As AI adoption grows, tech giants drive market consolidation

In an AI industry marked by consolidation, a handful of companies are scooping up the lion's share of leading startups. According to a report from analyst firm CB Insights, AI acquisitions rose six-fold from 2013 to 2018. Last year, acquisitions in that market hit a record 166 deals -- a 38% year-over-year spike. The firm's projections say 2019 is on track to sprint past last year, with over 140 acquisitions in the first eight months. Since 2010, there have been 635 AI acquisitions.