WaveForms AI Raises $40 Million for Emotional Audio AI

Former OpenAI researcher Alexis Conneau has launched WaveForms AI, a startup focused on creating AI audio software that can detect emotional cues for more natural conversations between humans and machines. The company has secured $40 million in seed funding from Andreessen Horowitz, valuing it at $200 million. Conneau, who co-created OpenAI's GPT-4 Advanced Voice Mode, aims to make AI interactions indistinguishable from human conversations by focusing on Emotional General Intelligence (EGI). Although WaveForms AI plans to release its first products in 2025, it currently has no public demos, and the team consists of just five members. The startup's mission emphasizes empathy and emotional connection, contrasting with trends focused on superintelligence. Conneau acknowledges the challenges of competing with major players like OpenAI and Google but believes in the potential for AI that prioritizes meaningful interactions.