Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it's opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic. The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.

Google’s partnership with AI firm Anthropic is at risk of being derailed in the UK after the competition watchdog called for further investigation of the pact’s potential impact.

A Seattle-based startup is using artificial intelligence to help. Cascade AI announced a $3.75 million seed round led by Gradient, Google’s AI-focused early stage venture fund. The startup has developed an AI assistant that can answer HR questions from employees related to benefits,