Computing giant Microsoft has bought UK-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm SwiftKey in a $250m (£174m) deal.
SwiftKey - best-known for its predictive smartphone keyboard - said the deal was a "milestone" in its history.
The company was set up eight years ago by friends Jon Reynolds and Ben Medlock who wanted to improve how people type on smartphones.
It says the prediction technology - which presents suggest words as users begin typing - has saved an estimated 10 trillion keystrokes.
The founders said in a statement: "We owe a lot to the invaluable input of our users.
"Their energy, honest feedback and eagerness to share our products have been the driving force behind our growth.
"At times like this people tend to focus on founders. However, the heart of our company is the awesome team who chose to share this journey with us."
The Financial Times said the founders will each make around $30m from the buyout.
SwiftKey is the latest UK start-up with AI capabilities to be bought by a Silicon Valley firm.
Google bought DeepMind for £400m in 2014, and Apple bought VocalIQ last year.
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