Inside SKUSavvy: Alex Senn and Kyle Villeneuve Discuss Warehouse Solutions for E-commerce

US Business News Staff on May 8, 2025

By: Zach Miller

Founders of SKUSavvy, Alex Senn and Kyle Villeneuve, sit down for an interview to discuss the growing demand for efficient warehouse management systems and share their vision for the future. SKUSavvy is a unified mobile WMS solution, a platform designed to streamline replenishing stock, fulfillment, and inventory with its Shopify warehousing and order fulfillment functions. Whether for a single location or an expansive warehouse network SKUSavvy aims to help manage logistics and bring all data into one platform. Alex and Kyle’s backgrounds in entrepreneurship and e-commerce make them well-suited to address challenges in order fulfillment and inventory management.

Alex and Kyle, what inspired you to create SKUSavvy, and how did your previous experiences influence its development?

“We both started off in the eCommerce agency space at two different companies, focusing on creating Shopify websites and custom inventory applications,” explains Kyle. “Along the way, a client came to us with a request to build a warehouse management system (WMS), so Alex’s agency developed it, incorporating features like field sales, WMS, and routing & delivery. With that experience and hearing from agency clients about their challenges with inventory and warehouse management, we realized the current solutions weren’t meeting the needs of modern merchants, particularly in terms of Shopify integration. So, we worked with some of our clients to build it, gathering valuable insights into functionality.”

What key challenges in eCommerce fulfillment does SKUSavvy address, and how does it improve efficiency for D2C businesses?

“SKUSavvy provides a comprehensive feature set for companies that are too large for basic shipping software but don’t yet require a full ERP solution. We offer warehouse management tools, inventory tracking, and a pick-pack-ship solution with a mobile-first design at a competitive price,” says Alex. “SKUSavvy is positioned to help enhance fulfillment efficiency with a 3D warehouse design that can help speed up various warehouse operations.”

How has the visual warehouse management feature with 2D and 3D layouts improved workflows for your clients?

“New or seasonal workers can quickly understand where to go to pick orders, put stock away, or count inventory,” Kyle explains. “This leads to faster onboarding and more efficient task management. It’s like modern-day route navigation in a car versus using paper maps. It’s a simple way to improve efficiency in the warehouse.”

Can you share a success story where SKUSavvy significantly improved a business’s operations?

“Koetter Group stores over 100,000 barrels of spirits across five rickhouses,” says Alex. “With SKUSavvy, they can now visualize the location of each barrel on a 3D map, enabling them to immediately locate any barrel, which is quite innovative in this space.”

How do you ensure the platform remains adaptable for businesses of varying sizes, from startups to enterprises, without sacrificing usability or efficiency?

“We work closely with our clients to listen and adapt the platform to address their specific needs. This allows us to make necessary adjustments without compromising the user-friendly design,” says Kyle. “The platform’s modern and simplified design makes it flexible enough for a range of businesses.”

How do you see SKUSavvy evolving with emerging trends like AI-driven fulfillment, sustainability in logistics, or even decentralized warehousing systems?

“SKUSavvy is aiming to be part of the trend toward more automated warehouses, and we want to help smaller warehouses achieve the same level of efficiency as larger ones when it comes to pick-pack operations. We’re exploring the integration of humanoid robots into our ecosystem as part of the growing trend of automation,” says Alex.

Published by Jeremy S.

How AI is Redefining the Project Manager’s Role

US Business News Staff 2 on May 8, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on many industries, including project management. As AI technologies become more accessible and sophisticated, they are increasingly integrated into project management practices. These tools can streamline various aspects of the project management process, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency. Rather than replacing human project managers, AI can support and augment their efforts, allowing them to focus more on high-level strategic tasks while AI handles routine or data-heavy tasks. Understanding the ways AI is reshaping the project manager’s role can provide insight into the future of the profession.

How Does AI Improve Project Planning and Scheduling?

Effective planning and scheduling are key to the success of any project. AI tools can significantly streamline these processes by automating time-consuming tasks and offering data-driven insights. Traditional project management often involves estimating timelines, allocating resources, and scheduling tasks based on previous experience or basic templates. AI, however, can analyze large amounts of historical project data to make more accurate predictions about timeframes, potential delays, and required resources.

AI-powered tools can help project managers by generating project schedules based on input data such as project scope, team availability, and resource requirements. These tools also adjust dynamically to real-time information. For instance, if a team member falls ill or a task takes longer than expected, AI can suggest alternative scheduling adjustments, helping project managers stay on track without needing to manually rearrange timelines.

