Sourabh Gupta and Akshay Deshraj: Empowering Customer Service with Skit’s Voice Automation Platform

In customer service and artificial intelligence, Sourabh Gupta and Akshay Deshraj, the visionary co-founders of Skit, formerly known as Vernacular.ai, have secured their place as innovators on the global stage. Their AI-based voice startup, Skit, recently made headlines by raising $23 million in a Series B funding round, paving the way for the company’s ambitious expansion plans and the enhancement of their pioneering product, the Vernacular Intelligent Voice Assistant (VIVA).

Founded in 2016, Skit, previously known as Vernacular.ai, has quickly risen to prominence in the realm of AI-driven voice technology. The startup’s mission is to transform customer service using their voice automation platform, VIVA. The recent Series B funding, led by WestBridge Capital with participation from Kalaari Capital and Exfinity Ventures, among others, reflects a growing interest and confidence in the company’s capabilities. Sourabh Gupta, an alumnus of IIT Roorkee, and Akshay Deshraj have been at the helm of Skit since its inception, guiding the company’s growth and innovation. Their journey has been marked by dedication, vision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of AI and voice technology.

With the infusion of $23 million in funding, Skit is poised to make strategic inroads into the US and Southeast Asian markets. The company’s voice automation platform, VIVA, is positioned to address the global voice customer service market with its unique capabilities. It is a testament to the startup’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its vision for the future of customer service. The global contact center market is on a steady growth trajectory, expected to reach a value of $496 billion by 2027. Skit’s founders believe that their voice bot innovation and personalized caller experiences will play a crucial role in enhancing customer contact centers. Their platform promises to deliver up to a 50 percent reduction in costs while providing a superior customer experience.

Sourabh Gupta, the CEO and co-founder of Skit, expressed his confidence in the company’s trajectory, stating, “This investment comes when we are making strategic inroads into the US and Southeast Asian markets. Clients and investors alike have recognized the uniqueness and superiority of our product and continue to show confidence in our growth path.”

Skit’s recent Series B funding is a significant milestone, following their successful Series A round in May 2020, led by Exfinity Ventures and Kalaari Capital. Additional participation came from AngelList, IAN Fund, and LetsVenture, demonstrating the growing interest and investment in the startup. The total funds raised now stand at an impressive $30 million. The company’s growth trajectory is set to continue as they embark on an expansion journey, doubling down on their operations in both Indian and global markets. Sashi Reddi, venture advisor to WestBridge Capital, recognizes the immense potential of Skit, stating, “Skit’s success in helping India’s largest companies positions them well to enter the US market, where there is a massive need for voice AI solutions.”

At the heart of Skit’s success is their revolutionary product, VIVA. With over 10 million hours of training data, VIVA is capable of responding in over 16 languages, covering more than 160 dialects, and replicating human-like conversations. The versatility and adaptability of VIVA have made it a sought-after solution across various industries, including banking and financial services, insurance, securities, NBFCs, food and beverage, e-commerce, automotive, and travel and tourism. Notable clients who have harnessed the power of VIVA include Axis Bank, Hathway, Porter, and Barbeque Nation, among others. The startup’s ability to personalize and enhance customer experiences has made them a valuable asset in the competitive landscape of customer service.

As Sourabh Gupta and Akshay Deshraj continue to shape the future of customer service and voice technology, Skit is poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry. Their commitment to innovation, excellence, and personalized customer experiences sets them apart as visionary leaders in the ever-evolving world of AI-driven customer service solutions.