WaveForms AI is an audio LLM company founded by Alexis Conneau that is training its own foundation models to make conversational, emotionally attuned voice AI. Conneau previously led work on Advanced Voice Mode at OpenAI and wants WaveForms to improve how AI sounds and interacts rather than just increase underlying model intelligence. The startup aims to release AI audio products in 2025 to compete with offerings from OpenAI and Google. WaveForms emphasizes building “emotionally intelligent” voice systems for horizontal use cases—cars, computers, tutoring—while avoiding addictive or dystopian outcomes. The company plans to develop smaller, cheaper, and lower-latency foundational models tailored to audio. It raised seed funding to advance those model- and product-development plans.

Total raised

$40M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Dec 2024