
• Diverse possibilities for applying AI along the entire value chain of the Schwarz Group
• “AI Codex” as a basis for collaboration – internally and with partners

Technology is fundamentally changing daily life, society and the economy. Technical innovations play an important role in Schwarz Group companies in order to expand their position as one of the world’s leading business groups. Secure and sovereign AI is a key technology.

For this reason, Schwarz Group companies, together with six other investors, are participating in the second round of financing for Aleph Alpha, the leading developer of artificial intelligence in Germany. The investment aims to enhance and implement artificial intelligence technology in accordance with European data protection standards. The investment will help advance AI research and accelerate the development and commercialization of generative AI and large language models for complex and critical applications. This means that AI can also be used in sensitive areas such as critical infrastructure – including along the entire Schwartz Group value chain.

“AI is everywhere. Researching it and using it responsibly is why we invested in Aleph Alpha. We want to build trust in this technology and integrate it more into everyday life. Aleph Alpha’s technology meets our requirements for sovereignty in line with our company values ​​and fits perfectly with our solutions.” Sovereign Cloud and Cybersecurity “Our goal is to sustainably improve the customer experience and make our employees’ work processes easier,” explains Rolf Schumann, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits.

Great potential for implementing artificial intelligence at the Schwarz Group – a clear code of values

AI can be used to improve processes in all departments and areas of the Schwartz Group – from management to business operations to food production or recycling. In addition, technology also has the potential to enable improvements in customer and service experience.

When using and developing sovereign AI, it is important for Schwarz Group companies that it is safe, fair, explainable and reliable. These values ​​are reflected in the jointly developed code of values, the “AI Code” of Schwartz Group companies, which is also a prerequisite for cooperation with partners. In this internal law, Schwarz Group companies explain, for example, what requirements apply when using artificial intelligence, what goals are achieved using the technology and what liability arises from its use.

Information about the financing round

Aleph Alpha, a leader in explainable and trustworthy generative AI applications, has raised capital in a Series B funding round and formed key strategic partnerships to launch the next phase of its development in the global AI race. The consortium, consisting of seven new investors, is led by Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (Ipai), Bosch Ventures and Schwarz Group companies. Other new investors include Berlin-based Christ & Company Consulting, global company Hewlett Packard Enterprise, German software company SAP, as well as investor Burda Principal Investments. Previous investors complete the round. This strategic investment will strengthen the position of German and European AI in the field of sovereign AI development.