Modulate secures $25m to enhance voice AI capabilities

Boston-based voice intelligence startup Modulate has raised $25 million in new funding to expand its platform, which offers enterprises transcription, emotional analysis, deepfake detection, AI music detection, and policy enforcement for voice agents in regulated industries. The funding, led by Future Ventures with participation from Hyperplane and Lakestar, brings Modulate’s total raised to $41 million at a $170 million valuation. Founded in 2017 by Mike Pappas and Carter Huffman, the company initially focused on gaming voice modulation but shifted to voice-based moderation and now specializes in detecting AI-generated audio and analyzing conversational intent. Huffman emphasized the importance of understanding conversational nuance, stating that Modulate runs over 100 models divided into signal extraction and analysis/detection categories. The startup, with 40-45 employees, aims to add 10 more and enhance on-premises and on-device deployment for privacy. Modulate’s technology is also used to monitor cyberattacks via voice calls and assess customer service call quality. Huffman noted that customer satisfaction isn’t always reflected in tone, as people may remain polite despite dissatisfaction. The company’s tools help organizations detect deepfake calls and ensure compliance in regulated sectors. With growing adoption of AI in customer service, Modulate provides granular insights into call outcomes, helping enterprises understand why a call was successful or failed.