Mappa’s AI voice analysis helps you find the best job candidates and will show off its tech at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Selecting the right job candidate can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, leaving hiring managers to rely on subjective biases and intuition. To tackle this challenge, Sarah Lucena has developed Mappa, an innovative platform powered by AI-driven behavioral intelligence that aims to eliminate some of the uncertainties in the hiring process. Mappa utilizes a sophisticated AI model designed to analyze voice patterns associated with various traits, including communication style, empathy, and confidence. Candidates engage with Mappa’s AI agent by answering a series of questions, allowing the platform to generate a shortlist of applicants whose characteristics align with the job requirements. As a Top 20 finalist in the Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, Mappa is poised to make a significant impact in the recruitment landscape. Lucena shared her vision for Mappa, stating, "Our goal is to genuinely understand individuals. We don’t label traits as good or bad; we assess compatibility instead." Founded in 2023 alongside co-founders Pablo Bergolo and Daniel Moretti, Mappa successfully secured $3.4 million in seed funding led by Tim Draper’s Draper Associates. In less than three years, the startup has expanded its clientele to over 130 customers across the U.S., generating more than $4 million in annual recurring revenue. One of Mappa's standout features is its emphasis on data. The startup has meticulously curated datasets aimed at deciphering human behavior. Initially, Mappa explored evaluating candidates through video submissions and their online footprints but discovered that voice analysis yielded the best results. According to Lucena, companies utilizing Mappa have reported improved employee retention, with a turnover rate of only 2% for hires made through their platform, compared to an industry average of 30%. Mappa’s commitment to equitable hiring practices is evident, with over 60% of the 3,000 hires facilitated being women, LGBTQ+, or immigrants. Lucena, who hails from Brazil, expresses pride in creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups in the job market. Looking ahead, she envisions Mappa transitioning from a services-based model to an infrastructure provider, with its API gaining traction among businesses seeking behavioral analysis beyond recruitment. Tim Draper himself leverages Mappa to evaluate potential founders for investment, while Re-Skilling.ai employs the platform to identify areas for student skill enhancement. Lucena foresees Mappa expanding its utility to assist in loan approvals for candidates lacking extensive credit histories, aiming to foster fair assessment practices in various contexts. For those interested in witnessing Mappa's innovations and gaining insights from numerous pitches and workshops, the TechCrunch Disrupt event takes place from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.