Next IT Corp., a Spokane Valley artificial intelligence company, sold for $30 million

The Spokane Valley company that created "Ask Jenn," Alaska Airlines' virtual travel concierge, was sold this week for $30 million. Next IT Corp. and its affiliate, Next IT Innovation Labs, was purchased by New York-based Verint Systems Inc. in an all-cash deal. The sales agreement includes the potential for an additional $21 million in payments, if certain milestones are achieved over the next year. Next IT was founded in 2001 by local entrepreneur Fred Brown. The company uses artificial intelligence for customer service applications.