Transforming Call Center Communication: Sanas Leverages AI for Real-Time Accent Modification
The demand for voice and speech recognition technologies is skyrocketing, with projections indicating that the market could exceed $28.1 billion by 2027, according to a report by Markets and Markets. As this sector evolves, a mix of established players and innovative start-ups are emerging, with companies like Sanas leading the charge in transforming how we communicate.
Innovative Solutions by Sanas
Founded in 2020, Sanas specializes in software that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to modify a speaker’s accent in real-time, enhancing communication without sacrificing human connection. Co-founder and president Sharath Keshava Narayana emphasizes that technology should enhance, not replace, personal interactions.
The Inspiration Behind Sanas
Maxim Serebryakov, alongside co-founders Shawn Zhang and Andrés Soderi, launched Sanas during their college years. Their motivation stemmed from a peer’s negative experience with accent discrimination in a call center.
- Raul, a fellow student, faced challenges due to his accent.
- This experience led to the idea of developing a solution to combat accent bias.
Groundbreaking Technology
Sanas employs advanced technology to analyze speech, producing output that aligns with a specified accent while maintaining the original speaker’s emotions and identity. This innovative approach not only minimizes reverb, echo, and noise but also preserves the speaker’s unique characteristics.
Narayana explains, “Our patented AI technologies can instantly recognize and adjust phonetic patterns while keeping the speaker’s identity intact.” The company’s models are trained on over 50 million utterances, utilizing datasets from technology partners and in-house voice actors.
Recent Developments and Growth
In a strategic move, Sanas recently acquired InTone, a competitor that strengthens its intellectual property portfolio and broadens its potential customer base. Currently, Sanas serves around 50 clients across various sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Logistics
- Hardware manufacturing
The company’s annual recurring revenue has now reached $21 million, marking an increase of $3 million from the previous year.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its innovative solutions, Sanas operates in a controversial space. Some studies suggest that exposure to diverse accents can actually help reduce bias. However, Narayana defends the company’s mission, stating, “What makes Sanas special is not just the technology, but its deeply human mission to break barriers, reduce discrimination, and amplify voices across the globe.”
Funding Success and Future Plans
This week, Sanas announced a successful funding round of $65 million, elevating its valuation to over $500 million. Key investors included Quadrille Capital and Teleperformance, along with participation from Insight Partners, Quiet Capital, Alorica, and DN Capital.
With over $100 million raised to date, Sanas is poised to:
- Develop new “speech-to-speech” algorithms
- Expand into new regions
- Explore opportunities in industries such as healthcare and retail
Narayana highlighted that the company is focused on scaling responsibly while continuously innovating. Additionally, Sanas plans to increase its team of approximately 150 employees and establish a new office in the Philippines, a hub for contact centers.
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