Inworld acquires Ultravox to expand real-time voice AI

Inworld has acquired Seattle-based voice AI startup Ultravox, formerly known as Fixie, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition aims to integrate Ultravox’s real-time speech models—designed to handle interruptions and turn-taking—into Inworld’s platform, which powers AI-driven characters for gaming, virtual worlds, and enterprise applications.

Ultravox launched in 2022 and raised $17 million to develop its conversational AI technology. Its models were built to improve aspects of voice interactions that can affect user experience. Inworld’s acquisition comes after other recent funding rounds in voice AI, including one for Nuance Labs last month.

The deal suggests growing activity in the voice AI space, where companies are working on different approaches to conversational technology. Other startups, like Treble, have also recently raised capital for related tools.

Seattle has seen multiple voice AI companies emerge, including Ultravox and Nuance Labs, which may indicate local interest in this area. The acquisition raises questions about how Inworld will combine Ultravox’s technology and team, and what applications the combined platform might target. Observers may look for product updates in the near future.

Sources: msn.com