Risotto Secures $10M Seed Funding to Enhance Ticketing Systems with AI Technology

Revolutionizing Help Desk Automation: The Rise of AI-Driven Solutions

The help desk automation sector is on the verge of transformation, driven by advanced AI technologies. While established players like Zendesk, ServiceNow, and Freshworks currently lead the market, an array of innovative startups are positioning themselves to disrupt the status quo.

Introducing Risotto: A New Challenger in Help Desk Automation

Risotto is one of those startups gaining momentum. Recently, the company announced a successful $10 million seed funding round, spearheaded by Bonfire Ventures and complemented by contributions from 645 Ventures, Y Combinator, Ritual Capital, and Surgepoint Capital.

Smart Solutions for Efficient Ticket Management

Risotto’s platform is designed to automate the resolution of help desk inquiries. Positioned between ticket management solutions like Jira and the complex internal tools necessary for ticket resolution, Risotto’s unique infrastructure ensures reliability while utilizing a third-party foundation model. CEO Aron Solberg emphasizes the importance of robust backend systems that mitigate the unpredictability of AI models.

Enhancing AI with Real-World Training

“Our secret weapon lies in our extensive prompt libraries, evaluation suites, and a vast array of real-world scenarios that train the AI to perform reliably,” Solberg shared with TechCrunch.

Proven Impact: Automating Support for Gusto

Collaborating with payroll provider Gusto, Risotto successfully automated 60% of their support tickets. While currently focused on traditional ticketing systems, Risotto is poised for a more significant evolution in the help desk landscape as AI technology reshapes operational paradigms.

A Shift Towards AI-Driven Interfaces

“Although 95% of our clients still rely on conventional methods for ticket resolution, we are witnessing a trend among newer organizations where Large Language Models (LLMs) serve as the primary interface between users and technology,” Solberg noted.

Integrating with ChatGPT: The Future of Ticket Management

This shift suggests that future ticket management may increasingly involve tools like ChatGPT for Enterprise, which could streamline ticketing alongside various professional functions. Risotto’s team is actively developing integrations with platforms like ChatGPT for Enterprise and Gemini, enhancing its capabilities through streamlined MCP connections.

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Transforming the Landscape of Help Desk Solutions

If this trend gains traction, it could redefine industry standards. Tools like Risotto would serve a central AI, delivering more focused and dependable services than traditional general-purpose systems. This represents a paradigm shift in SaaS solutions, emphasizing reliability and effective context management over user-friendly interfaces.

Streamlining IT Operations: A Priority for Businesses

For now, Risotto’s primary advantage lies in simplifying the chaotic landscape of various IT systems. Solberg points out, “One of our clients has four full-time employees dedicated solely to managing Jira, and that’s without even integrating AI. Their main task is just handling the platform itself.”

Here are five FAQs about Risotto’s $10M seed funding round to enhance ticketing systems using AI:

FAQ 1: What is Risotto and what problem does it aim to solve?

Answer: Risotto is a technology company focused on developing innovative ticketing systems powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to streamline the ticket purchasing process, making it simpler and more user-friendly for consumers and event organizers alike.

FAQ 2: How much funding did Risotto raise, and what will it be used for?

Answer: Risotto has successfully raised $10 million in seed funding. This investment will primarily be allocated to further develop their AI-driven ticketing platform, enhance user experience, and expand market outreach.

FAQ 3: How will AI improve ticketing systems according to Risotto?

Answer: Risotto plans to leverage AI to offer personalized recommendations, automate customer service, and optimize pricing strategies. These innovations aim to enhance user satisfaction and increase ticket sales by making the buying process more intuitive and efficient.

FAQ 4: Who are the investors backing Risotto’s seed funding?

Answer: While specific names of investors may vary, the seed funding round includes a mix of venture capital firms and angel investors who specialize in technology and innovative startups, all of whom believe in the potential of AI to transform ticketing systems.

FAQ 5: When can consumers expect to see Risotto’s ticketing solutions in action?

Answer: Risotto is currently in the development phase. While exact timelines may vary, the company anticipates launching its AI-enhanced ticketing system within the next 12 to 18 months, aiming to roll out features gradually to optimize user feedback and experience.

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Intel Spinout Articul8 Secures Over $35M in $70M Funding Round at $500M Valuation

<div>
    <h2>Articul8 Secures $70 Million Funding to Enhance AI Solutions in Regulated Industries</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">
        <a target="_blank" href="https://www.articul8.ai/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Articul8</a>, an enterprise AI company <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/03/intel-spins-out-a-new-enterprise-focused-gen-ai-software-company/" rel="noreferrer noopener">spun out of Intel in early 2024</a>, has successfully raised over half of its targeted $70 million funding round, boasting a pre-money valuation of $500 million. This funding comes as demand for AI systems grows within heavily regulated industries.
    </p>

    <h3>Funding Round Details: First Installment Led by Adara Ventures</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        The Series B funding round is being conducted in two phases, with the first installment spearheaded by Spain’s Adara Ventures. Articul8’s founder and CEO, Arun K. Subramaniyan, shared in an interview that while he couldn’t disclose the exact size of the initial investment, the company aims to complete the funding round within the first quarter of this year.
    </p>

    <h3>Impressive Valuation Growth and Contract Achievements</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        Articul8's current funding round valuation represents an impressive fivefold increase from its $100 million post-money Series A valuation in January 2024. The Santa Clara-based company claims to have exceeded $90 million in total contract value from 29 paying customers, including industry giants like Hitachi Energy, AWS, Franklin Templeton, and Intel.
    </p>

