Salesforce reinforces its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of two major key initiatives. The first is the announcement of a new $500 million fund through Salesforce Ventures, doubling its total investment in AI to $1 billion in the last 18 months.

The second initiative consists of the launch of free AI training programs, accessible to any professional, with the aim of democratizing access to this technology and creating more opportunities in the market.

1 billion for the future of AI

The new $500 million fund expands Salesforce Ventures’ commitment to startups and entrepreneurs that are redefining the AI ​​landscape, driving innovative breakthroughs and generating significant returns. In addition to providing capital, Salesforce Ventures offers these companies access to its vast business network, including Fortune 500 leaders, and support in areas such as the ethical use of AI through its Human and Ethical Use Office.

So far, Salesforce Ventures has invested in more than 20 AI-focused companies, including Anthropic, Cohere, Runway, TogetherAI, Mistral AI, and Hugging Face. Future investments will allow Salesforce to increase its participation in these and other innovative startups, providing not only financing, but also valuable growth opportunities and strategic support.

Free training and spaces dedicated to AI

In parallel, Salesforce seeks to expand knowledge of AI through new educational initiatives. Until the end of 2025, the company will offer free access to its premium AI courses and certifications through its online learning platform, Trailhead. More than 100,000 people are expected to take advantage of this opportunity, with content ranging from the fundamentals of AI to more advanced topics such as the ethical use of technology.

Additionally, Salesforce has created dedicated physical spaces for AI training, such as its new AI Center in London opening in June 2023, with plans to open more centers in San Francisco, Chicago, Tokyo and Sydney in the coming years.

Salesforce and internal AI training

Salesforce is also encouraging AI learning among its own employees, with quarterly training programs and the use of innovative tools like Agentforce, a set of autonomous AI agents that improve efficiency in daily work. Currently, Salesforce employees have earned nearly 40% of AI-related badges in Trailhead, using these new skills to automate processes and work more agile.