Latest news with #AI-native
Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Snyk acquires Invariant Labs to boost AI-native app security
Snyk has announced the acquisition of Invariant Labs, a move set to expand its AI security capabilities and address the increasing security demands of AI-native and agentic applications. Invariant Labs, known for its work in shaping security standards for agentic AI, will now become part of Snyk, integrating its research and technologies with Snyk's recently launched AI Trust Platform. The acquisition marks Snyk's twelfth to date and brings with it a new research and development function, Snyk Labs, to advance security for emerging AI risks. AI security integration Peter McKay, Chief Executive Officer at Snyk, commented on the impact of the acquisition: "This acquisition is an important integration into Snyk's recently launched AI Trust Platform that adds the ability to secure applications from emergent threats. Snyk can now offer customers a single platform to address both current application and agentic AI vulnerabilities." According to Snyk, the technologies and approaches developed by Invariant Labs will be absorbed into Snyk Labs, concentrating efforts on research regarding AI security, especially in relation to large language models (LLMs), autonomous agents, and multi-component protocol (MCP) systems. Snyk Labs will serve as the company's new research arm, delivering capabilities through its AI Trust Platform by focusing on threats such as tool poisoning and MCP rug pulls. With the rapid growth of AI-native software in enterprise settings, security teams are increasingly confronted with new and unfamiliar threats. Snyk's acquisition of Invariant Labs aims to provide consolidated tools and intelligence, equipping customers to manage risks associated with agent-based systems in real-time production environments. Responding to evolving risks Snyk emphasised that the integration will allow security professionals to secure not only established applications, but also the emerging generation of AI-native and agentic software that is seeing widespread adoption. This dual focus is intended to support companies dealing with risks such as unauthorised data exfiltration, agent actions beyond the intended scope, and MCP vulnerabilities. At the forefront of research on new AI risks, Invariant Labs has played a key role in identifying and naming novel attack types, including terms like "tool poisoning" and "MCP rug pulls," which are already being observed in live deployments. "With Invariant Labs, we're accelerating our ability to identify, prioritize, and neutralize the next generation of Agentic AI threats before they reach production," said Manoj Nair, Chief Innovation Officer at Snyk. "This acquisition also underscores Snyk's proactive commitment to supporting security teams navigating the urgent and unfamiliar risks of AI-native software, which is rapidly becoming the new software development default." Technology and research Invariant Labs is known for developing Guardrails, a transparent security layer for LLMs and AI agents. Guardrails enables developers to implement security controls, observe system behaviours in context, and enforce policies based on a combination of static and runtime data, human review, and incident logs. These features are designed to help developers scan for vulnerabilities and monitor agent compliance with security standards. Marc Fischer, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Invariant Labs, commented on the direction of the merged teams: "We've spent years researching and building the frameworks necessary to secure the AI-native future. We must understand that agent-based AI systems are a powerful new class of software, especially autonomous ones, and demand greater oversight and stronger security guarantees than traditional approaches. We're excited to join the Snyk team, as this mindset is deeply aligned with their mission." The collaboration is expected to further embed Invariant Labs' research-driven approach into Snyk's product offerings, supporting organisations with real-time defences against current and emerging AI threats. As AI adoption continues to rise, this acquisition highlights steps being taken within the cybersecurity sector to address vulnerabilities inherent to autonomous, agent-based, and AI-native systems already in use across industry.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NOW Expands AI Adoption: Can Subscription Growth Accelerate Further?
