Whispp, a Leiden-based startup specializing in audio-to-audio voice reconstruction AI, has raised €5 million to scale its technology globally. The company’s on-device platform converts whispered or impaired speech into natural-sounding voice output, catering to individuals with voice disabilities.
The follow-on investment round was led by LUMO Labs, joined by strategic angel investors, with additional non-dilutive funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator. The startup did not disclose its valuation.
The voice AI space is crowded, with competitors like Google’s Project Relate and startups such as Voicery offering similar assistive technologies. However, Whispp’s focus on real-time, on-device processing—avoiding cloud latency—positions it uniquely for privacy-conscious users. The global assistive communication market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2030.
This funding signals growing investor interest in AI-powered accessibility tools, particularly those that prioritize data privacy through edge computing. The EIC Accelerator’s involvement also highlights European Union support for deep tech innovations with social impact.
Founded by Joris Castermans and a team of speech technologists, Whispp previously raised a seed round from LUMO Labs and others. The company plans to use the new capital to expand into North American and Asian markets, targeting partnerships with healthcare providers.