tech
January 22, 2026
Voice AI engine and OpenAI partner LiveKit hits $1B valuation
The five-year-old-startup powers OpenAI’s ChatGPT voice mode and raised a $100 million round led by Index Ventures.
TL;DR
- LiveKit raised $100 million at a $1 billion valuation.
- The funding round was led by Index Ventures with participation from existing investors.
- LiveKit provides infrastructure software for real-time AI voice and video applications.
- The company powers OpenAI's ChatGPT voice mode.
- Other customers include xAI, Salesforce, Tesla, 911 emergency service operators, and mental health providers.
- Founded in 2021 by Russ d’Sa and David Zhao as an open-source project.
- The business grew by offering managed cloud versions to enterprises.
- The company experienced growth amid the voice AI boom.