    <h3>Profitability and Revenue Prospects</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        Subramaniyan informed TechCrunch that Articul8 is not feeling pressure to raise additional capital, emphasizing that the company is revenue-positive, thanks to a series of substantial enterprise contracts. 
        <br><br>
        “We are not cash-strapped,” he asserted.
    </p>

    <h3>Forecasting Future Revenue Growth</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        The company anticipates finishing the year with annual recurring revenue exceeding $57 million, with approximately 45% to 50% of that figure already recognized.
    </p>

    <h3>Innovative AI Solutions Tailored for Specific Industries</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        Articul8 crafts specialized AI systems that seamlessly integrate within customers’ IT environments rather than depending on general-purpose models. Instead of offering standalone models, the company delivers its technology as software applications and AI agents tailored to specific business functions. Its primary focus is on regulated sectors such as energy, manufacturing, aerospace, financial services, and semiconductors, where accuracy, auditability, and data control are imperative.
    </p>

    <h3>Unique Competitive Edge in the AI Market</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        “Our competition is pretty much everybody,” Subramaniyan noted, but highlighted that leading competitors today are cloud service providers, which are transitioning to commoditized, general-purpose offerings. 
        <br><br>
        He asserted that Articul8’s dedication to specialized systems resonates with clients seeking consistent results and transparent audit trails, advantages that are more challenging to achieve with general models on shared cloud platforms.
    </p>

    <h3>Utilization of Series B Capital for Expansion</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        The proceeds from the Series B funding will primarily be allocated to enhancing research and product development, alongside scaling operations internationally, particularly focusing on Europe and select Asian markets. 
    </p>

    <h3>Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion Plans</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        Adara Ventures' involvement will accelerate Articul8’s European growth strategy, bolstered by support from the European Investment Fund, which backs the Madrid-based VC firm's energy fund. Additionally, the company is eyeing markets in Japan and South Korea, where it has already started engaging with significant enterprise clients.
    </p>

    <h3>Collaboration with Major Tech Giants</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        Articul8 is collaborating with prominent technology firms including Nvidia and Google Cloud, with Amazon Web Services acting as both a client and partner on specific deployments, according to Subramaniyan.
    </p>

    <h3>Growth in Workforce Focused on R&D</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">
        Currently, Articul8 employs 75 individuals, with approximately 80% dedicated to research and development, spread across the U.S., Brazil, and India.
    </p>
</div>

This rewrite incorporates SEO-friendly headings and provides a clear structure for better readability and engagement.

Here are five FAQs based on the recent Intel spinout Articul8 raising more than half of a $70 million funding round at a $500 million valuation:

FAQ 1: What is Articul8?

Answer: Articul8 is a technology company that specializes in AI-driven solutions designed to improve communication and understanding in various domains, including customer service and enterprise operations. It emerged as a spinout from Intel to focus on innovative approaches to communication technology.

FAQ 2: How much funding has Articul8 raised in its latest round?

Answer: Articul8 has successfully raised over half of its target $70 million in its latest funding round, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in the company’s growth prospects.

FAQ 3: What is the current valuation of Articul8?

Answer: Following this funding round, Articul8 has achieved a valuation of $500 million, reflecting its potential in the market and the demand for its offerings.

FAQ 4: Who are the primary investors in this funding round?

Answer: While specific investor names may not be disclosed, Articul8’s funding round likely includes a mix of venture capital firms, angel investors, and potentially strategic investors interested in communication technology and AI.

FAQ 5: What will Articul8 use the raised funds for?

Answer: The funds raised will primarily be used for product development, expanding the team, and scaling operations to enhance their AI-driven communication solutions and meet growing market demands.

Feel free to ask for more details or clarifications on any of these points!

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India’s Startup Funding Reaches $11B in 2025 as Investors Exercise More Caution

India’s Evolving Startup Landscape: Investment Trends in 2025

In 2025, India’s startup ecosystem raised approximately $11 billion, yet the number of investor checks saw a notable decline. This shift highlights the increasing selectivity of funding in the world’s third most-financed startup market, diverging from the AI-driven capital concentration observed in the U.S.

Funding Overview: A Year of Selective Investment

Deal-making trends reveal a significant reduction in funding rounds, with a nearly 39% drop to 1,518 deals compared to the previous year, according to Tracxn. While total funding fell by just over 17% to $10.5 billion, the decline in seed-stage funding was more pronounced, plummeting to $1.1 billion—a 30% decrease year-over-year. Late-stage funding also dwindled to $5.5 billion, marking a 26% decline, as investors became more discerning concerning scale, profitability, and exit expectations. Conversely, early-stage funding showed resilience, increasing by 7% to $3.9 billion.

The Resurgence of Early-Stage Funding

Neha Singh, co-founder of Tracxn, noted, “The capital deployment focus has shifted towards early-stage startups,” highlighting a growing confidence in founders demonstrating strong product-market fit and revenue visibility in an increasingly cautious funding landscape.

AI Startups: A Modest Growth Amid Global Trends

The recalibration of capital allocation was starkly evident in the AI sector, where Indian AI startups garnered over $643 million across 100 deals—an increase of 4.1% from the previous year. Most of this funding targeted early and early-growth stages, with early-stage AI funding reaching $273.3 million compared to $260 million for late-stage rounds. This trend aligns with investor preferences for application-led businesses rather than capital-intensive model developments.