Through these automated scheduling tools, project managers can free up time to focus on overseeing the overall strategy of the project, ensuring that goals are aligned and that progress is being made according to plan.

How Does AI Support Data-Driven Decision-Making in Project Management?

Data is a crucial asset in any project, and AI can enhance decision-making by providing deeper insights into the data. In traditional project management, decisions are often based on limited or anecdotal data. With AI tools, project managers can access a wider range of insights based on historical data, trends, and predictive models. This data-driven approach can help project managers make more informed decisions about resource allocation, risk management, and timelines.

AI can also assist in analyzing past project performance to help forecast outcomes. By using predictive analytics, AI can identify potential challenges before they occur. For instance, if similar past projects encountered delays due to specific factors, the AI system can flag these as potential risks for future projects. This allows project managers to proactively address issues before they disrupt progress.

The insights AI provides are not just limited to historical data but can also be used to evaluate ongoing project performance in real-time. AI tools can track the progress of tasks, measure team productivity, and detect patterns that might suggest inefficiencies or risks. This ongoing analysis helps project managers adapt their strategies and make timely, informed decisions based on current circumstances.

How Can AI Improve Resource Allocation in Project Management?

Efficient resource allocation is a significant challenge in project management, especially when managing multiple projects or working with limited resources. AI helps project managers optimize resource allocation by analyzing data to determine the best ways to distribute resources across tasks and teams.

AI systems can monitor the utilization of resources such as team members, equipment, and finances, identifying potential inefficiencies. For example, if a resource is underused or overburdened, AI can recommend adjustments to balance workloads more effectively. By providing these insights, AI supports project managers in ensuring that resources are allocated in the most efficient way possible, reducing waste and improving productivity.

Additionally, AI can assist with predictive resource planning, helping project managers anticipate future resource needs based on project requirements and historical data. This predictive capability ensures that resources are available when needed and that no resources are left idle. As a result, project managers can optimize the entire resource lifecycle, from allocation to tracking and adjustment.

What Role Does AI Play in Risk Management for Project Managers?

Risk management is one of the most critical responsibilities of a project manager. Managing and mitigating risks ensures that a project stays on track, within scope, and within budget. AI can enhance the project manager’s ability to anticipate and manage risks by offering advanced predictive models and real-time risk assessments.

AI systems analyze large sets of data to detect early signs of potential risks. For example, if a project is likely to exceed its budget or timeline based on historical patterns, AI can alert project managers to these risks, allowing them to take corrective actions before they escalate. AI can also assess the likelihood of risks occurring based on various factors such as resource allocation, team performance, and external market conditions.

By offering data-driven insights and predictive models, AI allows project managers to respond to risks with greater accuracy and agility. Instead of relying on intuition or manual risk assessments, AI provides an evidence-based approach to identify and mitigate potential issues, which enhances a project’s overall success rate.

How Does AI Support Project Managers in Communication and Collaboration?

Project managers often serve as the communication hub between stakeholders, team members, and clients. Clear communication is essential for ensuring that everyone is aligned with the project’s goals and progress. AI tools can support this role by improving communication channels, reducing the administrative burden, and ensuring that information is shared efficiently across teams.

For instance, AI chatbots or automated messaging systems can be used to share routine updates, remind team members of deadlines, and answer frequently asked questions. These tools can also be integrated with project management platforms to automatically update stakeholders on progress, ensuring that communication is consistent and accurate. By automating some of the more routine communication tasks, project managers can focus more on strategic discussions and problem-solving.

Additionally, AI can help project managers monitor team collaboration and identify potential communication bottlenecks. By analyzing data on team interactions and project status updates, AI can highlight areas where communication may be lacking or where additional support may be needed. This allows project managers to step in and facilitate better collaboration before issues arise.

How Can AI Help Project Managers Address Team Performance?

Managing team performance is a key aspect of a project manager’s role, and AI tools can provide insights into how teams are performing and where improvements might be made. AI can analyze individual and team performance metrics, such as task completion rates, time spent on specific activities, and engagement levels, to provide project managers with a more comprehensive view of team productivity.

AI systems can also identify patterns in team behavior that might affect performance. For example, if a particular team member consistently faces delays in completing tasks, AI tools can help identify the cause of the delay, whether it is a lack of resources, miscommunication, or an external issue. This data allows project managers to address problems more efficiently and ensure that teams stay on track.

