Whispp was one of the finalists of the 4YFN24 Awards, and is leading in solutions for the healthcare industry. We had the opportunity to catch-up with them and understand how their participation and being an Awards finalist have impacted them.
Congratulations on being one of our 4YFN24 finalists! What was a pivotal moment at 4YFN24 that deeply influenced your startup's direction? How did this experience shape your future or strategies?
Whispp’s real-time assistive voice technology and calling app converts whispered speech (people who stutter severely then speak relaxed) and affected speech (laryngeal cancer, vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia) into a person’s clear, natural voice. So initially we developed Whispp as assistive voice technology. At 4YFN24 we had a lot of interest from smartphone manufacturers to implement the Whispp whisper-to-speech AI technology into their phones, also for non-patients, to have private and discrete calls. We were aware of the use case already but were very happy to receive this confirmation from these large companies.
4YFN24 was rich with opportunities for innovation and networking. Can you share a connection or partnership formed at the event that has been particularly impactful for your startup? How has this relationship contributed to your progress?
The nice thing about attending 4YFN is that many unexpected connections were made. We are now in contact with companies from all over the world, from the US, Asia and all over Europe. One interesting example is a telecom provider from Asia that is developing a new app. Their input has been very valuable for our own product development.
Being a finalist at 4YFN24 is a noteworthy milestone. How has your participation at 4YFN24 enhanced your startup’s visibility, recognition, or access to resources? What strategies would you recommend to future finalists to make the most out of their experience?
Of course, pitching on the 4YFN main stage was a very exciting personal experience with a lot of exposure. Part of being a finalist, we were also given the opportunity to pitch for and personally meet C-level executives from almost all GSMA members. My most important advice for future finalists is to come up with a very specific ask, a small proposal they just can't refuse.
Reflecting on your experience at 4YFN24, what were the most significant learnings or insights you gained? How have these insights influenced your approach to innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem?
Being in the spotlight is very powerful when it concerns getting funded a new funding round. In the weeks after 4YFN so many VC's reached out to us. So for other startups, my advice is to use 4YFN also as a step in your fundraising process.
Startups in the 4YFN ecosystem can tap into resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities through GSMA Foundry, how have the GSMA Foundry helped you?
We have been intensively in contact with GSMA Foundry and their added value has been tremendous. They know the telco ecosystem so well and they can make the most powerful connections you can ever imagine.
The applications for the prestigious 4YFN25 Awards are now closed. Stay tuned to find out which companies will become finalists and which will have the chance of receiving a €20,000 cash prize, along with numerous other benefits designed to accelerate their business growth and visibility. For more information, see more here.