Former OpenAI Researcher Raises $40 Million for Empathetic Audio AI Startup

WaveForms AI, a startup co-founded by former OpenAI researcher Alexis Conneau, has secured $40 million in funding to create artificial intelligence models that foster emotional connections with humans through voice. The company, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, is valued at $200 million, according to CEO Conneau.

Background and Vision

Conneau, known for co-creating the voice mode capability in OpenAI’s GPT-4o, aims to advance AI’s conversational abilities by making interactions feel more human-like. GPT-4o, launched earlier this year, introduced real-time responses and the ability to handle interruptions—two features that marked a significant improvement in AI’s conversational realism. However, the release generated controversy, especially after actress Scarlett Johansson accused OpenAI of copying her voice for the model, a claim the company denied, stating a different voice actress was used.

Conneau and WaveForms AI cofounder Coralie Lemaitre plan to use the new funding to build audio AI models that will make interactions with AI feel emotionally authentic. The key to this development is voice, which Conneau believes is essential for conveying and responding to emotions in a deeply human way.

Future Plans

WaveForms AI intends to create consumer software that centers on enhancing the emotional bond between users and AI. While details about the product remain sparse, Conneau shared that the goal is to offer more immersive and enjoyable AI experiences, differentiating from other companies focused on superintelligence rather than improving the quality of human-computer interactions.