By integrating AI into performance management, project managers gain access to real-time insights that enable them to adjust workflows, redistribute tasks, and offer targeted support to team members. This data-driven approach to managing team performance can help improve overall productivity and ensure that projects stay on schedule.

What Challenges Do Project Managers Face with AI Integration?

While AI has the potential to enhance project management practices, its integration comes with some challenges. One of the main concerns is data quality. AI systems rely on accurate and up-to-date data to function effectively. If the data fed into these systems is incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated, it could lead to incorrect insights or recommendations.

Another challenge is resistance to change. Some project managers and team members may be hesitant to adopt AI tools, especially if they are accustomed to traditional methods of project management. Proper training and clear communication about the benefits of AI are necessary to overcome this resistance.

Finally, AI tools can be complex to implement and may require significant upfront investment in both time and resources. Integrating AI into existing workflows may involve changes to current systems, and organizations must be prepared for the initial learning curve.

Why Are Social Media Platforms Amplifying Weight-Loss Content?

US Business News Staff 2 on May 8, 2025

Social media platforms have become an integral part of daily life for many, and the content that gets shared on these platforms can shape public perceptions and societal trends. Over time, weight-loss content has gained significant traction, with countless fitness influencers, diet tips, and transformation stories populating feeds. While some users might find inspiration or motivation through this content, the amplification of weight-loss posts raises questions about the influence of social media on body image and health perceptions.

Understanding why weight-loss content is so prevalent on social media involves examining both the platform algorithms that prioritize such posts and the broader societal dynamics that drive users to engage with them.

What Drives Social Media Platforms to Promote Weight-Loss Content?

Social media platforms are designed to maximize user engagement, and weight-loss content tends to generate significant attention. The algorithms behind platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are built to highlight content that drives interaction, such as likes, comments, and shares. Weight-loss-related posts, especially those involving before-and-after transformations or fitness challenges, often evoke strong reactions, making them more likely to appear in users’ feeds.

The engagement with such content makes it more visible to a wider audience, reinforcing the platform’s incentive to prioritize it. As users engage with weight-loss content, it triggers the algorithm to surface more of the same, further amplifying its reach. This cycle ensures that weight-loss-related posts continue to dominate visibility, pushing other types of content, such as body-positive or health-focused material, to the background.

Moreover, weight-loss content often ties into broader commercial interests. The health and fitness industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, with various companies targeting consumers with diets, supplements, exercise routines, and more. Social media platforms, through their advertising models, benefit from promoting weight-loss content, which often features advertisements for these products. This commercial aspect further incentivizes platforms to amplify weight-loss-related posts, as it generates additional revenue streams through targeted ads.

How Do Social Media Algorithms Encourage the Spread of Weight-Loss Content?

Social media algorithms are programmed to enhance user experience by showing content that is likely to provoke a reaction. When weight-loss content garners attention, whether through likes, shares, or comments, it signals to the algorithm that the content resonates with users. As a result, the algorithm prioritizes this type of content, placing it in front of more users and encouraging even greater engagement.

The combination of high engagement and the emotional nature of weight-loss content, which often elicits reactions tied to self-image and motivation, creates a reinforcing cycle. The more people interact with weight-loss content, the more likely it is to be promoted by social media algorithms. This creates a feedback loop, where users are repeatedly exposed to similar posts, often without actively seeking them out.

This cycle means that users may find themselves seeing weight-loss content frequently, even if they have not specifically subscribed to fitness or wellness topics. While some may find this content motivating, others may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the constant emphasis on physical appearance and transformation.

What Is the Role of Popular Culture in Amplifying Weight-Loss Content?

Popular culture has long been focused on ideals of beauty, with a notable emphasis on thinness as a standard of attractiveness and success. These societal pressures are often reflected and perpetuated on social media, where influencers and celebrities share their weight-loss journeys and endorse fitness trends. When celebrities or well-known figures post about their own weight-loss success, it can lead to a surge in similar content across platforms.

As social media is shaped by trends, the visibility of weight-loss transformations in popular culture feeds into the collective narrative of what is considered “desirable.” In many cases, the normalization of weight-loss content can make it feel like an essential aspect of personal development or self-improvement. This reinforces the message that losing weight is an achievement worth celebrating, often overshadowing other discussions related to health and well-being.

The portrayal of weight loss in popular culture—especially on platforms where influencers play a significant role—often equates beauty or happiness with physical appearance. This messaging influences how people perceive themselves and others, shaping their expectations around body image and self-worth.

What Impact Does Weight-Loss Content Have on Users?

