Valence AI Raises $5M in Funding
San Francisco-based Valence AI, an emotional intelligence infrastructure company, has announced $5 million in total funding, including a seed round. The company specializes in building software that detects emotional states from live speech in real time.
The seed round was led by Differential Ventures, with participation from Difference Partners, Willowtree Ventures, Change Paradox Ventures, and SRI International.
Valence AI plans to use the new capital to expand its Pulse language coverage, develop deeper integrations across voice AI orchestration platforms, and make new hires in engineering, go-to-market, and customer success.
Founded by Chloe Duckworth and Shannon Brownlee, Valence AI builds emotional intelligence infrastructure for voice AI. Their Pulse Emotion model classifies emotional states from speech in real time, providing structured data for voice agent builders, contact center platforms, and support teams.
Funding Details
Company Website: https://getvalenceai.com
Company: Valence AI
Raised: $5M
Round: Seed
Funding Date: June 24, 2026
Lead Investor: Differential Ventures
Additional Investors: Difference Partners, Willowtree Ventures, Change Paradox Ventures, SRI International
Company Website: getvalenceai.com
Software Category: Artificial Intelligence