Voice AI startup Deepgram raises $130 million at $1.3 billion valuation

Company Overview - Deepgram, a voice AI technology startup, raised $130 million at a valuation of $1.3 billion to expand internationally, roll out new models, and pursue acquisitions [1][2] - The funding round was led by AVP, with participation from new investors such as Alumni Ventures, Princeville Capital, and Citi Ventures, along with existing backers like Tiger Global, Madrona, and In-Q-Tel [2] Product and Market Expansion - Deepgram provides AI models and infrastructure for enterprises and developers to create custom AI voice agents capable of real-time, contextual conversations [2] - The company plans to use the funds to expand into new markets in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, increase language support, and fund acquisitions and large compute purchases [3] - Currently, Deepgram supports over 50 languages and has acquired OfOne, a voice AI platform for drive-thrus, to enhance its offerings in the restaurant industry [4] Industry Trends - The demand for voice AI has surged, with many products integrating voice capabilities wherever there are text fields or buttons [3] - More than 1,300 organizations utilize Deepgram's voice AI functionality, which powers conversational customer-service platforms for clients like NASA and Amazon Web Services [5]