Contrasting Funding Landscapes: India vs. the U.S.

In sharp contrast, U.S. AI funding skyrocketed to over $121 billion in 2025 across 765 rounds—a remarkable 141% increase from 2024, predominantly driven by late-stage deals. Prayank Swaroop, a partner at Accel, emphasized that India has yet to see an AI-first company achieving revenues between $40-100 million within a year—an achievement notably occurring overseas.

Investing with Pragmatism: The Deep-Tech Focus

Investors are increasingly directing their funding toward manufacturing and deep-tech sectors, where India poses less competition from global capital and benefits from its talent pool, cost structures, and market access. While AI captures a considerable portion of investor interest, funding is also flowing into consumer, manufacturing, fintech, and deep-tech ventures. Advanced manufacturing has particularly emerged as a promising long-term opportunity, with the number of startups in this sector surging nearly tenfold over the past few years.

Transitioning Consumer Demands: A Surge in On-Demand Services

Rahul Taneja, a partner at Lightspeed, noted that AI startups comprised about 30-40% of Indian deals in 2025, paralleling a rise in consumer-facing companies. This trend reflects changing behaviors among India’s urban populations and the growing demand for faster, more on-demand services, showcasing India’s unique market dynamics.

Investor Participation: The Shift Towards Selectivity

Investor participation in India’s startup ecosystem experienced a significant contraction, with approximately 3,170 investors involved in 2025—a reduction of 53% from the previous year. This stringent selectivity is evident, with a smaller group of repeat backers emerging as dominant players.

Growing Role of Government in Startups

The Indian government has increased its visibility and involvement in the startup realm, announcing a $1.15 billion Fund of Funds and a ₹1 trillion ($12 billion) initiative aimed at fostering innovation in various tech sectors. This growing state participation has the potential to catalyze private capital flows, mitigating risks tied to regulatory uncertainty.

India witnessed a robust exit market with 42 tech IPOs in 2025—a 17% increase from the previous year. Domestic institutional and retail investors have driven much of the demand, alleviating concerns regarding reliance on foreign capital for exits. M&A activity also grew, with acquisitions climbing 7% year-on-year.

Unicorns and the Path Ahead

While the number of new unicorns in India remained steady, startups reached $1 billion valuations with less capital over fewer funding rounds. This trend indicates a shift towards more cautious scaling compared to prior years and global counterparts.

Looking Ahead: An Evolving Startup Ecosystem

As India moves into 2026, challenges remain regarding its position in the global AI race and the potential for late-stage funding. However, the trends of 2025 signal a maturing ecosystem marked by deliberate capital deployment, predictable exits, and a focus on local dynamics shaping growth. India is evolving into a distinctive market with unique opportunities, offering investors a complementary landscape alongside developed regions.

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about India’s startup funding hitting $11 billion in 2025 as investors become more selective:

FAQ 1: What contributed to the increase in startup funding in India to $11 billion in 2025?

Answer: The increase can be attributed to several factors, including a burgeoning tech ecosystem, growing consumer markets, and government initiatives supporting startups. Additionally, the rise of innovative business models and the digital transformation across various sectors have attracted significant investor interest.

FAQ 2: How are investors becoming more selective in choosing startups?

Answer: Investors are focusing on startups with proven business models, strong financial metrics, and sustainable growth potential. Due diligence processes are becoming more stringent, with emphasis on startups that demonstrate clear pathways to profitability and scalability, especially in a competitive landscape.

FAQ 3: What sectors are attracting the most investment in India’s startup ecosystem?

Answer: Sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and edtech are currently seeing the most investment. Additionally, emerging areas like agritech and sustainability-focused startups are gaining traction as investors look for innovative solutions to address pressing challenges.

FAQ 4: What impact does selective funding have on startups?

Answer: Selective funding means that only the most promising & well-prepared startups will receive investment, which can lead to a higher bar for entry. While it may be challenging for some emerging companies, it can also foster a healthier startup ecosystem with more robust and viable businesses in the long run.

FAQ 5: What should startups do to attract investment in this selective environment?

Answer: Startups should focus on building a strong business model, demonstrating customer traction, and achieving clear financial targets. Developing a compelling value proposition and maintaining transparency with potential investors can significantly enhance their chances of securing funding. Networking and building relationships within the investment community are also essential strategies.

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Ex-Splunk Executives’ Startup Resolve AI Achieves $1 Billion Valuation in Series A Funding Round

Resolve AI Secures $1 Billion Valuation with Series A Funding for Autonomous Site Reliability Engineer

Resolve AI, a pioneering startup focused on developing an autonomous site reliability engineer (SRE) to maintain software systems automatically, has successfully raised a Series A funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, according to multiple sources familiar with the transaction.

Funding Details and Valuation Insights

The initial valuation for this funding round is reported at $1 billion. However, the overall blended valuation is lower due to a multi-tranched investment structure. In this scenario, investors bought a portion of equity at the $1 billion valuation while acquiring a larger share of the round at a reduced price. This innovative funding model is gaining traction among investors in the competitive AI startup landscape.

Leadership Team with Proven Success

Founded less than two years ago, Resolve AI is helmed by former Splunk executives Spiros Xanthos and Mayank Agarwal, who previously collaborated in creating Omnition, a startup acquired by Splunk in 2019. Their partnership dates back twenty years to their graduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, underscoring their strong collaborative foundation.

