ElevenLabs CEO: Why Voice is the Next AI Interface
a16z Podcast
Nov 05
ElevenLabs CEO: Why Voice is the Next AI Interface
ElevenLabs CEO: Why Voice is the Next AI Interface

a16z Podcast
Nov 05
In this episode, ElevenLabs' CEO Mati Staniszewski sits down to unpack how his company has accelerated from a niche text-to-speech startup into a leading AI voice platform, all while navigating the complex terrain of creativity, enterprise demands, and ethical scaling.
ElevenLabs combines research rigor with rapid product development through small, autonomous teams that enable fast iteration without sacrificing innovation. With a globally distributed workforce and hubs in key tech centers, the company fosters agility and diverse talent acquisition. A flat organizational structure prioritizes focus and adaptability, helping leaders manage complexity in fast-moving AI environments. The Voice Marketplace, which has paid creators over $10 million, emerged from direct collaboration with creative professionals, reflecting shifting attitudes toward AI in artistic fields. Strategic music licensing partnerships have enabled legal, high-quality AI-generated audio. Transitioning to enterprise, ElevenLabs now powers production-grade systems like Hippocratic’s healthcare AI using integrated speech and language models. Scaling requires balancing demo-speed innovation with security, compliance, and robust infrastructure. Ethical guardrails guide sales decisions, ensuring long-term integrity—even when turning down lucrative deals to protect core principles.
13:42
13:42
A Spanish voice became popular in English-speaking countries.
16:34
16:34
Hiring the right legal counsel was critical for navigating risks and business opportunities in new markets.
22:41
22:41
Deutsche telecom is using early models to create new podcast experiences from text.
28:52
28:52
Sales teams must report deals that feel wrong, regardless of commission size.