Subtle Computing, a California-based startup, is making strides in the field of voice recognition technology, aiming to enhance the way computers understand human speech in challenging environments. The team that started the company, Tyler Chen, David Harrison, Savannah Cofer, and Jackie Yang. It was there at Stanford University that they would ultimately come together as sisters—having both met as dynamic women pursuing advanced degrees. The impetus for the momentous gathering of these founders originated in Steve Blank’s Lean Launchpad course at Columbia University. This rich experience kickstarted their personal creative enterprise focused on voice isolation models.
The long-term goal of Subtle Computing is to make voice-based AI products and services more accurate. This technology is particularly crucial for users who operate devices in noisy settings, where capturing clear audio can be difficult. Subtle Computing develops custom voice isolation models. These models tune the technology to the unique acoustics of each individual device. This bespoke approach leads to a more engaging, tailored experience. Related to that, the models are intended to learn and adapt to each user’s individual voice – rather than relying on a catch-all model to be loaded onto every single device.
Tyler Chen emphasized the significance of their transcription model, stating, “Subtle Computing’s transcription model can understand users better.” These advances result in higher quality transcripts and more natural conversations, making user experiences with AI technology easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. The startup’s commitment to refining voice recognition is evident in its systematic approach to training models that reflect the specific needs of each device and user.
Hardware startup Subtle Computing was recently announced to have won $6 million of seed funding with Entrada Ventures taking the lead on the round. Other key participants included Amplify Partners, Abstract Ventures, and a syndicate of angel investors. The group of angel investors is composed of notable figures from the technology industry. This list includes Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, Evan Sharp, co-founder of Pinterest, and Johnny Ho, founder of Perplexity.
Karen Roter Davis, a participant in the funding round, expressed her enthusiasm for Subtle Computing’s innovative approach: “Subtle Computing is meeting people where they are with voice interfaces that hold up in extreme noise and extreme quiet, providing a voice experience that is reliable, easy, and fun. It’s a game changer.” Her comment emphasizes the amazing possibilities of the technology to transform how we interact with devices on a daily basis.
The founders believe that as society increasingly interacts with AI, there is a shift toward a future where verbal communication with devices becomes commonplace. Chen remarked, “As we are interacting more with AI, we are moving towards a future where we talk with our devices.”
Compute power and machine learning are indispensable elements in the story of voice interface’s future. Karen Roter Davis added, “While you can debate whether AI will increase or decrease that time spent on a day-to-day basis, we can all agree that advances in compute power and machine learning / AI provide opportunities for voice interface breakthroughs – if done right.”