Boston-based Modulate, which uses small AI models to offer enterprises transcription, emotional analysis, deepfake and AI music detection, and more, raised $25M

Enterprises can now get deeper insights into customer calls beyond basic sentiment analysis, enabling better understanding of dissatisfaction even when customers are polite.

Boston-based Modulate, a voice intelligence startup, has secured $25 million in funding. The company utilizes an array of small AI models to provide enterprises with services including transcription, emotional analysis, deepfake and AI music detection, and policy enforcement for voice agents in regulated sectors. This latest funding round was led by Future Ventures, with contributions from Hyperplane and Lakestar. Prior to this, Modulate had raised $41 million at a $170 million valuation. Founded in 2017 by MIT physics graduates Mike Pappas and Carter Huffman, Modulate initially focused on voice modulation for gaming before shifting to voice-based moderation and, more recently, AI audio detection and analysis. The company operates over 100 models, divided into signal extraction for vocal characteristics and analysis/detection for intent and rule violations. Modulate emphasizes its use of smaller models, which reduces the need for specialized hardware and extensive compute power. Its technology is applied in areas such as deepfake detection, scam alerting for call centers, and monitoring AI agent performance and compliance in regulated industries.

Modulate's strategy of using numerous small AI models, rather than large monolithic ones, positions it to address the increasing demand for granular voice data analysis without prohibitive computational costs. This approach also allows for faster iteration and integration of new capabilities, a critical advantage in the rapidly evolving AI audio landscape.

The company's focus on detecting AI-generated audio and understanding conversational intent, particularly in regulated industries and against scams, directly addresses emerging security and compliance challenges. As AI voice cloning becomes more accessible, Modulate's tools offer a necessary layer of defense and quality assurance for businesses relying on voice interactions.