The widespread presence of weight-loss content on social media can have a complex impact on users, influencing both their mental health and self-perception. For some, it may serve as a source of inspiration or motivation, encouraging healthier behaviors and a desire to improve fitness levels. Positive stories of weight-loss transformations can create a sense of possibility, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to physical change.

However, for others, constant exposure to weight-loss content can be detrimental. Repeated exposure to idealized body types and transformation stories can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, body dissatisfaction, and low self-esteem. Users, particularly younger individuals, may internalize these standards and feel pressured to conform to unrealistic body ideals.

The drive for quick fixes and overnight transformations promoted by certain weight-loss content may also encourage unhealthy behaviors. This can include extreme dieting, unsustainable fitness routines, or even disordered eating. Social media’s ability to spread content that emphasizes drastic physical changes often overshadows messages about mental health, balanced lifestyles, or long-term well-being.

Moreover, social comparison plays a role in how weight-loss content affects users. When individuals compare their own bodies or progress to others, it can foster feelings of insecurity, particularly if they feel they do not meet the standards presented online.

How Does Weight-Loss Content Relate to the Body Positivity Movement?

The rise of weight-loss content has created tension within the body positivity movement, which advocates for the acceptance of all body types and emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-care, regardless of size. While body positivity and weight-loss content are not inherently incompatible, the promotion of weight loss as a marker of success can undermine efforts to celebrate body diversity.

Critics of the overemphasis on weight-loss content argue that it perpetuates the idea that people’s worth is tied to their appearance and size. This can make it harder for those in larger bodies to embrace body diversity and challenge conventional beauty standards. The constant reinforcement of weight-loss content on social media may lead to feelings of exclusion for individuals who do not fit the societal ideal.

However, there are those within the body positivity movement who advocate for a more nuanced view of health and wellness, one that does not solely focus on weight. This perspective suggests that health should be measured by factors such as mental well-being, energy levels, and overall functionality, rather than simply looking at body size. The challenge lies in shifting the narrative away from weight loss as the ultimate goal and recognizing that wellness comes in many different forms.

What Can Be Done to Create a More Balanced Social Media Environment?

To create a more balanced approach to the content that is amplified on social media, there is a need for greater diversity in the representation of body types, health, and wellness. Platforms could play a role by highlighting content that celebrates body diversity and promotes holistic well-being, rather than focusing primarily on weight loss as a measure of success.

There is also value in encouraging creators to focus on content that prioritizes mental health, self-care, and positive body image. Promoting diverse voices and experiences can help shift the narrative away from idealized body standards and offer a more inclusive view of what health and beauty mean.

Moreover, users can take control of their social media feeds by curating the content they consume. Following accounts that celebrate different body types, mental well-being, and inclusive health practices can help counterbalance the weight-loss-centric content that often dominates online spaces.

Strategies for Achieving Financial Freedom

US Business News Staff 2 on May 8, 2025

Achieving financial freedom is a long-term goal for many individuals, and the path to it involves careful planning, discipline, and ongoing effort. Financial freedom generally means having enough income or wealth to meet personal expenses without being overly dependent on employment. It can provide greater flexibility, less financial stress, and more opportunities for personal growth and leisure. While the journey may vary from person to person, several strategies can help individuals manage their finances effectively and move toward long-term financial independence.

How Can One Assess Their Current Financial Situation?

Understanding one’s current financial standing is essential before pursuing financial freedom. Assessing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities provides a clear picture of where one stands and offers insight into areas that may require attention. A detailed review of financial obligations and assets can help set realistic goals for saving, investing, and debt repayment.

An individual can begin by tracking monthly income and expenses. Categorizing spending helps to identify areas of excessive expenditure, which can be trimmed or optimized. Establishing a budget based on these insights allows for better control over finances and ensures that there is room to save and invest.

Reviewing assets and liabilities also plays a significant role in understanding one’s financial position. A balance sheet can outline existing savings, property, and investments versus outstanding debts, such as student loans, credit card debt, and mortgages. This exercise not only provides clarity but also serves as a foundation for making informed financial decisions.

How Does Budgeting Contribute to Financial Freedom?

Creating and maintaining a budget is a crucial component of a successful financial strategy. A well-structured budget can help individuals understand where their money goes, identify spending patterns, and reallocate resources toward goals like saving and investing.

The 50/30/20 rule is a straightforward framework that can guide effective budgeting. Under this approach, individuals allocate 50% of their income to necessities (housing, utilities, groceries), 30% to discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. While this guideline is not rigid, it can serve as a helpful starting point for managing finances.