Transforming Site Reliability Engineering

Human SREs typically handle troubleshooting and resolving system outages manually. In contrast, Resolve AI automates this process, autonomously identifying, diagnosing, and addressing production issues in real-time. This innovation addresses a significant challenge for organizations facing increasingly complex cloud-based software environments.

Benefits of Automation in Site Reliability

As software systems evolve, companies often struggle to maintain a skilled workforce of SREs necessary for smooth operations. Automating these processes can significantly reduce downtime, lower operational costs, and allow engineering teams to focus on developing new features, rather than continually managing production issues.

Recent Funding Milestones

In October of the previous year, Resolve AI raised a $35 million seed round that was led by Greylock, with contributions from notable figures like Fei-Fei Li, founder of World Labs, and Jeff Dean from Google DeepMind.

Competitive Landscape: Resolve AI vs. Traversal

Resolve AI finds itself in competition with Traversal, another AI-driven SRE startup that recently secured $48 million in Series A funding led by Kleiner Perkins, supported by Sequoia, highlighting the intense competition within the market.

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Here are five FAQs based on the announcement that Resolve AI, a startup founded by former Splunk executives, has reached a $1 billion valuation following its Series A funding:

FAQ 1: What is Resolve AI?

Answer: Resolve AI is a technology startup founded by former executives from Splunk, focusing on AI-driven solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve decision-making processes for businesses.

FAQ 2: What does it mean for Resolve AI to reach a $1 billion valuation?

Answer: A $1 billion valuation indicates that Resolve AI has achieved "unicorn" status, which means investors believe the company has significant growth potential. This valuation is based on factors such as its market position, technology, and future revenue projections.

FAQ 3: How much funding did Resolve AI raise in its Series A round?

Answer: Resolve AI raised a substantial amount of capital in its Series A funding round, although the exact figure may vary by source. This injection of funds will be used to accelerate product development and expand market reach.

FAQ 4: What specific problems does Resolve AI aim to solve?

Answer: Resolve AI aims to address challenges related to data management and operational workflows. By leveraging AI, the company provides solutions that help businesses quickly analyze large volumes of data, automate processes, and gain actionable insights.

FAQ 5: Who are the key investors in Resolve AI’s Series A funding?

Answer: While the specific names of investors may vary, the funding round typically involves venture capital firms that specialize in technology and innovation. These investors are attracted to Resolve AI due to its experienced leadership and market potential.

Feel free to ask if you need more information!

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Empromptu Secures $2M in Pre-Seed Funding to Enable Enterprises in Developing AI Applications

Sheena Leven Unveils Lessons Learned from Launching CodeSee and New AI Venture Empromptu

Sheena Leven, the visionary entrepreneur behind CodeSee, shares key insights gained from her journey in tech startups. From distinguishing genuine business needs to embracing foundational principles, her experience sets the stage for her next innovative project.

The Fundamentals Never Fade Away

“Security, compliance, reliability, quality—these essentials remain critical for enterprise applications,” Leven emphasizes.

Introducing Empromptu: Empowering Non-Technical Business Owners

Following the acquisition of CodeSee in 2024, Leven’s vision shifted towards creating a platform that enables business owners, regardless of their technical expertise, to develop AI applications. Partnering with AI researcher Sean Robinson, they launched Empromptu last October, providing an accessible AI service for businesses.

User-Friendly AI Development at Your Fingertips

Empromptu enables users to simply describe their needs to the AI chatbot—whether they want a new HTML or JavaScript app—and the platform will create it. Additionally, it offers LLM (Large Language Model) tools for further refining results and allows companies to seamlessly integrate AI features into their existing code bases.

Not Just Vibe Coding: Transforming Ideas into Real Software

Leven distinguishes Empromptu from vibe-coding platforms, though she anticipates competition from companies like Replit and Lovable. “Vibe coding is ideal for quick experiments, but Empromptu is designed to convert those experiments into fully-fledged software,” she states.

Funding Fuel for Growth and Innovation

In a recent announcement, Empromptu revealed a successful $2 million pre-seed funding round led by Precursor Ventures, supported by Zeal Capital, Alumni Ventures, Founders Edge, and South Loop.

Investing in the Future: Targeting Complex Industries

The newly acquired funds will be allocated towards expanding the team and developing proprietary technology. Empromptu aims to cater to businesses in regulated sectors and complex fields, such as software solutions for the hospitality industry.

Making AI Accessible for All Founders

Ultimately, Leven envisions a world where founders can transform their businesses without needing extensive technical knowledge. “It’s just like any other skill,” she remarks. “The beauty is that AI can guide you as you learn.”

Here are five FAQs based on the news that Empromptu has raised $2M in pre-seed funding to assist enterprises in building AI applications:

FAQ 1: What is Empromptu?

Answer: Empromptu is a technology startup focused on helping enterprises create artificial intelligence applications. The company provides tools and platforms that simplify the development process, enabling businesses to leverage AI for various operational needs.

FAQ 2: How much funding did Empromptu raise, and in what stage?

Answer: Empromptu successfully raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round. This initial investment will support the development of its AI application-building platform and accelerate its market entry.

FAQ 3: What will the funding be used for?

Answer: The $2 million in pre-seed funding will be utilized to enhance Empromptu’s technology, expand its development team, and accelerate product marketing efforts to help enterprises effectively build and deploy AI applications.

