Investor and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath believes voice-based artificial intelligence could become the next major interface for digital interaction, potentially transforming how millions access information, communicate and participate in public discourse.
In a wide-ranging conversation on the podcast People by WTF, Kamath spoke with Mati Staniszewski about the future of voice AI, emerging hardware ecosystems and the strategic need for countries such as India to build their own digital infrastructure.
Kamath argued that if voice technology reaches its potential—delivering real-time translation and personalised information through devices such as earbuds or wearable companions—it could dramatically broaden access to knowledge beyond English-speaking or digitally privileged communities.
“Nobody seems to have cracked voice yet. But if it translates without latency and becomes the natural interface, that changes who gets to participate,” Kamath said during the discussion.
Breaking the Language Barrier
Staniszewski, whose company ElevenLabs develops advanced voice generation systems used by firms including Meesho, MasterClass and TVS Motor, outlined what he described as the three building blocks of universal voice technology: highly natural-sounding AI models, seamless integration with knowledge systems and the emergence of dedicated AI-native hardware.
The conversation also touched on new device ecosystems that could carry voice AI into everyday life. Kamath, who revealed he is an investor in Nothing founded by Carl Pei, said AI-focused hardware could play a crucial role in expanding adoption across emerging markets.
Sovereign Stack
Beyond technology, Kamath raised concerns about the concentration of digital power in global platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram. In a world of rising geopolitical tensions, he warned that relying on foreign-controlled algorithms to shape online discourse could become increasingly problematic.
“I don’t like the fact that a foreign nation controls the algorithm that defines the mood and evolution of the youth of my country,” Kamath said.
The discussion also revealed that Kamath is quietly developing a new India-focused social platform aimed at encouraging thoughtful debate rather than the outrage-driven engagement typical of many existing networks.
Rather than attempting to build a “super app”, he said the platform would focus on verified users and discussions that reward curiosity and meaningful exchange.
Staniszewski suggested that collaboration between voice-AI infrastructure providers and local digital ecosystems could open up an entirely new category of AI-driven social platforms. “There is no AI social product today. The space is wide open,” he said.
For Kamath, the stakes extend well beyond entrepreneurship. If deployed widely, voice AI could give millions of people access to multilingual, expert-level knowledge through simple devices, potentially narrowing the gap between decision-makers and ordinary citizens.
The challenge, he suggested, is ensuring that countries like India help build the next wave of digital infrastructure rather than merely consuming it.
“The window is now,” Staniszewski said.