All Segments
The Story Behind ElevenLabs | Interview with CEO Mati Staniszewski
5 segments available
ElevenLabs started as a weekend project. They now have hundreds of thousands of users and crossed $330M ARR in 2025. We sat down with their team to understand how they're building the next fundamental computer interface: voice. This is the ElevenLabs story. Resources: Follow Mati on X: https://x.com/matiii Follow Piotr on X: https://x.com/dabkowski_piotr Follow Jennifer on X: https://x.com/JenniferHli Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends. Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see http://a16z.com/disclosures.
Segments Timeline
Future of Voice Technology
Exploring the evolution and potential of voice as a fundamental interface in human-computer interaction.
"We've been trying to make these human voices for literally since the 1700s. Then in the early 1900s, we had the first digital synthesizers. >> Are you um >> that it doesn't cross that threshold of act..."
The Rise of Voice Design
Exploring the rapid growth and team evolution behind voice technology innovations.
"or female voice are narrated with one single character. So, one voice speaks all the lines. >> They ought to make the day that >> what? >> Well, it's 8:00 and it's not a good day. >> All the emotional..."
From Gaming to Voice Innovation
A journey from video game ambition to revolutionizing voice technology and culture at 11 Labs.
"a hackathon together when we were 21. >> I was working at the White House for President Biden and an 11 Labs investor told me that I should do everything in my power to try to go work there. I was alw..."
Building a Culture of Autonomy
This segment explores the company's unique team dynamics and the importance of trust and autonomy in fostering innovation.
"the company was was chatting with the founders, Maddie and and Podor. They had a really unique vision of like what the world could look like in the future that a lot of people didn't see yet. >> Matty..."
The Voice of Change
Exploring the emotional impact of voice technology and the unique opportunities it presents for personal and professional growth.
">> We are apply rigorous screen for ensuring a cultural fit before we bring someone in. And I think that's essential to being able to scale this quickly and still preserve culture. In fact, when I fir..."