Speechly, a Y Combinator-backed company, had raised a €2 million seed round in 2019 and received SOC 2 Type II certification, ensuring client data security and privacy. The terms of the deal with Roblox were not disclosed. The acquisition will help Roblox in its efforts to cater to its aging user base by offering content and experiences for users ages 17 and up, including avatar-based voice calls with facial motion tracking.
Key takeaways:
- Roblox has acquired voice tech startup Speechly, which offers voice chat moderation, real-time transcription, and a Voice API that allows companies to add AI voice technology to their products.
- Speechly, based in Helsinki, Finland, was founded in 2016 with the aim of improving computer voice interactions and reducing toxic behavior in online communities.
- Roblox has been expanding into voice chat-based interactions, including avatar-based voice calls with facial motion tracking, as part of its efforts to cater to its aging user base.
- Speechly is a Y Combinator-backed company that raised a €2 million seed round in 2019 and received SOC 2 Type II certification, ensuring its client data is handled securely and confidentially.