On October 29, 2021, Microsoft, the world’s largest software company, announced its acquisition of Kelowna-based startup Two Hat. The acquisition will accelerate Microsoft and Two Hat’s shared vision to enable healthy, safe and inclusive online spaces and will combine innovative technology, research capabilities and the most complete cloud infrastructure.
Founded in 2012, Two Hat provides artificial intelligence-powered content moderation technology designed to protect online communities from online harms, including cyberbullying, abuse, hate speech and violent threats.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP advised Microsoft with a team led by Heidi Wong and Frank Turner and including Stephan Pacholok (Corporate), Paul Seraganian, Colena Der (Tax), Kelly Moffatt (Intellectual Property), Mike Fekete, Zain Hemani (Technology), Komil Joshi (Privacy) and Damian Rigolo (Employment).