AI voice cloning unicorn ElevenLabs has opened a new London office, designated as its European HQ and centre for worldwide operations.
The new office, in Soho’s Wardour Street, will be the new base for ElevenLabs’ 20 London staff, with plans to double its headcount in the UK capital within six months.
The company has always had a presence in London, however, it has generally acted as a remote-first company without a centralised base.
The AI firm previously had a small space in Bond Street where staff had the option to work, however, opening the Soho location is its first step towards establishing a permanent HQ.
ElevenLabs, which can replicate human voices for text-to-speech audio, said “in the coming years” it expects its London team to grow to 100 people.
“We can’t think of a better place to open our central hub,” said ElevenLabs co-founder and CEO Mati Staniszewski.
Staniszewski and ElevenLabs CTO Piotr Dąbkowski first came to the UK over a decade ago to study.
“We’re continuously inspired by the people and the plethora of opportunities available. From AI safety to AI innovation, we’re excited to contribute to this vibrant ecosystem,” Staniszewski said.
“As we build an international team spanning many countries, we’re happy to find a location that reflects our company’s culture while staying globally well-connected.”
The London office will also include an incubator space for local startups and developers working on AI audio.
ElevenLabs, which raised £63m at a $1bn valuation in January, has been working with London & Partners to determine the best route for its London and European expansion plans.
“The fact that we have incredibly innovative companies like ElevenLabs choosing London for its European headquarters is not only a testament to the city’s thriving ecosystem but also to our solid AI credentials,” said London & Partners managing director of Grow London Janet Coyle.
“We’re thrilled to have ElevenLabs join us here and play an important part in developing the technology of tomorrow.”
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