Torch.AI acquisition boosts its national security thumbprint, building out workforce proudly in KC

Leveraging Torch.AI’s local talent alongside targeted acquisitions gets the Leawood artificial intelligence firm closer to its goal of securely sharing data with the world, said Brian Weaver, founder and CEO, committing to keeping the surging company in Kansas City.

“As our technology is being adopted by more and more customers and those customers continue to use it for a broader array of use cases, the core of our business is expected to grow by 300 percent year over year,” Weaver told Startland News. “… With that growth, our headquarters will stay in Kansas City. We’re proudly Kansas City. Certainly we’re open to acquiring companies outside the Kansas City region, but our center is here in Kansas City.”

Click here to learn more out Torch.AI.

Torch.AI recently acquired The DataTech Group (DataTech) — an Illinois-based technology solutions provider that delivers software and technical expertise across data warehousing solutions and decision support systems.

“Our largest customer is the United States government, specifically the Department of Defense. This was an opportunity to expand and extend our reach across that customer, so it was a really good strategic fit,” Weaver said. “But also, at the end of the day, the reality is the people [who were a part of The DataTech Group] are amazing.”

With the move, Torch.AI retained all of DataTech’s employees, as well as created about 30 new jobs for Kansas City, Weaver shared. 

Click here to read more about Torch.Ai’s commitment to create nearly 500 full-time jobs in the region over the next five years.

Another acquisition by Torch.AI is in the works, Weaver teased, noting it involves a company similar to the local firm but holds a different customer base.

Such strategic acquisitions help Torch.AI advance its technology and mission of making data information easier to use for everyone, said Jon Kramer, who serves as the chief technology officer at Torch.AI.

“In 2022, we will continue to build a greater depth in what our technology can understand from a data standpoint; and then we can more effectively deliver the value of that data to the different types of data consumers that exist within an enterprise,” Kramer noted. 

Torch.AI’s continued and rapid growth is only possible through a dedicated and proficient team, Weaver noted. 

“When you’re growing a business like this, it’s hard. It takes a massively talented group of people to navigate growth like this,” said Weaver, acknowledging the work of Kramer and others on his executive team. “It’s exciting but daunting at the same time.”

With the recent DataTech acquisition, Torch.AI added veteran national security technologist Adam Lurie to the firm as its chief strategy officer. 

“I’m proud to join an organization known for being a trailblazer in AI and large-scale data enablement,” Lurie shared in a press release. “Torch.AI holds a reputation for putting their clients first, while simultaneously advancing the use of AI to improve mission performance.”

Along with advancing its national security mission, another primary motivator of Torch.AI’s growth: helping build the tech ecosystem in Kansas City.

“We’re firmly committed to growing in Kansas City and hopefully becoming one of Kansas Cities next great employers,” Weaver said, referencing Hallmark, Garmin and Cerner. “… We really aspire to create value the same way those companies have done so for the city.”