Meta picks up AI audio startup WaveForms

Meta acquires AI startup WaveForms to bolster Superintelligence Labs.

: Meta has acquired the voice AI startup WaveForms to enhance its Superintelligence Labs, marking another strategic acquisition following its recent purchase of PlayAI. Founded eight months ago, WaveForms had secured $40 million from Andreessen Horowitz, valuing the company at $160 million prior to its acquisition. The company's co-founders Alexis Conneau and Coralie Lemaitre, previously associated with Meta and OpenAI, have joined Meta post-acquisition. Although WaveForms has taken down its website, its LinkedIn page highlighted its focus on the Speech Turing Test and Emotional General Intelligence.

Meta, the parent company of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, has acquired the AI voice startup WaveForms for an undisclosed amount. This purchase is part of Meta's ongoing efforts to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, particularly within its newly established AI unit known as Superintelligence Labs. The acquisition of WaveForms follows closely behind Meta's other significant AI audio startup purchase, PlayAI, making it the company's second big AI audio-related buy in just one month.

WaveForms was established only eight months prior to its acquisition and had already gained substantial attention in the investment community. It raised $40 million in funding from Andreessen Horowitz, a leading venture capital firm. This investment round valued WaveForms at $160 million before the acquisition deal was finalized. This rapid valuation increase highlights the startup's potential in the AI audio market and the deep interest investors have in supporting AI advancements in voice technology.

Notably, two key figures from WaveForms, Alexis Conneau and Coralie Lemaitre, have reportedly become part of Meta following the acquisition. Conneau, a former OpenAI researcher, had collaborated on the development of advanced neural networks aimed at improving voice recognition technologies, such as GPT4-o Advanced Voice Mode. Lemaitre, coming from a background in Google advertising strategy, brings her expertise to Meta as well.

The strategic acquisition is set against the backdrop of Meta's broader AI ambitions, as it focuses on creating more sophisticated AI capabilities. The integration of WaveForms' technologies aligns with Meta’s goal of solving what is known as the "Speech Turing Test," which assesses whether AI-generated speech can be indistinguishable from human speech. Additionally, WaveForms had been working on "Emotional General Intelligence," targeting understanding and managing self-awareness.

Although WaveForms has removed its website following the acquisition, its objectives and current projects were accessible through LinkedIn, providing a glimpse into its efforts in the AI domain. This acquisition underlines the growing importance of AI and sound technology, signalling ongoing investments and further innovations in AI voice technology as companies like Meta continue to compete and expand their technological capabilities.

The Information, TechCrunch, PitchBook

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