Unveiled: London's 11x AI Startup Secures Funding from US Giant Benchmark
11x, a cutting-edge AI startup based in London, has recently made waves in the tech world by securing substantial funding from Benchmark Capital, a prominent investment firm in the United States. Founded in 2022 by the visionary entrepreneur Hasan Sukkar, who originally hails from Syria and made his way to the UK in 2015, 11x is on a mission to revolutionize the way businesses operate by introducing automated digital workers to the workforce. These “Digital AI workers” are designed to handle repetitive and mundane tasks, allowing human employees to redirect their focus towards more strategic and creative endeavors.
The recent Series A funding round, spearheaded by Benchmark, has injected a significant $20 million into 11x, marking a pivotal moment in the startup’s growth trajectory. While both 11x and Benchmark have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the deal, insider sources have confirmed the substantial nature of the investment. Benchmark’s general partner, the esteemed Sarah Tavel, will also be stepping into a more involved role by joining 11x’s board, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her successful investments in companies like Chainalysis and Hipcamp.
Benchmark’s foray into the European tech scene is a notable development, given its historical focus on American ventures. Previously operating in Europe under the moniker Benchmark Capital Europe, the firm underwent a strategic shift in 2007 to establish its London presence as Balderton Capital. While Benchmark’s investments in Europe have been relatively scarce, the backing of 11x underscores the startup’s potential to disrupt the industry with its innovative approach to AI-driven automation.
In a testament to its early promise and potential, 11x had previously secured $2 million in pre-seed funding back in August 2023, with key investors including Project A Ventures, No Label Ventures, and Tiny Ventures. The startup’s pioneering work in creating digital workers like Alice, a digital sales assistant, showcases its commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI technology. With plans to introduce additional digital workers in the near future and seamless integration capabilities with popular platforms such as email and Slack, 11x is poised to carve out a distinct niche in the competitive landscape of AI automation.
As Hasan Sukkar and his team at 11x continue to chart new territories in the realm of AI-driven digital workers, the strategic partnership with Benchmark Capital serves as a validation of their vision and potential impact on the future of work. With Sarah Tavel’s expertise now guiding 11x’s strategic direction, the stage is set for the startup to further solidify its position as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of AI innovation.