ServiceNow NOW is expanding the use of AI-powered workflows across industries to support customer growth and boost subscription revenues. NOW has been adding generative AI features across its key products to help enterprises automate services, follow compliance rules and improve Assist continues to gain traction across the platform. It is being used to accelerate case resolution, streamline service requests and enable intelligent self-service across IT, employee and customer workflows. The Pro Plus tier packages these capabilities into prebuilt modules, while RaptorDB enhances performance with higher throughput and faster analytics. These offerings contributed to 72 transactions of more than $1 million in net new Annual Contract Value in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting strong enterprise demand for AI-native is benefiting from an expanding partner base as adoption expands across enterprise customers. Vodafone is implementing ServiceNow's AI stack to modernize global service operations, while Aptiv is co-developing workflow solutions across industrial and automotive environments. Collaboration with Devoteam is supporting CRM transformation across Europe and the Middle East, helping enterprises digitize engagement at launch of the Singapore Protected Platform (SPP-SG) adds a sovereign AI cloud offering tailored to regulated sectors. Built on Microsoft Azure and compliant with Multi-Tier Cloud Security Level 3 standards, SPP-SG enables government agencies to adopt AI workflows with in-country data residency. ServiceNow faces growing competition from Salesforce CRM and BBAI, both of which are expanding their AI capabilities and platform reach across enterprise and public sector is advancing its AI strategy with Einstein Copilot, a generative AI assistant embedded across sales, service and support workflows. The assistant helps automate case resolutions, generate summaries and streamline CRM interactions, directly overlapping with ServiceNow's Now Assist, Pro Plus and customer service offerings. Salesforce's strong client base in front-office automation makes it a key competitor in AI-powered enterprise is focused on AI-driven decision intelligence and autonomous workflows, particularly in public sector and regulated environments. The company delivers mission-critical analytics and AI orchestration for defense, logistics and national security operations. As ServiceNow expands sovereign cloud offerings like SPP-SG, footprint in public workflows positions it as a direct challenger in government-focused AI deployment. ServiceNow's shares have declined 7.5% year to date, while the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector has increased 0.9% and the Computer-IT services industry has plunged 10.5%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research ServiceNow stock is trading at a premium, with a forward 12-month Price/Sales of 14.34X compared with the industry's 18.47X. NOW has a Value Score of F. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ServiceNow's second-quarter 2025 earnings is pegged at $3.53 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days, indicating 12.78% year-over-year growth. ServiceNow, Inc. price-consensus-chart | ServiceNow, Inc. Quote The consensus mark for NOW's 2025 earnings is pegged at $16.51 per share, which has remained unchanged over the past 30 days. The figure indicates an 18.61% increase year over currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rak (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Salesforce Inc. (CRM) : Free Stock Analysis Report ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Holdings, Inc. (BBAI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Hire Talents; Not Candidates - One Industry Ready Student at a Time
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 24: Unlox is a next-generation learning ecosystem that combines AI mentorship, hands-on project training, and a dedicated expert mentor panel to deliver outcome-driven education. Designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Unlox trains students to become job-ready while enabling companies to access a pipeline of skilled, AI-native talent, ready to contribute from Day 1. The Hidden Crisis Behind Graduate Numbers India's talent landscape is facing a critical mismatch. While over 3.5 million graduates enter the workforce each year, less than half of them are considered employable. According to the Mercer | Mettl Graduate Skill Index 2025, the employability rate has dropped to 42.6%, revealing a widening gap between education and industry needs. Additionally, data from the World Bank shows that only 3.8% of India's workforce has received formal vocational training. The result is a persistent challenge for businesses across the country; finding skilled, deployable talent remains a bottleneck that disrupts project timelines and increases operational costs. Why This Gap Is Costing Businesses Directly Reports like the LinkedIn India Workforce Report highlight that a significant majority of companies continue to struggle when hiring candidates who meet real-world expectations. The implications are serious. When companies are forced to hire underprepared candidates, the costs stack up quickly. Businesses invest heavily in onboarding, internal upskilling, and productivity alignment. In many cases, a wrong hiring decision can cost an organization nearly a third of the employee's annual salary. In a fast-paced, competitive environment, these inefficiencies are unsustainable. Unlox: A Practical, Industry-Ready Learning Model Unlox is solving this challenge by rethinking how students are prepared for the job market. The platform offers a new approach. It focuses on practical skills and outcomes rather than just theory. At the core of Unlox's learning model is an advanced AI-powered assistant that provides personalized learning journeys based on each student's pace and understanding. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with mentors and experts from leading global organizations such as Amazon, SpaceX, Flipkart, and Walmart. Every aspect of the program is tailored to market demands, equipping students with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge in their chosen fields. Real-World Readiness Built Into the Training Students also gain access to powerful virtual learning environments, enabling them to practice and execute real-time projects without needing expensive infrastructure. From coding and analytics to design and engineering tools, learners can engage with high-end technologies that replicate professional workflows. This hands-on exposure ensures that every learner emerges from the program with not just knowledge, but demonstrable experience aligned with current industry standards. The Employer Advantage: Ready-To-Deploy Talent For companies, the benefits are immediate and measurable. Unlox-trained talent requires minimal ramp-up time. These individuals are job-ready from the first day, having already worked on tools and platforms used in the field. They come equipped with experience in specific domains like frontend development, cloud computing, and business analytics. Employers can also access comprehensive project portfolios to evaluate practical competencies rather than relying solely on academic scores. Custom Hiring Pipelines Built for Business Goals Beyond just providing access to talent, Unlox offers the flexibility to build customized training pipelines aligned to the specific needs of hiring organizations. Whether a company needs developers proficient in MERN stack or analysts skilled in tools like Tableau and Python, Unlox can structure targeted training programs to deliver ready-to-deploy professionals. From Learner to Professional: A Transformative Journey Students who go through Unlox's training gain more than just technical skills. They receive mentorship from industry leaders, personalized feedback throughout their learning journey, and career support that includes certification and resume refinement. The result is a confident, credible candidate who is not only ready for interviews but also equipped to thrive in dynamic work environments. Measurable Results, Trusted Outcomes The success of this approach is reflected in the outcomes. A significant majority of students complete the program with verified projects, and many secure employment within just a few weeks of finishing their training. Companies that hire from Unlox report noticeable reductions in onboarding time and improvements in new hire productivity. Adapting With the Industry, Leading the Change As industries evolve with advancements in fields like generative AI, Web3, and cybersecurity, Unlox continues to adapt its offerings to meet changing expectations. The platform is not just training individuals--it is actively participating in the transformation of India's workforce. By democratizing access to meaningful education and providing a steady stream of capable, confident talent, Unlox is helping businesses build teams that match their growth ambitions. Partner With Unlox: Build Teams That Drive Impact To explore hiring opportunities or create a custom training partnership, companies can connect with the Unlox team directly. Whether you're scaling up a tech team or building specialized roles in niche verticals, Unlox ensures that the talent you hire is ready to contribute from day one. For partnership inquiries, visit or write to partners@
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Endava Launches Global Advisory Board Amid AI-Driven Transformation
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Endava (NYSE: DAVA), a leading business transformation group whose AI-native approach combines cutting edge technology with deep industry expertise, today announces the formation of its global advisory board. Following 18 months of embedding AI across its own operations and collaborating with strategic partners and clients to drive AI-powered business outcomes, Endava has formed a prestigious group of advisors and ambassadors to help Endava in aiding the world's leading companies harness the power of AI to achieve transformative results. Their remit includes advising Endava's leadership on growth strategies in technology-related sectors; offering insights and perspectives on wider industry trends and market opportunities; and supporting Endava and its clients in navigating global challenges and opportunities in technology transformation. The advisory group has been carefully selected to cover key industries, use cases and themes that are transforming the way the world works. Chaired by Alastair Lukies CBE and with Dame Alison Rose as Co-Chair, it will support Endava's executive leadership and industry stakeholders to provide cutting edge technology services. The Global Advisory Board's members bring a plethora of experience across industries and regions, reflecting the breadth of the technology industry today. In addition to Lukies and Rose, members include Lord Christopher Holmes of Richmond MBE, member of the House of Lords; Dr Orlando Machado, former Chief Data Officer at the LEGO Group ; Adam Banks, former CIO at Maersk; Simon Jones, international relations expert and celebrated author; Stephen C. Daffron, Co-Founder of Motive Partners; Garry Lyons, Founder and CEO of Shipyard Technology Ventures; John W. Thompson, Venture Partner at Lightspeed; Sandi Thompson, immigration attorney and former IBM executive; Sam Balaji, Tech Investor and former Global CEO of Deloitte Consulting and David Yates, former President at Mastercard. 