Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

AI Voice Startup From Ex-OpenAI Researcher Valued at $200 Million

Dec 09, 2024 - news.bensbites.com
Alexis Conneau, a former lead researcher at OpenAI, has launched a new artificial intelligence startup called WaveForms AI, which focuses on enhancing spoken interactions between humans and computers. The company has secured $40 million in funding from venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, valuing WaveForms at $200 million. The startup aims to develop AI audio software capable of detecting emotional cues to facilitate more natural verbal exchanges with machines, moving beyond traditional text-based chatbots to offer human-like voice features.

WaveForms AI is part of a growing trend of AI companies working to create more versatile digital assistants and customer service agents through advanced voice technology. Conneau, who was instrumental in developing OpenAI's voice mode, left the company in August and started working on WaveForms in September, coinciding with OpenAI's rollout of its voice assistant to paid ChatGPT users. The new venture seeks to leverage Conneau's expertise to push the boundaries of AI-driven voice interactions.

Key takeaways:

  • WaveForms AI, a new startup focused on enhancing spoken interactions with computers, has raised $40 million in funding from Andreessen Horowitz.
  • The startup aims to develop AI audio software that can detect emotional cues for more natural verbal interactions.
  • WaveForms AI is valued at $200 million following the seed funding round.
  • Co-founder Alexis Conneau, previously at OpenAI, played a key role in developing OpenAI's advanced voice mode before starting WaveForms.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!