Smallest.ai raises $13M to build ultra-fast voice AI that sounds genuinely human

Core Impact Points

• Smallest.ai's voice model is designed to mimic human conversation by listening, thinking, and speaking simultaneously, reducing latency and making interactions feel more natural.
• The startup's model serves as a real-time intelligence layer that enables natural customer conversations on specific topics, with virtually zero response lag.
• Smallest.ai's focus on voice-specific nuances, such as handling diverse accents and operating in noisy environments, sets it apart from competitors like ElevenLabs and Cartesia.
• The company's existing customers include RingCentral and Truecaller, and it aims to expand its customer base to include other customer support companies.
• Smallest.ai's CEO, Sudarshan Kamath, believes that all AI agents will soon rely on two models: a small voice model for real-time interaction and an 'offline' LLM for complex problems.
• The startup's funding brings its total to over $21 million, with Seligman Ventures leading the Series A round and Sierra Ventures and 3one4 Capital participating.