Cohere Launches its AI Workspace ‘North’

Cohere, a Canada-based AI startup, has launched North, a secure platform designed to help businesses manage workflows.

With tools powered by large language models (LLMs), advanced search capabilities, and automation features, North simplifies data management and routine operations for organisations across sectors.

A key feature of the platform is its Compass search system, which can retrieve information from various sources, including documents, spreadsheets, and images. By addressing the inefficiencies caused by fragmented data systems, Compass seeks to enable teams to make faster, better-informed decisions.

“North gets rid of the pain that enterprises experience during the AI adoption process, providing near-immediate productivity benefits while being privately deployable,” said Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez in a statement.

The platform integrates with existing workflows, allowing employees to create custom AI tools for tasks in HR, finance, IT, and customer support. By automating repetitive processes, North frees employees to focus on higher-priority work.

Last month, the company launched Command R7B, the smallest model in its R series of LLMs. These target businesses that prioritise speed, cost efficiency, and flexibility. 

Why is North Important?

In addition to its productivity tools, North prioritises security. The platform operates in private or air-gapped environments, making it suitable for industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Organisations can customise the system to match their specific terminology and internal processes.

“Companies looking for an AI solution never ask us about AGI or ASI. But every company asks about data security and privacy,” said Josh Gartner, head of communications at Cohere AI.

Early trials of North include a collaboration with the Royal Bank of Canada, which helped tailor the platform for secure banking applications. This partnership reflects North’s potential to meet the unique demands of regulated industries.

Available through an early access programme, North integrates AI into existing workflows without requiring costly bespoke systems. With its emphasis on security and flexibility, Cohere positions North as a tool to support businesses in improving productivity and operational efficiency while navigating the challenges of AI adoption.