FAQ 4: Who are the investors involved in this funding round?

Answer: While specific investors have not all been publicly disclosed, the pre-seed funding round included participation from notable angel investors and venture capitalists who specialize in technology and AI sectors.

FAQ 5: How can enterprises benefit from using Empromptu’s platform?

Answer: Enterprises using Empromptu’s platform can streamline their AI application development process, reduce time-to-market, and leverage advanced AI capabilities without needing deep technical expertise. This empowers organizations to innovate and enhance operational efficiency through custom AI solutions.

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Paris-Based AI Voice Startup Gradium Secures $70M in Seed Funding

<div>
  <h2>Gradium Launches with $70 Million Seed Round to Revolutionize Audio Language AI</h2>

  <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">Gradium, a promising new startup emerging from the French AI research lab Kyutai, has officially launched, backed by a $70 million seed round led by a prestigious lineup of investors.</p>

  <h3>Investment Backing from Industry Leaders</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The funding round was spearheaded by FirstMark Capital and Eurazeo, with notable contributions from telecom billionaire Xavier Niel, DST Global Partners, Eric Schmidt, and several other prominent investors.</p>

  <h3>Innovative Audio Language AI Models</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://gradium.ai">Gradium</a> specializes in developing advanced audio language AI models that deliver swift, ultra-low latency voice responses. Founded in September 2025 by Neil Zeghidour, a key member of the Kyutai team and former researcher at Google DeepMind, Gradium aims to enhance the speed and accuracy of voice models for developers.</p>

  <h3>Multilingual Support from Day One</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">As a European startup, Gradium proudly provides multilingual support right from the start, covering English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese, with plans to expand further into additional languages.</p>

  <h3>Competing in a Crowded Market</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The competition is fierce, with major players in the field such as <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/20/openai-upgrades-its-transcription-and-voice-generating-ai-models/">OpenAI</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/27/anthropic-launches-a-voice-mode-for-claude/">Anthropic</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://ai.meta.com/blog/llama-4-multimodal-intelligence/">Meta Llama</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://mistral.ai/news/voxtral">Mistral</a> already offering robust voice and speech recognition solutions. Well-funded startups like <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/29/elevenlabs-ceo-says-ai-audio-models-will-be-commoditized-over-time/">ElevenLabs</a> and numerous models on Hugging Face also saturate the market, making it clear that developers have many choices for AI voice capabilities.</p>

  <h3>The Growing Demand for Realistic AI Voices</h3>
  <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Nevertheless, the demand for Gradium's aim — delivering ultra-realistic voice expression and accuracy — is poised to increase as AI transitions from text-based interactions to more dynamic AI agents, finding applications across entertainment, work, and beyond.</p>
</div>

This structured rewrite employs engaging subheadings and SEO-friendly formats to enhance visibility and clarity while retaining the key information from the original article.

Here are five FAQs about Gradium, the Paris-based AI voice startup that recently secured $70 million in seed funding:

FAQ 1: What is Gradium?

Answer: Gradium is a Paris-based AI voice startup focused on developing advanced voice technologies to enhance communication and user interactions across various platforms and devices.

FAQ 2: What does the recent $70 million seed funding mean for Gradium?

Answer: The $70 million seed funding will enable Gradium to accelerate its research and development efforts, expand its team, and enhance its product offerings, positioning the company for rapid growth in the AI voice technology market.

FAQ 3: Who are the investors backing Gradium?

Answer: Gradium’s seed funding round included a mix of venture capital firms and angel investors, with interests in AI, technology, and innovative startups that demonstrate strong growth potential.

FAQ 4: What applications does Gradium’s technology support?

Answer: Gradium’s voice technology can be integrated into various applications, including customer service solutions, virtual assistants, gaming, content creation, and more, aiming to improve user experience through natural and interactive voice engagement.

FAQ 5: How does Gradium ensure ethical AI voice technology?

Answer: Gradium is committed to ethical AI development by implementing guidelines for responsible AI usage, ensuring user privacy, and focusing on transparency in how its technologies are used and applied in various contexts.

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Scale AI Alumni Secures $9M Funding for AI Solutions in Critical MENA Industries

Introducing 1001 AI: Revolutionizing Decision-Making in MENA’s Critical Industries

Bilal Abu-Ghazaleh has recently relocated to London, dividing his time between the UK and Dubai.

A New Venture Backed by Strong Investors

After nearly ten years in the U.S., including a role at Scale AI, Abu-Ghazaleh is channeling his experience into 1001 AI, a startup focused on developing AI infrastructure for essential sectors across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Recently, the startup secured a $9 million seed round led by CIV, General Catalyst, and Lux Capital, with additional support from notable angel investors including Chris Ré, Amjad Masad (Replit), and others.

Addressing Inefficiencies in High-Stakes Industries

Abu-Ghazaleh asserts that 1001 AI aims to streamline operations in sectors such as aviation, logistics, and oil and gas through a sophisticated AI-native operating system for smarter decision-making.

“In just a few industries like airports, ports, and construction, we recognize over $10 billion in inefficiencies across the Gulf,” he shared in an interview with TechCrunch. “This represents a monumental opportunity in markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.”

