Paris-based AI voice startup Gradium raises $100M seed, backed by Nvidia

Gradium, a startup specializing in voice AI technology based in Paris, has successfully reopened its seed funding round, attracting significant investment including backing from Nvidia. The company announced on Thursday that it has raised a total of $100 million to enhance its operations. With this new influx of capital, Gradium plans to establish a presence in the Bay Area, aiming to tap into the region's rich talent pool and solidify its standing within the global AI landscape. This move highlights the strategic importance of being close to major players in the AI industry, such as Anthropic, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, while Paris remains a vibrant hub for AI innovation. Originally unveiled in December with a notable $70 million funding from prominent investors like FirstMark Capital, Eurazeo, and Eric Schmidt, Gradium emerged from the French AI lab Kyutai, which itself is supported by telecom magnate Xavier Niel. Co-founded by Neil Zeghidour, a seasoned researcher with experience at Google Brain, DeepMind, and Facebook, the startup is dedicated to developing audio models that offer instant voice responses with minimal latency, enhancing the user experience in AI interactions. Despite facing stiff competition from established firms and other startups in the voice AI sector, such as ElevenLabs, which reached a valuation of $11 billion earlier this year, Gradium has already made significant strides. Since its launch, the company has secured key clients, including the French automotive giant Renault, signaling its growing influence in the market.