Modulate, a Boston-based voice intelligence startup, has raised $25 million to expand its deepfake detection and voice analysis platform. SecurityWeek frames the round as a response to growing misuse of AI-generated voice, with real-time detection and intervention as the goal. TechCrunch reports the same funding amount but describes a broader platform that also covers transcription, emotional analysis, AI music detection, and policy enforcement for regulated industries.
According to TechCrunch, the company runs more than 100 small models split into signal extraction (vocal emotion, tone, language, synthetic voice determination) and analysis/detection (intent, rule violations, scam attempts). Co-founder Carter Huffman said the small-model approach avoids the need for specialized hardware and heavy compute. Customers include call centers that want to be alerted to possible deepfake scams, as well as organizations monitoring AI agents for compliance and call quality.
The two sources differ in scope. SecurityWeek focuses narrowly on deepfake detection, while TechCrunch adds that Modulate also monitors cyberattacks through voice calls. TechCrunch further notes the company's history: founded in 2017 by Mike Pappas and Carter Huffman, it started with gaming voice modulation before shifting to enterprise voice moderation and now AI audio analysis. Modulate is working on on-premises and on-device deployment for greater privacy, and plans to add about 10 employees to its current 40-45.