Synthflow secures $7.4M to provide no-code voice assistance for SMEs

Synthflow Secures $7.4M Seed Round to Enhance AI Voice Assistance for SMEs

In the rapidly evolving world of automation, a Berlin-based startup, Synthflow, has taken significant strides by focusing on automating repetitive tasks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative aligns with the startup's recent announcement of a $7.4 million seed round dedicated to bolstering its no-code AI voice assistance platform. Since its inception around spring last year, Synthflow has accumulated a total of $9.1 million in funding, reflecting a growing investor interest in generative AI applications.

Synthflow's journey has been marked by impressive growth, nearing 1,000 customers and boasting "double-digit" monthly growth rates since launching its browser-based "no code" tool in December 2023. This growth indicates a strong interest among SMEs in leveraging generative AI tools for productivity gains, even if it’s just an experimental phase for many.

Expanding Capabilities and Market Reach

The newly secured funds will be directed towards research and development as the team strives to enhance product utility and broaden its appeal. According to CEO Hakob Astabatsyan, there's a clear vision for what customers need, driven by the founders' expertise and backgrounds, which includes a mix of entrepreneurial and engineering skills.

Synthflow initially launched with English-language call handling, given its primary markets, but has since added beta versions for German and French audiences. This expansion signals an increased focus on European markets.

Service Industry and DIY Approach

Synthflow's approach diverges slightly from early AI voice agents by directly targeting service industry-focused SMEs, especially smaller businesses with a do-it-yourself (DIY) "no code" offering. The main goal is to provide SMEs with an "end-to-end" experience that can make core task automation like appointment scheduling instantly beneficial. The solution proposes that SMEs can achieve better affordability and reliability through AI, freeing human workers to handle more complex tasks.

An example cited includes a handyman or mechanic missing calls due to being occupied with tasks, or a dentist's limited-hours receptionist. Synthflow’s tool handling customer inquiries could be transformative for such businesses.

No Code Interface

To make AI accessible to non-technical users, Synthflow introduced a no code interface where business owners can design voice agents tailored to their needs. This interface supports functionalities like scheduling, FAQs, and information extraction. Users can configure the AI to disclose its virtual assistant status, maintaining transparency.

Advanced Features and Future Developments

A considerable utility of Synthflow's voice AIs lies in recognizing complex calls that need human intervention, thus enhancing resource allocation. Automation of post-call data entry and third-party software integration is another key focus. The startup incorporates OpenAI’s GPT LLM, enhances it with proprietary models, and utilizes a "voice orchestration layer" for smooth text-to-speech interactions.

Currently, Synthflow opts for inbound call automation, viewed as low-hanging fruit for resource-strapped firms, but hints at more sophisticated R&D-driven functionalities, such as real-time inventory checks during calls or interconnected voice AIs for handling multifaceted customer requests.

The vision is not to replace but rather augment human jobs, channeling productivity into new areas. Unleashing this productivity may prompt SMEs to explore further capacity, presenting both opportunities and managerial challenges awaiting strategic resolution.

Synthflow’s recent seed funding was led by Singular and included contributions from current and new investors in the AI sphere.