Improved efficiencies in airport operations, for instance, can generate substantial savings that benefit both the airport and its airlines. Notably, nine out of ten major projects in the region often exceed budgets or timelines, indicating that even marginal enhancements can lead to significant financial resourcing.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Goals

1001 AI aims to market its decision-making technology to new projects, with plans for its inaugural product launch by the end of the year. The company is already in discussions with some of the largest construction firms and airports in the Gulf, according to Abu-Ghazaleh.

From Jordan to Silicon Valley: A Journey of Innovation

Born in Jordan, Abu-Ghazaleh ventured to the U.S. for his education before immersing himself in the Bay Area’s startup ecosystem. He began his career at Hive AI and later advanced to a director role at Scale AI, responsible for scaling its contributor network for training data annotation.

Initially set to join Scale’s public sector unit focused on AI solutions for governments, he pivoted to establish 1001 AI when opportunities shifted following Meta’s investment in Scale.

The Gulf: A Hotbed for AI Innovation

The Gulf region, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has emerged as a leader in AI adoption, with substantial investments targeting the development of local infrastructure and the attraction of global talent.

For Abu-Ghazaleh, the convergence of appetite, funding, and urgency presents a unique opportunity for 1001 AI, which focuses on transforming physical operations—an area identified by investors as possessing exceptional potential.

Innovative Solutions for Real-World Challenges

Although the product is under development, Abu-Ghazaleh shared insights into its functionality. The system utilizes data from existing software, models workflows, and provides real-time directives to enhance efficiency.

“In today’s landscape, an operations manager might need to manually reroute a fuel truck or assign a cleaning crew,” he explained. “Our AI-driven system automates this orchestration, using real-time data to optimize operations seamlessly.”

Building the Future: Deployment and Growth Plans

Different from many early-stage AI startups concentrating on specific sectors, 1001 AI aims to create solutions applicable across a variety of industries, where operational flows share similar features.

The company employs a hands-on approach, engaging closely with clients to customize its systems over weeks of co-development workshops.

“Bilal is constructing a decision engine to streamline complexities with proven execution tailored for the region,” noted Neeraj Arora from General Catalyst.

Funding to Boost Deployment and Team Growth

The recent funding will expedite initial deployments in aviation, logistics, and infrastructure while also facilitating recruitment in engineering and operational roles as the team expands across Dubai and London.

Looking Ahead: Plans for Expansion

1001 AI plans to commence its first customer deployment in construction by the year’s end. Over the next five years, Abu-Ghazaleh envisions the company becoming the primary orchestration layer for these industries in the Gulf, with aspirations for global reach.

Here are five FAQs based on the news about a Scale AI alum raising $9 million for AI serving critical industries in the MENA region:

FAQ 1: What is the primary focus of the AI startup founded by the Scale AI alum?

Answer: The startup focuses on applying artificial intelligence solutions to critical industries in the MENA region, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and decision-making processes in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and energy.

FAQ 2: How much funding has the startup raised, and who provided it?

Answer: The startup has successfully raised $9 million in funding, with investments from various venture capital firms and angel investors interested in innovative technology solutions for the MENA region.

FAQ 3: What challenges does the startup aim to address in the MENA region?

Answer: The startup aims to tackle challenges like operational inefficiencies, labor shortages, and the need for advanced data analytics in critical sectors, helping to drive digital transformation and improve service delivery in the region.

FAQ 4: How does the experience at Scale AI contribute to the startup’s success?

Answer: The founder’s experience at Scale AI, a leader in AI data services, provides valuable insights into best practices for AI development, project execution, and scaling operations, which are crucial for the startup’s growth and innovation in the MENA market.

FAQ 5: What impact is this funding expected to have on the startup’s operations?

Answer: The $9 million funding will enable the startup to enhance its product offerings, expand its team, and accelerate its go-to-market strategy, positioning it to better serve critical industries and contribute to economic development in the MENA region.

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Non-AI Startups: Challenges Ahead in Securing VC Funding

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    <h2>AI Takes Center Stage in Startup Investment: A Look at 2025 Trends</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">New PitchBook data reveals that artificial intelligence is set to transform startup investment, with 2025 projected to be the first year where AI surpasses 50% of all venture capital funding.</p>

    <h3>Venture Capital Surge: AI's Dominance in 2025</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">According to PitchBook, venture capitalists have invested $192.7 billion in AI this year, contributing to a total of $366.8 billion in the sector, as reported by <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-03/ai-is-dominating-2025-vc-investing-pulling-in-192-7-billion?embedded-checkout=true">Bloomberg</a>. In the latest quarter, AI constituted an impressive 62.7% of U.S. VC investments and 53.2% globally.</p>

    <h3>Major Players Commanding the Investment Landscape</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A significant portion of funding is being directed toward prominent companies like Anthropic, which recently secured <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/02/anthropic-raises-13b-series-f-at-183b-valuation/">$13 billion in a Series F round</a> this September. However, the number of startups and venture funds successfully raising capital is at its lowest in years, with only 823 funds raised globally in 2025, compared to 4,430 in 2022.</p>

    <h3>The Bifurcation of the Investment Market</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Kyle Sanford, PitchBook’s Director of Research, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting the market's shift towards a bifurcated landscape: “You’re in AI, or you’re not,” and “you’re a big firm, or you’re not.”</p>
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This structured format enhances SEO and keeps the content engaging while providing a clear overview of the current trends in AI investment.

Sure! Here are five FAQs based on the premise "If you’re not an AI startup, good luck raising money from VCs":

FAQ 1: Why is it harder for non-AI startups to raise money from VCs?

