Technical

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: ElevenLabs CEO Says Voice Will Power the Next Wave of AI Interaction

February, 06, 2026-03:34

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ElevenLabs CEO Says Voice Will Power the Next Wave of AI Interaction:

Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs, believes voice is set to become the dominant interface for artificial intelligence, transforming how people engage with technology as AI moves beyond text-based systems and screens.

Speaking at Web Summit in Doha, Staniszewski explained that modern voice models — including those built by ElevenLabs — have progressed far beyond simply replicating human speech patterns, tone, and emotion. They are now integrating with the reasoning capabilities of large language models, enabling more natural, intelligent interactions. This evolution, he suggested, marks a fundamental shift in how humans communicate with machines.

Looking ahead, Staniszewski envisions a future where smartphones stay tucked away and users interact with technology seamlessly through voice while remaining engaged with the world around them.

That outlook helped drive ElevenLabs’ recent $500 million funding round, which valued the company at $11 billion. The broader AI industry appears to share this perspective. Companies like OpenAI and Google are prioritizing voice in their latest AI systems, while Apple is reportedly expanding its presence in voice-driven, always-on technologies through strategic acquisitions such as Q.ai.

As AI becomes embedded in wearables, vehicles, and other connected devices, interaction methods are shifting away from keyboards and touchscreens toward spoken commands. Voice is quickly emerging as a critical competitive frontier in the next stage of AI development.

At the same event, Iconiq Capital general partner Seth Pierrepont reinforced this view, noting that while screens will remain important for areas like gaming and entertainment, traditional tools such as keyboards are beginning to feel increasingly outdated.

Author: Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi