ElevenLabs Infuses Teams with Engineers, Raises $11 Billion

ElevenLabs, a voice AI startup, is shaking up its internal structure by embedding engineers in non-technical teams. This strategic move by CEO Mati Staniszewski aims to enhance productivity and technical proficiency across the board. The company, which has raised a hefty $500 million in a Series D round, now boasts a valuation of $11 billion. Founded in 2022, ElevenLabs has already employed 350 people, according to investor Andreessen Horowitz.

The decision to incorporate engineers into teams like people management, sales, and legal is more than just a workforce shuffle. It's about empowering these teams to develop and implement custom tools that speed up their tasks. The idea is that by infusing engineering know-how, teams can tackle challenges head-on, whether it's by automating repetitive tasks or creating new analysis tools. This micro-team structure, consisting of 5 to 10 people each, pushes for end-to-end ownership of projects.

Interestingly, non-tech teams at ElevenLabs have already started building tools tailored to their specific needs. For instance, a new scoring system for the sales team has reportedly saved numerous negotiations that were previously bogged down in procedural queries. The approach seems to be paying off, both operational efficiency and market confidence.

Here's the thing. ElevenLabs' strategy could offer insights for crypto teams navigating complex developments. While blockchain projects often employ decentralized models, adding engineers to non-technical teams could speed up operations, especially in areas like smart contract auditing or compliance. The chart is the chart, but sometimes the organizational setup tells the deeper story. ElevenLabs' model might not be a perfect fit for every firm, but it's a compelling case for cross-disciplinary growth. Watch for how this strategy could ripple through other tech and financial sectors.