Revolutionizing Call Centers: Sanas’s AI Silences Accent Bias with $65M Funding

In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency and global finance, clear and effective communication is paramount. Imagine a technology that could break down communication barriers instantly, making every voice heard and understood. That’s the promise of Sanas, an innovative startup leveraging AI to transform how we communicate in call centers and beyond. Let’s dive into how Sanas is using voice AI to address accent bias and just secured a massive $65 million funding round to fuel its ambitious vision.

Why is Voice and Speech Recognition Exploding?

The demand for voice AI and speech recognition technologies isn’t just a trend; it’s a seismic shift in how we interact with technology and each other. Market research indicates a staggering growth trajectory, projecting the sector to be worth over $28.1 billion by 2027. This surge is driven by:

• Increased Automation: Businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations and enhance customer service, and voice recognition offers powerful automation capabilities.
• Hands-Free Convenience: From smart speakers to in-car assistants, voice interfaces are becoming integral to daily life, offering unparalleled convenience.
• Accessibility: Voice technology opens doors for users with disabilities, providing alternative and intuitive ways to interact with devices and services.
• Global Communication Needs: As businesses expand internationally, the need to overcome language and accent barriers becomes increasingly critical.

Amidst this booming landscape, Sanas emerges as a standout player, carving a unique niche with its groundbreaking approach to accent modification.

Sanas: Pioneering AI-Driven Accent Modification in Real-Time

Founded in 2020, Sanas is not just another AI company; it’s a mission-driven organization aiming to foster more inclusive and effective communication. Their core technology uses AI to intelligently adjust a speaker’s accent in real-time. Sharath Keshava Narayana, Sanas’ co-founder and president, emphasizes their human-centric approach: “At Sanas, we believe that while technology is transforming the industry, it shouldn’t replace human connection, but rather, enhance it. With the number of customer interactions continuing to scale globally, the need for human-to-human communication remains critical.”

The genesis of Sanas is rooted in a deeply personal experience. Co-founders Maxim Serebryakov, Shawn Zhang, and Andrés Soderi were inspired by a friend’s struggles with accent discrimination in a call center. Narayana explains, “Max and Shawn’s friend, Raul, who had to return to Nicaragua to support his family, faced accent discrimination at his call center job. His experience with ‘accent neutralization training’ and the toll it took on him inspired Max and Shawn to build a solution to reduce accent bias.”

How Does Sanas’s Accent Modification Technology Work?

Sanas’s patented technology is at the heart of its innovation. It analyzes speech patterns and, in real-time, outputs converted speech that aligns with a desired accent. The company highlights several key features that set it apart:

• Accent Adjustment: Modifies accents to improve clarity and understanding in communication.
• Emotion and Identity Preservation: Maintains the speaker’s original emotion and unique vocal identity.
• Noise Reduction: Minimizes reverb, echo, and background noise for enhanced audio quality.
• Patented AI Technologies: Utilizes proprietary AI that recognizes and adjusts phonetic patterns instantly.
• Extensive Training Data: AI models are trained on over 50 million utterances, using diverse datasets from technology partners and in-house voice actors.

The recent acquisition of competitor InTone further strengthens Sanas’s intellectual property and expands its reach in the market, positioning it to serve an even broader customer base.

Real-World Impact: Who is Using Sanas?

Today, Sanas boasts around 50 customers across diverse industries, including:

• Healthcare
• Logistics
• Hardware Manufacturing

Narayana reports impressive financial growth, with annual recurring revenue reaching $21 million, a $3 million increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the tangible value Sanas brings to its clients by improving communication efficiency and customer satisfaction in call center environments and beyond.

Addressing the Controversy: Is Accent Modification Ethical?

Sanas operates in a space that sparks debate. Some research suggests that exposure to diverse accents can actually reduce bias. Critics, as highlighted in a 2022 profile by The Guardian, argue that solutions like Sanas risk homogenizing voices in call centers, potentially diminishing cultural diversity.

Narayana counters these concerns by emphasizing Sanas’s core mission: “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. Together with my co-founders, we’re building a world where communication is a bridge — not a barrier.” He positions Sanas not as a tool for homogenization, but as a means to ensure clear communication and reduce bias stemming from accent perception, ultimately empowering individuals to be heard.

$65 Million Funding: What’s Next for Sanas?

Despite the ethical considerations, investors are clearly bullish on Sanas’s potential. The company recently announced a significant $65 million funding round, valuing it at over $500 million. This round was led by Quadrille Capital and Teleperformance, with participation from Insight Partners, Quiet Capital, Alorica, and DN Capital. Having raised over $100 million to date, Sanas has ambitious plans:

• Develop New Algorithms: Focusing on advanced “speech-to-speech” algorithms to further refine their technology.
• Geographic Expansion: Expanding into new regions to serve a global clientele.
• Industry Diversification: Exploring opportunities in healthcare, retail, and other sectors beyond traditional call centers.
• Team Growth: Expanding its team of approximately 150 professionals.
• New Office in the Philippines: Establishing a presence in the Philippines, a major hub for contact centers.

Narayana confidently states, “With a clear focus on scaling responsibly and innovating continuously, Sanas is well-prepared to weather potential headwinds.” This significant funding injection will undoubtedly accelerate Sanas’s journey to redefine communication in a globalized world.

Conclusion: The Future of Voice is Clearer Than Ever with AI

Sanas is not just changing accents; it’s challenging the status quo of global communication. By leveraging the power of AI, they are addressing real-world communication barriers and fostering inclusivity in the workplace. As voice AI continues to evolve, companies like Sanas are at the forefront, shaping a future where everyone can communicate clearly and confidently, regardless of their accent. The substantial funding and growing customer base signal a bright future for Sanas and its mission to make communication a universal bridge.

To learn more about the latest voice AI trends, explore our articles on key developments shaping AI features and institutional adoption.