ElevenLabs CEO Predicts AI Model Evolution Amid Industry Shifts

During the recent TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs, highlighted a future where AI models become widely accessible commodities. Despite this outlook, his company remains focused on developing these models, addressing both immediate and future needs in the AI audio sector.

Staniszewski emphasized that while ElevenLabs has overcome significant challenges in model architecture, the path forward involves continued innovation. "In a few years, AI models will become more uniform," he noted, acknowledging that some variations may persist across different languages and voices but will diminish in significance over time.

When questioned about the rationale behind their current focus, given the anticipated commoditization, Staniszewski pointed out the immediate competitive edge these models provide. "Right now, they represent a significant technological leap," he explained. He stressed the importance of developing models internally to address quality issues in AI-generated voices, suggesting that other companies will eventually follow suit.

Looking ahead, Staniszewski predicts a shift towards multi-modal AI models, blending audio with video or language processing capabilities. He cited Google’s Veo 3 as a benchmark for such integrated technologies. "The future lies in creating seamless experiences across different media types," he stated.

ElevenLabs aims to explore collaborations with other firms and integrate open source solutions. This strategic direction seeks to leverage their audio specialization while incorporating diverse technological advancements from partners. Staniszewski believes that this dual focus on model development and practical applications will drive long-term success. "Just as Apple's synergy of hardware and software was transformative, we see AI and product integration as the key to unlocking innovative use cases," he concluded.