Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has sparked an unprecedented boom in the conversational AI market, driving key predictions that the global sector will approach a valuation of nearly $50 billion by 2031. Amidst this rapidly evolving landscape, numerous startups have been emerging—each striving to demonstrate what sets them apart from an already crowded field.
One startup that’s quickly gained momentum is Berlin-based Synthflow AI. Launched in 2023, Synthflow has rapidly carved out a niche by positioning itself as an enterprise-grade, no-code platform specifically tailored to voice AI applications. Unlike more generalized conversational AI solutions, Synthflow specializes in enabling businesses to deploy personalized, white-labeled virtual agents for customer service operations. In a short span, it has successfully onboarded more than 1,000 enterprise customers and has already facilitated upwards of 45 million calls.
The company’s emphasis on easy set-up, combined with stringent adherence to compliance standards such as HIPAA and GDPR, has added significant value to its proposition. Moreover, Synthflow’s products seamlessly integrate into over two hundred third-party enterprise software applications, including well-known platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Twilio.
Synthflow founders Hakob Astabatsyan, Albert Astabatsyan, and Sassun Mirzakhan-Saky initially began their journey by experimenting with OpenAI’s ChatGPT API in early 2023. Exploring ways to develop no-code business solutions from text-based AI interactions eventually led them to tackle the significantly more complex problems posed by voice interface technologies. They quickly discovered that voice interactions involved intricate challenges including low latency requirements, natural interruptions handling, and real-time responsiveness.
Recognizing that these complexities represented a substantial competitive barrier—and hence, a significant opportunity—the team pivoted their focus exclusively on voice solutions. “When we realized the sheer complexity voice introduced, we instantly fell in love with the challenge,” Hakob Astabatsyan explained. “From that point onward, we knew Synthflow would focus solely on voice AI.”
Synthflow initially launched an early version of its product at the start of 2024, followed later that year by a fully-fledged, enterprise-grade iteration. Since its launch, the company’s growth trajectory has accelerated dramatically, experiencing a 15-fold increase over the past year. Currently, Synthflow’s voice agents process around five million customer calls per month—up significantly from just one or two million in the early stages. Astabatsyan also pointed to a robust customer retention rate of over 90% among its enterprise clients, underscoring the lasting value Synthflow delivers.
Recently, the startup boosted its momentum further by securing $20 million in Series A financing, led by prominent investor Accel, with additional participation from existing backers Atlantic Labs and Singular. Synthflow intends to deploy the fresh funding to expand its team, bolster its research and development capabilities, as well as establish its first U.S.-based office in the near future.
According to Accel partner Luca Bocchio, Synthflow’s focus on extensive enterprise-level integrations and compliance from its earliest days was a significant factor in the venture firm’s decision to back the startup. He noted specifically the founders’ clear vision and drive, highlighting their deep understanding of enterprise requirements that have distinguished Synthflow in a competitive category.
Despite its impressive early traction, Synthflow operates in a fiercely competitive landscape with numerous well-capitalized rivals, such as Bret Taylor’s AI customer service platform Sierra—which has already raised approximately $285 million—and Bland AI, backed by over $50 million in venture capital, among others. However, Astabatsyan remains confident about Synthflow’s direction, outlining a clear roadmap centered firmly around its established product-market fit and loyal customer base.
“AI moves incredibly fast, often faster than anyone expects,” Astabatsyan reflected. “But we have reached a point where our core customer base is very clearly defined, and we have a well-articulated roadmap outlining precisely where we want Synthflow to go over the next three to five years.”