A budget that prioritizes financial goals ensures that essential spending is covered, but also provides opportunities for savings and investments. This can lead to steady progress toward financial independence, especially when coupled with ongoing evaluation. Regularly reviewing and adjusting a budget allows individuals to stay on track and address any unforeseen changes in income or expenses.

Why Is Debt Reduction Essential for Financial Freedom?

Debt can be one of the most significant barriers to achieving financial freedom. High-interest debts, such as credit card balances, can drain resources over time, leaving individuals with less money available for saving and investing. Reducing and eliminating debt is often a necessary step in improving financial security and freedom.

The debt snowball and debt avalanche methods are two approaches that can help individuals pay off debt. The debt snowball method involves paying off the smallest debt first while making minimum payments on larger debts. This method provides quick wins that can build momentum and motivation.

On the other hand, the debt avalanche method focuses on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, which reduces the total amount spent on interest over time. Although it may take longer to see small debts cleared, this strategy may be more financially advantageous in the long run.

Regardless of the method chosen, reducing debt involves staying consistent and avoiding the accumulation of additional debt. As debts are paid off, individuals can redirect funds that would have been used for payments to saving or investing.

What Role Do Saving and Investing Play in Achieving Financial Freedom?

While reducing debt is critical, saving and investing are equally important in building wealth and moving toward financial freedom. Saving helps provide a financial cushion for emergencies and planned expenses, while investing allows money to grow over time through compound interest.

Building an emergency fund is a foundational step in the saving process. Having three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved in an easily accessible account can offer security during unforeseen circumstances, such as job loss or medical emergencies.

Investing is another essential component. While it carries some risk, investing allows individuals to build wealth over time, potentially outpacing inflation and providing a passive source of income. Common investment options include retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, stocks, bonds, and real estate.

Investing requires a long-term perspective. Individuals should focus on diversified portfolios that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance. Over time, the returns from these investments can grow significantly, contributing to long-term financial independence.

How Does Financial Education Affect Financial Freedom?

Financial education is a key aspect of building long-term wealth. Understanding how money works—whether it involves managing debt, investing, or planning for retirement—enables individuals to make informed decisions that align with their goals.

Basic financial concepts like the time value of money, interest rates, and compound interest are important for individuals to understand, as they can affect decisions about saving and investing. Financial literacy also includes understanding the different investment vehicles available, how to manage risk, and how to evaluate financial products.

Regularly educating oneself about personal finance is also important, as financial strategies and tools evolve over time. Attending financial workshops, reading books, or consulting with financial professionals can provide insights that help refine strategies and improve financial outcomes.

Why Is Diversification Important in Achieving Financial Freedom?

Diversification is a strategy that spreads investments across different asset classes, helping to reduce risk. Relying too heavily on one investment type, such as stocks or real estate, can expose individuals to significant financial risk. By diversifying investments, individuals can mitigate potential losses and increase the likelihood of steady growth.

Diversification should apply not only to investments but also to income sources. Relying on a single income stream, such as a full-time job, can be limiting. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, or individuals who have side businesses may find that diversifying their income sources can provide greater financial security and faster progress toward financial freedom.

Diversified income and investment strategies can also help protect against economic downturns or fluctuations in a particular market. A more balanced approach to wealth-building offers flexibility and resilience, helping individuals remain on track toward their financial goals even during uncertain times.

What Role Do Long-Term Financial Goals Play in Financial Freedom?

Setting long-term financial goals is a critical part of the journey toward financial freedom. These goals provide direction and purpose, helping individuals stay focused on what they want to achieve. Long-term financial goals might include buying a home, saving for retirement, or building a significant investment portfolio.

Clear and achievable financial goals can be broken down into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, an individual might set a goal to save a certain amount each month, which contributes to a larger retirement fund over time. This approach not only makes the goal feel more attainable but also allows for consistent progress.

Having long-term goals also helps with decision-making. When faced with spending or saving choices, individuals can refer to their financial goals to guide their actions. This long-term focus often leads to more thoughtful financial decisions and a greater likelihood of success.

Why Is Patience and Consistency Key to Achieving Financial Freedom?

Achieving financial freedom is rarely an immediate process. It requires consistency, patience, and long-term dedication to managing money effectively. While there may be periods of slow progress or setbacks, staying committed to financial goals and following a well-structured plan can lead to significant progress over time.

Building wealth and reducing debt is a gradual process, but small, consistent steps can add up. Whether saving a portion of each paycheck, investing regularly, or paying off small amounts of debt, the key is to stay focused on the long-term goal.

