A growing focus on voice-driven AI is shaping new talent moves across the industry, with Google DeepMind onboarding key leaders from voice AI startup Hume AI under a new licensing agreement.
As part of the deal, Hume AI CEO Alan Cowen and around 7 senior engineers will join DeepMind. Their work will focus on improving voice features within Gemini, according to a publication that first reported the development.
The remaining Hume AI team will continue operating independently and supplying its technology to other AI companies. Financial terms were not disclosed. However, Andrew Ettinger, an investor and tech executive who joined Hume AI last week and has taken over as CEO, told a tech news platform that Google has a “non-exclusive right to all of our IP, and we’ll be infusing that into their processes.”
Ettinger also said the company plans to release new models in the coming months and expects to generate $100 million in revenue this year.
The move reflects a broader trend of major AI players acquiring talent rather than entire companies, often referred to as acqui-hires. Such deals can reduce regulatory scrutiny compared to full acquisitions. Last year, Google brought in senior leaders from AI coding startup Windsurf, while OpenAI has added teams from startups such as Convogo and Roi. The Federal Trade Commission has recently said it will examine these arrangements more closely.
The deal also highlights voice as a fast-emerging frontier in AI. Hume AI is known for models that detect emotion and mood from voice. In 2024, the startup launched its Empathetic Voice Interface, designed to add emotional intelligence to conversations. The company has raised close to $80 million to date, based on industry data.
Competition in AI voice technology is intensifying. Google continues to enhance Gemini Live and recently released a native audio model for its Live API to better “handle complex workflows.” Meta has also expanded its audio push, while OpenAI is reportedly preparing new audio models for an upcoming audio-first device with Jonny Ive’s io.
“Voice is the only acceptable input mode for wearables,” investor Vanessa Larco told TechCrunch. “This acquisition will only accelerate the need for voice apps.”
Demand is rising fast. Earlier this month, ElevenLabs said it crossed $330 million in annual recurring revenue.
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