Latvian BADideas.fund invested in Ukrainian synthetic voice startup Respeecher

Latvian BADideas.fund invested in Ukrainian startup Respeecher, which developed a solution to replicate voices and produce synthetic recordings. The deal was closed in December 2023. The serial investor from the US Gary Vaynerchuk, New York-based ff Venture Capital, Ukrainian ICU Group, and SID Venture Partners also participated in a $1M pre-seed round.

Founded in Kyiv in 2018 by Alex Serdiuk, Dmytro Bielievtsov, and Grant Reaber, Respeecher uses AI and machine learning technology. The company combines classical digital signal processing algorithms with deep generative modeling techniques to learn the voice inside and out. Various media projects, including Hollywood movies and video games, use Respeecher's solution. In addition, patients with ataxia or laryngectomy, who lost their voice, can implement the technology to improve their communication.

If the voice belongs to a person, who has already died, the startup negotiates with his relatives about further cooperation. For instance, the company can receive feedback from the family on how realistic the recreated voice is. If the person is alive, the startup negotiates permission and compensation for the usage of his voice model.

Respeecher has replicated the voice of the actor James Earl Jones and his hero Darth Vader for a Star Wars animated show, and a younger Luke Skywalker for The Mandalorian. It has also worked with a game developer CD Projekt, known for its Witcher and Cyberpunk fame. Now, Respeecher works with the US entertainment and record label company Warner Music to recreate the voice of French singer Edith Piaf.

The startup will use the investment to scale technology and continue working in an ethical direction. It will also focus on improving its services, marketplace products, and healthcare direction. 

Launched in April 2022 by Raimonds Kulbergs, the BADideas.fund focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage startups from the Baltics and CEE region. The typical ticket size is €100K. The fund has more than 40 business angels, founders, executives, and employees of Bolt, Vimeo, Printify, PandaDoc, Pipedrive, and others.