Patience also plays a role in investment growth. The power of compound interest means that early investments may not show large returns immediately, but over time, those returns can accumulate and have a significant impact on long-term wealth.

How Smallest.ai Is Bringing Free AI Voice Agents to America

US Business News Staff on May 8, 2025

By: Tom White

Creating AI voice agents is a growing industry, with many companies and individual users paying for premium, artificially generated voices for applications ranging from video games to audiobooks to customer service bots. In this field, founders Sudarshan Kamath and Akshat Mandloi have carved out an unusual niche for their platform Smallest.ai—they are the only provider offering free voice agents.

Making Voice AI Accessible at Scale

In a bold move to make AI more accessible, Smallest.ai provides hundreds of hours of free voice calling to everyone in America. This initiative aims to democratize the technology and make high-quality AI voice agents available to the general public, driving the idea of “frugal innovation” to a broader audience. By offering this free access, the company hopes to encourage more individuals and businesses to experiment with AI voice technology, accelerating its adoption and development across various sectors.

Where Smallest.ai Came From

Smallest.ai is an AI research company specializing in small, multimodal language models. Founders Sudarshan and Akshat became convinced that smaller models were the future after years spent optimizing larger models to work with limited hardware while developing perception algorithms for Level 3 self-driving vehicles in several countries.

Both founders are IIT Guwahati (IITG) graduates, one of the competitive technical institutions. Before their work on self-driving vehicles, Sudarshan was part of the core team at Toppr.com, an online learning platform acquired for $150 million. Meanwhile, Akshat was among the first employees at Tork Motors, India’s first electric bike company. Now, they have applied their expertise in self-driving vehicle data science and adapting large language models to accelerate machine learning.

How Smallest.ai Is Bringing Free AI Voice Agents to America

Photo Courtesy: Smallest.ai / Akshat Mandloi & Sudarshan Kamath

Can Small Models Can Outperform Larger Models?

Having seen firsthand the limitations of large language models, Sudarshan and Akshat believe that the current large neural networks are over-parametrized and that to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI), what is needed are much smaller AI models that focus on core algorithmic innovations. That is the thinking behind Smallest.ai.

Customers and Investors are both surprised by the swift success the company has seen, especially with smaller models.In under six months and with a budget of less than $100,000, Smallest.ai outperformed several larger players in third-party open-source Text-to-Speech (TTS) benchmarks. One of these companies is valued in the billions.

Smallest.ai states that it has developed a voice cloning pipeline designed to replicate the distinct speech patterns of individuals with a high level of accuracy. This allows Smallest.ai to provide custom voice agents for calling operations ranging from outbound sales, lead qualification, and debt collection to customer support. Starting with an initial $100,000, the company has since raised significant funding from various investors, including those with early stakes in major tech companies.

It is cost-effective AI, creating premium-quality voice-to-voice AI models at less than a third of the cost of Smallest.ai’s competitors. Smallest.ai is also technologically independent, relying on its own models without using large models developed by OpenAI, Anthropic, or other large AI labs. This allows Smallest.ai to iterate and adapt more quickly because they are training much smaller models and doing so in-house.

Today, Smallest.ai provides real-time voice agents, text to speech services to over 10,000 small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Their voice agent platform, Atoms, also offers one of the lowest-latency, lowest-cost AI-driven voice services currently on the market.

Looking Ahead

Sudarshan and Akshat are dedicated to “first principles thinking,” challenging developers to rethink fundamental assumptions about AI scalability and accessibility. By providing free voice agents outperforming larger models, they seek to get more people thinking about “frugal innovation” for AI. Smaller models allow for more efficient capital allocation in AI, which, Sudarshan and Akshat note, lowers the barrier to entry “for anyone who wants to get their hands dirty with training AI models.”

As for the future of Smallest.ai, the founders hope to see one billion humans speaking to Smallest.ai models daily. “To enable this,” Sudarshan and Akshat say, “we need to start thinking of models as a finite-state machine, not a single input/output module. Something that continuously runs, updates and improves … a system that constantly learns and understands from its interactions, making it more useful as it interacts with humans.”

Is the future of AI to be found in smaller, swifter-to-adapt models? It may be an intriguing possibility.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or technical advice. The views expressed are those of the founders and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated organizations. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, AI technology and market dynamics evolve rapidly. Readers should conduct independent research before making business, financial, or technological decisions related to AI voice agents or similar innovations.

Published by Joseph T.