Start-up that detects fake news raises £2.5m to prepare for US elections
Logically, a West Yorkshire-based a tech start-up using AI to detect misinformation and to provide a fact-checking service, has raised £2.5m to further develop its product in time for the US election.
The company has secured funding from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and XTX Ventures – the venture capital affiliate of XTX Markets, a global algorithmic trading firm.
Logically, which is based in Brighouse, uses a team of dedicated fact-checkers alongside artificial intelligence and digital forensics to analyse media stories and conspiracy theories to help the public separate facts from falsehoods.
It can also track sources of disinformation, as it did recently when it identified false information claiming to link Covid-19 to 5G phone masts.
The firm has already been used successfully in the Indian general and regional elections last year, in which it detected over 130,000 pieces of problematic content. It has since secured contracts in the USA with public sector and social media platforms in the country to report on the forthcoming elections.
Logically was founded in 2017 by Lyric Jain, a graduate of both Cambridge and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), after witnessing the public debate about Brexit and the 2016 US elections.
The company now employs 15 staff in Yorkshire and a similar number in London.
Jain said: “With the rise of the internet and social media, falsehoods travel faster than the truth. Misinformation can polarise societies and has become a serious threat to democracy.
“Logically aims to stop the spread of disinformation, ensure people see both sides of the story and keep elections free and fair.
“Following on from our early successes in India and Europe, we are looking to establish Logically as a partner for governments, businesses and consumers around the world.”
Ashwin Kumaraswarmy, investment manager at Mercia, added: “Logically has developed an AI technology and an impressive client list. It is well placed to work alongside social media platforms like Facebook, as well as Government bodies and businesses, to tackle a growing issue of fake news.”
Ekaterina Holt, head of XTX Ventures, said: ‘”We were impressed with Logically’s technology and team from day one.
“We invest in emerging companies utilising AI/machine learning, and in Logically we are proud to support another company that will be a future leader in the world of information and data.’’
Grant Peggie, director at British Business Bank, said: “We are pleased that NPIF has continued to support high-growth businesses in the North, providing vital funding to enable businesses to create new jobs and expand into new markets.
“This investment demonstrates how this funding can make a real and measurable difference to innovative businesses across the Northern Powerhouse region, creating a more prosperous regional economy.”
