Alexa Fund

The Alexa Fund, established in 2015 and based in Seattle, is a corporate venture capital fund operated by Amazon. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies that are innovating in areas such as artificial intelligence, voice technology, robotics, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, across various sectors including consumer, enterprise, and healthcare. In addition to its investment activities, the Alexa Fund sponsors the Alexa Accelerator, a startup program powered by Techstars. This 13-week accelerator invites selected companies to collaborate with Amazon and Techstars' technologists and product leaders, emphasizing the transformative potential of voice-powered technology in enhancing customer and business interactions. The fund aims to support builders worldwide who are passionate about leveraging voice technology to improve user experiences.

Hanns Anders

Investor

Zain Gulamali

Investment Partner

Past deals in Speech Recognition

Syntiant

Series D in 2022
Syntiant is moving artificial intelligence and machine learning from the cloud to edge devices. Syntiant’s advanced chip solutions merge deep learning with semiconductor design to produce ultra-low-power, high performance, deep neural network processors for always-on applications in battery-powered devices, such as smartphones, smart speakers, earbuds, hearing aids, and laptops. It was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Cognixion

Seed Round in 2021
Cognixion, Inc. is a computer software company that focuses on developing innovative solutions for individuals with communication disabilities. Its flagship product, Speakprose, employs a brain-computer interface (BCI) to translate brainwave signals into verbal communication, thus enabling non-verbal individuals to express themselves through artificial intelligence technology. In addition to this, Cognixion also creates a speech-generating device and an eye-tracking system tailored for disabled users. Founded in 2014, the company operates from its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California, and has an additional office in Toronto, Canada. Originally incorporated as Smartstones, Inc., it rebranded to Cognixion in December 2017, reflecting its commitment to advancing communication technology through biosignal recognition.

Amira Learning

Venture Round in 2020
Amira Learning offers an intelligent reading assistant that listens, assesses, and tutors. Amira recommends appropriately challenging stories, listens as a student reads aloud, and intervenes when helpful. The company assesses oral reading fluency and analyzes errors to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. Every time a student and Amira read together, Amira generates diagnostic reports that empower teachers and parents. It gives teachers more time to teach and gives students a more effective way to practice.

Voiceflow

Funding Round in 2019
Voiceflow, Inc. is a Toronto-based company that provides an online platform for designing and developing voice applications. Founded in 2018, Voiceflow enables users, including content creators and businesses, to create, prototype, and distribute voice applications for smart speakers like Alexa and Google Assistant without requiring coding skills. The platform features a visual programming language with a drag-and-drop interface, simplifying the process of building and launching voice applications. Through its user-friendly tools, Voiceflow supports the monetization of voice content, making it accessible for individuals and organizations to leverage voice technology effectively.

EX-IQ

Venture Round in 2019
EX-IQ, Inc. is a technology company based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing application software and a web-based platform that transforms documents into interactive audio files, which can be accessed through voice commands or touch. This innovative approach allows users to engage with written content through highlighting and voice notes, enhancing their learning experiences. The company’s mobile and desktop applications leverage artificial intelligence to create personalized learning environments, catering to a diverse user base that includes students, professionals, and lifelong learners. By prioritizing efficiency and productivity, EX-IQ seeks to transform how individuals interact with information and maximize their learning potential.

VoiceHero

Seed Round in 2019
Developer of voice command tools intended for voice app makers. The company's services make the discovery of voice products easy, enabling developers to design their application better.

Jargon

Seed Round in 2019
Jargon Inc. is a software development company that focuses on creating solutions for engineers and developers to manage and optimize voice content in applications such as virtual voice assistants. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, Jargon provides a platform that allows users to customize the responses of voice applications on services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This platform supports multiple languages and enables brands and application developers to intelligently tailor their interactions with users, enhancing the overall voice experience. Through its innovative technology, Jargon empowers teams to efficiently author, deliver, and optimize voice content, ensuring effective communication in diverse contexts.

Syntiant

Series B in 2018
Syntiant is moving artificial intelligence and machine learning from the cloud to edge devices. Syntiant’s advanced chip solutions merge deep learning with semiconductor design to produce ultra-low-power, high performance, deep neural network processors for always-on applications in battery-powered devices, such as smartphones, smart speakers, earbuds, hearing aids, and laptops. It was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Jargon

Seed Round in 2018
Jargon Inc. is a software development company that focuses on creating solutions for engineers and developers to manage and optimize voice content in applications such as virtual voice assistants. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, Jargon provides a platform that allows users to customize the responses of voice applications on services like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This platform supports multiple languages and enables brands and application developers to intelligently tailor their interactions with users, enhancing the overall voice experience. Through its innovative technology, Jargon empowers teams to efficiently author, deliver, and optimize voice content, ensuring effective communication in diverse contexts.

Novel Effect

Series A in 2018
Seattle-based Novel Effect is the leader in voice-driven media and entertainment. Through the use of voice, Novel Effect’s products blend physical and digital worlds to create immersive and interactive experiences across books, video and games.

Pulse Labs

Seed Round in 2018
Pulse Labs is a user testing platform focused on enhancing the user experience for voice applications within the voice ecosystem, including platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company provides developers and designers with valuable insights into how real users interact with their voice applications through comprehensive testing and data analysis. By offering a panel of testers from various demographics, Pulse Labs enables its clients to gather feedback and refine their applications to better meet user needs. The company gained recognition as one of the nine startups in the inaugural Alexa Accelerator Powered by Techstars, highlighting its commitment to advancing voice technology.

Pulse Labs

Convertible Note in 2017
Pulse Labs is a user testing platform focused on enhancing the user experience for voice applications within the voice ecosystem, including platforms such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Founded in 2017 and based in Seattle, Washington, the company provides developers and designers with valuable insights into how real users interact with their voice applications through comprehensive testing and data analysis. By offering a panel of testers from various demographics, Pulse Labs enables its clients to gather feedback and refine their applications to better meet user needs. The company gained recognition as one of the nine startups in the inaugural Alexa Accelerator Powered by Techstars, highlighting its commitment to advancing voice technology.

Kitt.ai

Seed Round in 2016
KITT.AI offers a conversational understanding as a service that focuses on multi-turn dialog.

MARA

Venture Round in 2015
MARA is a developer of a voice-controlled virtual assistant tailored for runners. This innovative platform enables users to track their running progress through voice commands, allowing for hands-free operation. It monitors various metrics, including distance, speed, and duration, while also providing weather updates. By comparing run times and analyzing user behavior, MARA enhances the overall running experience, making it easier for individuals to improve their performance during exercise and outdoor activities.
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