ElevenLabs, a pioneering voice AI research and deployment company, has taken a significant step in its global expansion by establishing its European headquarters in London. This move marks a crucial milestone for the company, which has rapidly grown since its inception in 2022 and recently achieved unicorn status with a $1.1 billion valuation.

A Strategic Choice for Growth

The decision to set up the European hub in London stems from the city's unique blend of attributes that align with ElevenLabs' vision and needs. The British capital's cultural diversity, rich talent pool, and proximity to other tech hubs make it an ideal location for the company's next phase of growth. London's reputation as a center for cutting-edge AI research further solidifies its appeal for ElevenLabs.

Deep-Rooted Connections to the UK

ElevenLabs' ties to the UK run deep, with co-founders Mati Staniszewski and Piotr Dabkowski having attended UK universities and launched their careers in London. This personal connection to the city has played a significant role in the company's decision to establish its European headquarters there.

The New London Office

Located on Wardour Street, the new office currently houses over 20 London-based team members. ElevenLabs has ambitious plans to expand this workforce to 40 within six months and potentially reach 100 employees in the coming years. The office is designed to accommodate the company's growing team while maintaining its global, remote-first culture.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

In an innovative move, ElevenLabs is creating an incubator-style space within the London office. This area will be dedicated to supporting local startups and creatives working on AI audio projects. Participants will have access to ElevenLabs credits, free office space, and community events, fostering a collaborative ecosystem in the AI audio sector.

Leadership Perspectives

The establishment of ElevenLabs' European headquarters in London has been met with enthusiasm from both company leadership and city officials.

• Mati Staniszewski, CEO and co-founder of ElevenLabs expressed his excitement about the move, stating, "We can't think of a better place to open our central hub. My co-founder Piotr and I came to the UK to study over 10 years ago, and we're continuously inspired by the people and the plethora of opportunities available." Staniszewski emphasized the company's commitment to contributing to London's vibrant ecosystem, from AI safety to innovation, and highlighted the city's ability to reflect ElevenLabs' culture while maintaining global connectivity.

• Janet Coyle CBE, Managing Director of Grow London at London & Partners, echoed this sentiment, remarking, "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." Coyle also highlighted research indicating that a significant majority of international AI company decision-makers view London as highly supportive of AI development, underscoring the city's appeal to cutting-edge tech firms like ElevenLabs.

Global Expansion and Remote-First Philosophy

While establishing physical hubs, ElevenLabs remains committed to its remote-first philosophy. The company's workforce spans over 15 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, reflecting its dedication to tapping into global talent. Plans are underway to open additional hubs in New York and Warsaw, further expanding the company's international presence.

ElevenLabs' Technology and Impact

Since its launch, ElevenLabs has made significant strides in natural speech synthesis. The company's technology enables the creation of AI voices with diverse languages, accents, emotions, and intonations. Its impact is evident in its adoption by 41% of Fortune 500 companies, with users generating over 100 years of audio content.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

As ElevenLabs continues to grow, it is actively seeking talented individuals to join its mission of breaking down communication barriers through AI audio. The company is also planning to announce a new hub and investment in Poland, paying homage to the founders' roots and the country where the initial idea for ElevenLabs was conceived.

ElevenLabs' establishment of its European headquarters in London represents a significant milestone in the company's journey. By leveraging London's diverse talent pool, innovative ecosystem, and strategic location, ElevenLabs is well-positioned to drive forward its mission of revolutionizing AI audio technology. As the company continues to expand globally while maintaining its remote-first culture, it stands at the forefront of bridging language and accessibility barriers in digital content, promising exciting developments in the field of AI-powered voice technology.