Answer: Venture capitalists are currently very focused on artificial intelligence due to its immense growth potential and transformative capabilities. Non-AI startups may struggle to attract attention and funding simply because VCs are prioritizing AI-driven innovations that promise high returns on investment.

FAQ 2: What are VCs looking for in AI startups specifically?

Answer: VCs typically look for unique technology, innovative applications of AI, a scalable business model, and a strong team with expertise in AI. They also want to see a clear market need being addressed and the potential for significant market disruption.

FAQ 3: Can non-AI startups still attract funding?

Answer: Yes, non-AI startups can still secure funding, but they may need to demonstrate strong market traction, a robust business model, or innovative product solutions. Networking, building relationships, and showing potential for profitability can also help attract interest from VCs.

FAQ 4: What alternatives do non-AI startups have for raising capital?

Answer: Non-AI startups can explore various funding sources including angel investors, crowdfunding, grants, and strategic partnerships. They might also consider venture debt or incubator programs that cater to non-tech sectors.

FAQ 5: Should non-AI startups pivot to AI to attract funding?

Answer: While pivoting to incorporate AI can enhance appeal to investors, it’s crucial for startups to remain authentic to their core vision and strengths. If AI is not a natural fit for the business, pursuing it solely for funding may not be sustainable in the long run. It’s best to focus on areas of innovation that align with the startup’s mission.

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Manny Medina’s AI Agent Startup, Paid, Secures Impressive $21M Seed Funding for Results-Based Billing

Manny Medina’s New Venture Paid Secures $21.6 Million Seed Round

Manny Medina, the visionary behind the $4.4 billion sales automation platform Outreach, has captivated investors with his latest startup, Paid.

Successful Seed Round Boosts Company’s Valuation

Paid has successfully closed an oversubscribed $21.6 million seed funding round led by Lightspeed. Coupled with a €10 million pre-seed round raised in March, the London-based startup has accumulated a remarkable $33.3 million before even reaching its Series A stage. Sources indicate that Paid’s valuation now exceeds $100 million.

Innovative Approach in the AI Landscape

Emerging from stealth mode in March, Paid presents a unique contribution to the AI ecosystem. Rather than offering agents directly, the company empowers agent developers to charge clients based on the tangible value provided by their algorithms. This concept, often referred to as “results-based billing,” is gaining traction in the AI space.

A Revolutionary Pricing Model for AI

Medina emphasizes that Paid enables agent developers to monetize the margin savings delivered to their clients. This innovative pricing model marks a departure from traditional software fees, moving away from the per-user pricing structures prevalent in the SaaS era.

Why Traditional Payment Models Fall Short

The conventional per-user fees are ineffective as agent developers incur usage costs from both model providers and cloud services. Without a clearer pricing strategy, underlying financial pressures could lead to unsustainable business models, a challenge frequently faced by startups in the coding space.

Measuring Value in a Quiet AI Workforce

Medina notes that “if you’re a quiet agent, you don’t get paid.” Effective infrastructure is crucial for agents to be compensated for their contributions. As agents operate in the background, demonstrating their effectiveness becomes essential for securing their continued engagement.

The Risks of Traditional Billing and Market Hesitation

Adopting a monthly fee for a limited number of credits poses significant risk to agent developers. Many businesses hesitate to invest in AI solutions that yield minimal value. A recent MIT study revealed that approximately 95% of enterprise AI projects fail to produce tangible benefits, with only 5% making it to production.

Driving Engagement with Effective AI Solutions

Businesses are reluctant to pay for agents that generate more emails that often go unread.

Early Adoption and Success Stories

One of Paid’s initial clients is Artisan, a popular sales automation startup. Artisan’s CEO, Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, will be discussing these developments at TechCrunch Disrupt next month.

Paid is also gaining traction among SaaS companies eager to leverage agents for growth, having recently signed ERP vendor IFS as a client.

Lightspeed’s Confidence in Paid’s Vision

Alexander Schmitt from Lightspeed shared that the firm has invested over $2.5 billion in AI infrastructure and application layers over the past three years, observing firsthand the high failure rates of AI pilots. He believes the crux of the issue lies in the inability to attribute value to agents’ contributions.

A Unique Market Positioning with Future Potential

Schmitt perceives Paid as a distinctive player in the market, highlighting its innovative approach as unprecedented in the industry. As Paid’s model gains traction, increased competition in results-based billing for agents could stimulate a significant shift in how AI solutions are utilized.

New investor FUSE, along with existing investor EQT Ventures, also participated in this latest funding round.

Here are five FAQs regarding Manny Medina’s startup, Paid, which uses a results-based billing model and has recently raised $21 million in seed funding:

FAQ 1: What is Paid’s business model?

Answer: Paid operates on a results-based billing model, meaning clients only pay for tangible outcomes achieved through the services provided. This aligns the company’s incentives with the success of its clients, creating a win-win scenario.

FAQ 2: Who is the founder of Paid and what is their background?

Answer: Paid was founded by Manny Medina, an entrepreneur with a proven track record in the tech industry. Prior to launching Paid, Medina was involved in several successful startups and has expertise in leveraging AI for business solutions.

FAQ 3: How much funding has Paid recently raised?

Answer: Paid has successfully raised $21 million in seed funding, which will be used to enhance its technology, expand its team, and further develop its results-based services.

FAQ 4: What industries can benefit from Paid’s services?