'The expertise, connectivity and insights of the Global Advisory Board will be invaluable to our team, helping us better serve our clients as they navigate a rapidly evolving technology environment,' said John Cotterell, CEO of Endava. 'For over 20 years, Endava has been at the forefront of technology-driven business transformation. Now, we are advising and assisting clients across the globe on their journeys to become AI-native.' Alastair Lukies CBE, Chair of the Global Advisory Board adds, 'This is an especially dynamic and pivotal time for technology-driven transformation. Endava is committed to guiding clients through this landscape with expertise and clarity, and so the Global Advisory Board is committed to supporting Endava in navigating this new frontier and shaping the future of technology and business.' About Endava: Endava is a leading provider of next-generation technology services, dedicated to enabling its customers to accelerate growth, tackle complex challenges and thrive in evolving markets. By combining innovative technologies and deep industry expertise with an AI-native approach, Endava consults and partners with customers to create solutions that drive transformation, augment intelligence and deliver lasting impact. From ideation to production, it supports customers with tailor-made solutions at every stage of their digital transformation, regardless of industry, region or scale. Endava's clients span payments, insurance, finance and banking, technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare and life sciences, mobility, retail and consumer goods and more. As of March 31 2025, 11,365 Endavans are helping clients break new ground across locations in Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Business Wire
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Naspers Accelerates Growth and Profitability, With 18X Improvement in Ecommerce Adjusted EBIT
CAPE TOWN, South Africa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Naspers Limited (Naspers) (JSE: NPN) delivered a strong performance during a transformative year, as we build the leading lifestyle ecommerce company in Latin America, Europe and India, driven by AI and innovation. Ecommerce revenue growth of 21%, to US$7.0bn. Adjusted EBIT increased 18 times to US$430m. iFood aEBIT grew 178%, OLX aEBIT up 61% and eMAG achieved profitability. Free cash flow improved by US$263m, excluding Tencent. US$7.8bn 1 invested to strengthen our regional ecosystems and expand our portfolio of AI-native startups. Buybacks returned over US$50bn 2, driving 15% NAV per share accretion. Fabricio Bloisi, Group CEO, Prosus and Naspers said: 'Naspers is rapidly transforming into an operating technology company, focused on lifestyle ecommerce, and powered by innovation and collaboration. This past year, we announced two significant deals to strengthen our regional ecosystems. We completed the acquisition of Despegar in May 2025 and are already integrating its products into iFood's Clube membership. We are making good progress with the purchase of Just Eat which will create a new AI-powered tech champion in Europe. 'I believe that truly great companies are shaped by their culture. Through 'The Prosus Way', we've implemented a cultural model that empowers our teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences through discipline, innovation and adopting an AI-first mindset. In the face of unprecedented technological disruption, we are now more connected and innovative than ever before. I'm confident that our enhanced culture and ecosystem approach will fuel our journey to create the next US$100bn in value.' Nico Marais, Group CFO, Prosus and Naspers, commented: 'The Group has delivered a strong financial performance over the past year, with topline growth in our operating businesses at double the rate of our peers. Ecommerce profitability has improved meaningfully from US$24m in FY24, to aEBIT of US$430m. We expect this momentum to continue, and to add at least the same level of incremental aEBIT in FY26. Free cash flow excluding the Tencent dividend improved by US$263m. As our financial position strengthens, we're able to share more with our shareholders, and have proposed a 100% increase in the Prosus dividend, to €0.20. The Group's disciplined capital allocation and strong balance sheet positions us well to execute on our ecosystem strategy.' Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, South Africa CEO and Executive Director, Naspers, commented: 'Our South African businesses have delivered strong results while making everyday life simpler, more connected, and more accessible. I'm proud of the progress we've made in building digital platforms that meet local needs, support small businesses, and create new digital career pathways. This is evident in the continued growth of the Takealot Group, which has grown GMV 26-fold over the past nine years to become South Africa's leading ecommerce platform. It's also evident in our two leading classifieds platforms — Property24 and AutoTrader — which continue to serve millions of users with trusted, market-leading services. As South Africa continues its journey of economic renewal, Naspers remains a committed long-term partner in building a more inclusive, innovative digital economy.' Peer-leading growth and accelerating profitability across Ecommerce portfolio Food Delivery: iFood delivers world-class performance, exceeding growth and profitability targets and drives innovation and ecosystem expansion iFood delivered strong top line growth, with Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) up 32%, orders up 29% and revenue increasing 30%. iFood's core food delivery business grew aEBIT by 71% to US$306m, improving aEBIT margin to 27%; performance driven by higher ad revenues, increased order frequency and retention driven by iFood's Clube loyalty programme, and investments in its merchant platform. iFood's growth initiatives grew revenue by 34%, driven by strong performance in its groceries marketplace and credit businesses. Overall, iFood achieved a record profit, with aEBIT of US$226m, up 178%. Delivery Hero grew GMV by 8% for FY24, with revenue up 24%, boosting profitability to an adjusted EBITDA of €693m (from €254m in FY23). From January to December 2024, Swiggy grew Gross Order Value (GOV) by 29%, while adjusted EBITDA losses reduced to US$182m, from US$261m in the prior year. In Q125, Swiggy delivered GOV growth of 40% year-on-year, and quick commerce GOV growth of 101% year-on-year, with 316 new dark stores added in the quarter. 3 All growth percentages shown here are in local currency terms, excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals (M&A), unless otherwise stated. 4 Nominal basis Expand Classifieds – OLX Group: Strong performance, with a significant jump in profitability and expanding margins OLX consolidated revenue grew 18%, with standout performances by motors and real estate verticals. Motors and real estate grew revenue 24% and 23% respectively, through improved monetisation, innovative product development and new trust-building initiatives within motors, and product enhancements within real estate. aEBIT accelerated by 61% to US$270m, with aEBIT margin up 10pp, to 35%. Payments & Fintech – PayU: Strong topline growth and improving profitability, despite challenging market conditions India payments TPV 5 increased by 17%, and revenues by 14%; aEBIT loss of US$12m reflects increased competition, resulting in lower take rates. India payments achieved breakeven in H2. India credit grew its loan book by 19% and revenues by 63%; aEBIT loss of US$32m impacted by higher costs and increased consumer loan book losses. Iyzico grew revenues 87% to US$288m, while aEBIT of US$18m at a margin of 6% reflected rising interest rates and investments in strategic growth initiatives. GPO revenues up 23% to US$340m, with aEBIT of US$12m; sale of GPO's LatAm and Africa operations completed in March 2025, while GPO Europe sale is ongoing. Overall, PayU's aEBIT losses improved by >100% to US$11m. Etail: eMAG achieved overall profitability target for FY25 and Takealot grew strongly, cementing its leadership position through innovation and customer focus. eMAG grew strongly with GMV up 9%, and revenue up 12% to US$2.5bn. eMAG aEBIT improved by US$40m to US$14m; includes one-off costs in Hungary in H1. eMAG improved performance due to good growth in Romanian etail, and emerging logistics and grocery businesses. Takealot Group grew GMV by 13% and revenue by 15%, driven by investments in logistics, enhanced customer offerings and the TakealotMore subscription service. orders increased 15%, GMV up 13% and revenues grew 17%, with growth underpinned by expansion in emerging product categories. Mr D: Revenue grew 8%, with an 81% increase in groceries GMV and an improved aEBIT of US$4m, despite tough trading conditions. Please note: Group results are shown on a consolidated basis from continuing operations, which reflect all majority owned and managed businesses. All OLX Autos business units are classified as discontinued operations, in line with IFRS disclosures. All growth percentages shown here are in local currency terms, excluding the impact of acquisitions and disposals (M&A), unless otherwise stated. Growth percentages shown here for all non-financial key performance indicators compare FY25 to FY24. Expand For full details of the Group's results, please visit 5 Total Payment Volume Expand About Naspers Established in 1915, Naspers has transformed itself to become a global technology company and one of the largest technology investors in the world. Through Prosus, the group is building the world's leading lifestyle ecommerce brands, across Europe, India and Latin America, unlocking an AI-first world for our 2 billion customers. Prosus has its primary listing on Euronext Amsterdam, and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Naspers is the majority owner of Prosus. In South Africa, Naspers is one of the foremost investors in the technology sector and is committed to building its internet and ecommerce companies. These include Takealot, Mr D Food, Autotrader, Property24 and PayU, in addition to Media24, South Africa's leading print and digital media business. Naspers has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange ( and a secondary listing on the A2X Exchange ( in South Africa and a level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) programme which trades on an over-the-counter basis in the US. For more information, please visit Naspers Labs In 2019, Naspers Labs, a youth development programme designed to transform and launch South Africa's unemployed youth into economic activity, was launched. Naspers Labs focuses on digital skills and training, enabling young people to pursue tech careers.
