Meta Acquires WaveForms AI to Enhance Emotionally Expressive Voice Technology
Meta Platforms has reportedly acquired WaveForms AI, a startup specializing in AI that understands and replicates emotion in audio. Co-founded by Alexis Conneau, formerly of Meta and OpenAI, and Coralie Lemaitre, formerly of Google, WaveForms AI launched in December 2024. It raised $40 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz.
This acquisition marks Meta’s second major move into AI-driven audio, reinforcing its ambitions for immersive voice interactions across platforms like the metaverse and virtual assistants. According to reports, WaveForms AI’s founders will join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, a new AI division focused on developing advanced, human-like audio capabilities.
Strategic Talent and Technology Expansion
Meta’s acquisition comes as part of a broader talent acquisition strategy. This campaign has recently included purchases of PlayAI and ScaleAI, alongside notable hires from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. By acquiring WaveForms AI, Meta aims to close a significant gap in its AI voice capabilities.
While Meta works on real-time, two-way voice interactions for its chatbot, competitors such as OpenAI and Google have already launched advanced, natural-sounding voice features in ChatGPT and Gemini. These offerings set a higher standard for conversational AI, which Meta is eager to meet.
Investing Heavily in AI Infrastructure
In addition to acquisitions, Meta is ramping up investments in AI infrastructure. The company is securing $29 billion to expand its data center capacity in rural Louisiana. This investment supports a broader AI infrastructure build-out, including massive facilities like Prometheus and Hyperion.
These efforts demonstrate Meta’s commitment to fueling its AI ambitions and competing effectively in the evolving AI and voice interaction landscape.
