Uplift AI is a Y Combinator S25 startup building foundational voice models for regional languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, and Balochi, delivered through APIs and SDKs. It aims to bring voice-first digital experiences like voice ecommerce and banking to the majority of the world's population that speaks only regional languages; its flagship model, Orator, speaks Urdu with human-like realism. In 2025 the company raised a $3.5M seed round led by Y Combinator with participation from Indus Valley Capital and others, with part of the funding earmarked for data labeling jobs in Pakistan. Uplift AI is based in San Francisco with a strong Pakistan presence.
Uplift AI
ActiveFoundational Voice Models for regional languages
Total raised
$4M
2 rounds
Stage
Seed
Sep 2025
Team
1-10
since 2025
Pricing
—
Founded
2025
San Francisco, United States
Agent-ready
—
Foundational voice models purpose-built for regional languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, and Balochi
Orator flagship model producing human-like Urdu text-to-speech
API and SDK delivery for embedding voice into applications
Text-to-speech for voice-first interfaces in underserved languages
Designed to power voice ecommerce, banking, and accessibility use cases
Developer-focused integration for web and mobile products
Locally grounded data pipeline including labeling work in Pakistan
Focus on natural prosody and realism for regional accents
12/100
Early
MCP server
Public API
Webhooks
OAuth 2.0
SDKs
No public agent surfaces detected yet.
Cumulative raise
From 2025 to 2026 · 2 rounds tracked
Total
$4M
Sep 2025 Seed $3.5M ● Y Combinator
Jan 2025 Seed $500K ● Y Combinator
Capital network
$4M raised ·5 backers·10 network links
- Backers5
- Shared portfoliocompanies these backers also fund
- Extended networkfunds that co-invest alongside them
Wispr
Effortless voice dictation powered by AI
AI WritingAI Voice & Speech
ElevenLabs
The most realistic AI voices for creators, developers, and enterprise.
AI ChatbotsAI Voice & Speech
Wondercraft
The Canva of audio — generative AI podcasts and ads
AI VideoAI Voice & Speech
David AI
The data layer for next-generation audio and voice AI models
AI Voice & SpeechAI Audio
Assort Health
AI Voice & Speech
Regal AI
AI Voice & Speech
- Which languages does Uplift AI support?
- Uplift AI builds voice models for regional languages including Urdu, Punjabi, and Balochi, with its Orator model focused on human-like Urdu speech. The supported list is expanding over time.
- How is Uplift AI delivered to developers?
- It is delivered through APIs and SDKs, so developers can integrate text-to-speech and voice capabilities directly into web and mobile applications.
- What problem does Uplift AI solve?
- Much of the world speaks only regional languages that mainstream voice models serve poorly. Uplift AI provides high-quality, natural voice models so voice-first experiences like commerce and banking can reach those users.
- Who is behind Uplift AI?
- Uplift AI is a Y Combinator S25 company that raised a $3.5M seed round led by Y Combinator with participation from Indus Valley Capital and others, with part of the funding supporting data labeling jobs in Pakistan.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Sign inExplore more around Uplift AI
Contextual paths to related AI startups, deals and rankings.