Photo by Tim van der Kuip on Unsplash
Recently, my company had a major product launch. In the days that followed, I could feel the shift in my energy levels—I was depleted. It got me thinking about AI agents and why they’re such a valuable tool for businesses. If, in my post-launch state, I had been asked to field simple customer questions, I probably wouldn’t have been as sharp or enthusiastic as usual. That’s normal—it’s why I’m a big believer in rest and sustainable work habits, rather than trying to do too much all the time.
AI agents, on the other hand, never tire. They’re autonomous, AI-powered tools that operate around the clock, always delivering the same level of service. Voice agents, in particular, are emerging as one of the most powerful AI applications—some even call them the “gateway to AI.” They’re intuitive, customizable, and increasingly essential for businesses of all sizes. That’s why tech giants, from Meta to X, are embracing them.
But as the CEO of a bootstrapped company, I believe voice agents will be game-changers for startups and small businesses. Here’s why.
The Benefits Of AI Voice Agents For Startups
For early-stage businesses, customer acquisition is everything. One of the fastest ways to lose a potential customer is by failing to respond when they reach out. Without any goodwill established, they won’t hesitate to spring for the competitor. AI voice agents eliminate that risk—they’re available 24/7 to answer inquiries, ensuring a consistent presence. They don’t get tired, call in sick, or have off days. This reliability is crucial when you’re trying to grow your user base.
Great customer service also means meeting customers where they are. One of my rules of thumb is to “be everywhere.” A well-designed AI voice agent can operate across multiple platforms—your website, phone lines, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and beyond. No matter how a potential customer reaches out, your agent can meet them on the relevant channel and engage with them.
Unlike the clunky chatbots of the past, today’s AI voice agents sound remarkably human. They can be tailored to fit your brand’s personality—whether it’s a peppy assistant for a craft coffee shop or a more formal agent for a hedge fund startup. A certain media company has even designed an “unhinged” mode, which users can select if they want responses that are deliberately “objectionable, inappropriate, and offensive.”
I’ve tested various platforms, from Voiceflow and PlayAI to Vapi.ai, and the results are truly impressive. These agents don’t just respond; they hold real conversations, offering natural-sounding follow-ups and even the occasional funny quip. For instance, while testing a voice agent for a burger chain, I asked about a spicy burger. The agent gave a lively description—as if I were chatting with a friend—and then asked, “Do you like spicy food?” The interaction felt like a two-way dialogue. Some platforms even support voice cloning, making agents even more lifelike. For its part, Vapi.ai is available in over 100 languages, making it a smart option for global companies.
And when it comes to use cases for voice agents, customer service is just the beginning.
Expanding Use Cases For AI Voice Agents
While AI voice agents are an obvious fit for customer service, companies are finding new ways to use them across operations. Many platforms now allow businesses to build custom agents, and while some are best suited to developers, others, like Voiceflow, are geared toward users with little or no coding experience. You can train an agent on your company’s website, design its tone and personality, and launch it the same day.
Beyond customer interactions, AI voice agents are shifting industries like recruiting, training, and sales. As Olivia Moore, Consumer Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), recently noted, Mercor, a global talent marketplace, uses AI agents to conduct live candidate interviews. As of October 2024, its agent had vetted 300,000 candidates and completed 100,000 interviews. Hyperbound helps companies train sales teams by simulating conversations with AI-powered buyers tailored to different customer personas. Toma automates phone calls for auto dealerships, booking and modifying appointments while freeing up human advisors to focus on higher-value interactions.
This last point is essential: AI voice agents aren’t here to replace humans but to free them up for more meaningful, high-impact work. For startups, where every minute counts, that’s crucial.
Final Thoughts
Given how much generative AI tools like ChatGPT have evolved in the past year, we’re only scratching the surface of what voice agents will be able to do. As they continue to improve, businesses of all sizes—from solopreneurs to global tech giants—stand to benefit. Those who adopt AI-powered agents early will reap the benefits of adjusting their workflows and adapting their approach to work using AI-powered agents today.