Smallest AI, a startup developing real-time voice AI technology for enterprise applications, has raised $13 million in Series A funding led by Seligman Ventures, with participation from Sierra Ventures, 3one4 Capital, Better Capital, Upsparks Capital, Schema Ventures, Tiny VC, DeVC, Mission Street Capital, and angel investors. The round brings the company’s total funding to more than $21 million and will accelerate development of next-generation voice AI systems.
Building Real-Time Voice Conversations
Smallest AI is focused on reducing latency and improving the quality of machine conversations through a real-time speech architecture. Instead of relying on larger AI models, the company processes speech continuously as it is spoken, enabling faster and more natural interactions for enterprise use cases.
"The industry has focused on making models larger when the real challenge is architectural. Humans don’t wait for someone to finish speaking before they begin thinking. We listen, think, and respond simultaneously. Voice AI needs to work the same way. That’s why we built Smallest AI around a real-time architecture that processes speech as it arrives, enabling faster, more natural conversations without sacrificing intelligence. By rethinking the stack instead of simply scaling models, we’re reducing latency to the point where voice interactions feel human." — Sudarshan Kamath, CEO, Smallest AI
Expanding Enterprise Voice AI
The new funding will support development of a real-time speech-to-speech platform designed for financial services, healthcare, contact centers, and other industries requiring natural voice interactions. The company aims to enable longer, more complex conversations while improving speed and reliability.
"Voice AI is creating a real impact on life and work. We believe the next generation of enterprise voice will be powered by Smallest AI." — Ashish Kakran, Managing Partner, Seligman Ventures