In a move to solidify New York City as a leading center for artificial intelligence (AI), the global AI outfit ElevenLabs plans to enlarge its operations in the heart of Manhattan. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the expansion as a key development in New York's embrace of AI, with ElevenLabs set to create 230 new jobs and invest $33 million in research and development. “New York is becoming one of the world’s premiere destinations for artificial intelligence companies, and ElevenLabs’ decision to expand here is proof that our strategy is working,” Hochul remarked, emphasizing the infusion of high-quality jobs and a commitment to responsible technological advancement the deal represents, as per the Governor's Office.
Founded in 2022 by Warsaw natives Mati Staniszewski and Piotr Dąbkowski, ElevenLabs has origins in tackling the shortcomings of content dubbing in their native Poland and has since ventured into a variety of AI-driven audio technologies. Inspired by New York's unmatched talent, they are looking to deepen their investment in AI, according to a statement released by the Governor's Office highlighting the company's humble beginnings and ambitious growth trajectory.
Empire State Development is backing the expansion with $4.4 million in tax credits contingent on job creation and R&D milestones. ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “ElevenLabs is at the forefront of innovation in generative AI audio, and its expansion in New York City reinforces our state’s leadership in attracting the world’s most dynamic technology companies.” The support from ESD illustrates the state's aggressive incentives designed to lure tech businesses into New York's ecosystem, hoping to bring the state to the forefront of AI development, according to the Governor's Office.
New York's larger plan to become a haven for responsible AI development includes a statewide strategy, the Empire AI Consortium, and investments in workforce training and transparent AI innovation. “We want to lead New York’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem,” Staniszewski told the press, elucidating ElevenLabs’ aspiration in addition to their operational growth. Their upcoming move to a larger space on Crosby Street in Soho is a testament to the company's significant headway and the city's growing reputation as an AI hub, as noted by the Governor's Office.
ElevenLabs operates two platforms powered by their own AI research, including an Agents Platform for intelligent voice and chat agents, and a Creative Platform offering advanced capabilities in speech, music, image, and video generation. As it joins the ranks of other tech firms in the state, ElevenLabs is being singled out for reimagining human-technology interactions, with their work extending into various verticals from customer engagement to creative content production.