Answer: Paid’s results-based billing approach can benefit various industries, particularly those that rely heavily on measurable outcomes, such as marketing, sales, and customer service. Its services can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different sectors.

FAQ 5: How does Paid ensure the quality of its results?

Answer: Paid employs robust analytical tools and AI technologies to track performance and outcomes effectively. By focusing on data-driven results, the company ensures it delivers value to clients while maintaining accountability for the services rendered.

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Datumo, Based in Seoul, Secures $15.5M Funding to Compete with Scale AI, Supported by Salesforce

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    <h2>Datumo Secures $15.5 Million to Enhance AI Safety and Evaluation</h2>

    <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">A recent McKinsey report reveals that many organizations feel unprepared to safely and responsibly implement generative AI. Key among the concerns is explainability—the need to comprehend AI decision-making processes. While 40% of respondents consider this a high risk, only 17% are addressing it effectively.</p>

    <h3>From Data Labeling to AI Safety Solutions</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Seoul-based <a target="_blank" href="https://open.datumo.com/en/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Datumo</a>, originally focused on AI data labeling, is now on a mission to support businesses in creating safer AI systems. Their tools facilitate testing, monitoring, and model improvement without requiring advanced technical skills. The startup recently raised $15.5 million, bringing its total funding to approximately $28 million, backed by investors like Salesforce Ventures, KB Investment, ACVC Partners, and SBI Investment.</p>

    <h3>Innovative Ideas from Frustration</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Frustrated by the tedious process of data labeling, CEO David Kim, a former AI researcher at Korea's Agency for Defense Development, invented a reward-based app that allows users to label data in their spare time while earning money. This concept was validated at a startup competition hosted by KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), leading to the founding of Datumo in 2018 alongside five KAIST alumni.</p>

    <h3>Rapid Growth and Client Demand</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Even before the app was fully developed, Datumo garnered tens of thousands of dollars in pre-contract sales during the customer discovery phase. In its first year, the startup exceeded $1 million in revenue and secured several prominent contracts. Today, its client roster includes major Korean corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, and SK Telecom, with over 300 total clients and an estimated revenue of $6 million in 2024.</p>

    <h3>Expanding Services Beyond Labeling</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Clients began requesting more than just data labeling, wanting us to evaluate their AI model outputs,” said Michael Hwang, co-founder of Datumo, in a TechCrunch interview. This shift revealed that the company was already engaged in AI model evaluation, prompting it to release Korea's first benchmark dataset focused on AI trust and safety.</p>

    <h3>Adapting to the Evolving AI Landscape</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“We started with data annotation and expanded into pretraining datasets and evaluations as the LLM ecosystem matured,” Kim explained.</p>

    <h3>Competitive Landscape in AI Data and Evaluation</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Meta's recent $14.3 billion investment in data-labeling company Scale AI underscores the growing importance of this sector. Following this, OpenAI ceased using Scale AI, indicating fierce competition for AI training data. Datumo shares similarities with companies like Scale AI while distinguishing itself through licensed datasets, particularly those sourced from published books.</p>

    <h3>Innovative Evaluation Tools for Non-Developers</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Datumo sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive evaluation platform called <a target="_blank" href="https://datumo.com/en/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Datumo Eval</a>. This no-code tool enables non-developers in policy, safety, and compliance to proactively test for unsafe, biased, or inaccurate AI outputs.</p>

    <h3>Investor Interest and Future Plans</h3>
    <p class="wp-block-paragraph">After hosting an event with DeepLearning.AI's Andrew Ng, Kim shared insights on LinkedIn, piquing the interest of Salesforce Ventures. The fundraising process took about eight months. The new funding will propel R&D into automated evaluation tools and expand Datumo's market presence in South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.</p>

    <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Your feedback is invaluable to us! Share your thoughts on our coverage and events by filling out </em><a target="_blank" href="https://survey.researchresults.com/survey/selfserve/53b/g002/s0064551?list=tcap#?" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"><em>this survey</em></a><em> for a chance to win a prize!</em></p>
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This rewritten article incorporates engaging headlines, structured SEO formatting, and maintains the essential information from the original text.

Sure! Here are five FAQs with answers regarding Datumo’s recent funding and its mission:

FAQs about Datumo’s Funding and Mission

1. What is Datumo, and what does it do?
Answer: Datumo is a Seoul-based technology company specializing in data management and artificial intelligence solutions. The company aims to streamline data processes for businesses, helping them harness the power of AI technologies effectively.

2. How much funding did Datumo recently secure, and who are its investors?
Answer: Datumo raised $15.5 million in funding, with significant backing from Salesforce. This investment underscores the growing interest in AI and data management solutions.

3. How does Datumo plan to compete with Scale AI?
Answer: Datumo intends to differentiate itself by providing unique data services and advanced AI capabilities tailored to the needs of businesses in various industries. The company aims to offer more customizable and integrated solutions compared to its competitors.

4. Why is Salesforce’s investment significant for Datumo?
Answer: Salesforce’s investment is significant because it not only provides financial support but also enhances Datumo’s credibility and visibility in the tech industry. It may also open doors for strategic partnerships and access to a broader customer base.

5. What are the future plans for Datumo following this funding round?
Answer: Following this funding round, Datumo plans to expand its product offerings, invest in research and development, and enhance its sales and marketing efforts to grow its market presence and better serve its clients.

Feel free to ask if you need more information!

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