AI is a buzzword, but Alex Sambvani isn’t interested in hype – he’s focused on results. As the Co-founder and CEO of Slang.ai, Alex has spearheaded a transformative approach to how restaurants manage customer interactions, leveraging cutting-edge voice AI technology to redefine the dining experience.
His journey from analyzing market trends to transforming voice AI technology reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to solving real-world problems. At Slang.ai, Alex is not just building a company; he’s reshaping how restaurants connect with their customers, setting new standards for efficiency and personalization. His unique insights, coupled with a relentless drive for excellence, make him a standout figure among the “100 CXOs to Watch in 2024.”
Inspired by his visionary approach, we at IMPAAKT connected with him to learn more about his journey. Let’s dive in the interview:
Alex, can you briefly describe your professional journey and what influenced you to build slang.ai?
My professional journey has been a blend of diverse experiences, ranging from private equity to data science. These roles provided me with invaluable insights into the power of technology to drive business transformation.
However, it was during my time at Spotify working closely with AI that I realized many businesses could leverage voice AI to better their caller experience. During that time, I had a conversation with my aunt who owned a hair salon. I learned from her how painful the phone is for her business to manage and figured that millions of other small businesses were experiencing the same issue. This realization, coupled with my passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, inspired me to co-found Slang.ai. Our mission is to empower restaurants with cutting-edge voice AI technology, revolutionizing how they engage with their customers and operate their businesses.
Given your experience in private equity as an analyst and in data science, how do you see AI for businesses driving positive change?
AI has the potential to revolutionize businesses across industries by unlocking new levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation. In private equity, AI-powered analytical tools can help ingest and analyze financial statements and can provide deeper insights into market trends, investment opportunities, and portfolio performance, enabling better and more efficient decision-making. In addition, many AI-powered products coming to market are and will continue to be valuable for private equity portfolio companies.
Similarly, in data science, AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to extract actionable insights, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement. Ultimately, AI empowers businesses to stay competitive, adapt to changing market dynamics, and deliver value to their customers with greater precision and efficiency.
What were the challenges you faced in building the AI workforce at Slang.ai, and how did you solve it?
Building a skilled AI workforce presented several challenges, including talent acquisition, skill development, and cultural alignment. To address these challenges, we implemented a comprehensive recruitment strategy focused on attracting top talent with expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and software development.
We prioritized ongoing team training and development to ensure our team remains at the forefront of AI innovation.
Culturally, we foster an environment of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning, empowering our team members to thrive and contribute their unique talents to our collective mission.
What are the recent achievements of the Slang.ai team that you would like to mention?
I’m incredibly proud of the recent achievements of the Slang.ai team. We’ve made significant strides in advancing our technology, expanding our customer base, and driving positive impact in the restaurant industry.
Most notably, we’ve revamped our customer portal and onboarding process, released new digital voices that are more human-like than ever, received recognition from industry leaders, and achieved record growth in revenue and market presence. These achievements are a testament to the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team members, and I’m excited to see what we’ll accomplish together in the future.
What are the key differentiators of Slang.ai that you find very unique?
Firstly, our deep understanding of the restaurant industry allows us to develop tailored solutions that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by restaurant operators.
Additionally, our advanced voice AI technology delivers unparalleled accuracy, reliability, and natural language understanding, providing an exceptional experience for both customers and restaurant staff.
Furthermore, our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry, driving value and success for our clients.
Do you believe voice AI is a sustainable innovation for the restaurant ecosystem?
Absolutely. Voice AI represents a sustainable innovation for the restaurant ecosystem, offering a multitude of benefits including enhanced guest experiences, improved operational efficiency, and increased revenue opportunities.
As consumers increasingly expect seamless and personalized interactions with businesses, voice AI provides restaurants with a powerful tool to meet these expectations while differentiating themselves in a competitive market.
The scalability, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness of voice AI solutions make them a viable long-term investment for restaurants looking to future-proof their operations and thrive in a digital-first world.
As a CEO, how do you ensure an ethical standpoint when building, marketing, and leading AI-driven businesses?
Ethical considerations are paramount in everything we do at Slang.ai. As CEO, I prioritize ethical decision-making and responsible AI development practices to ensure that our technology is used responsibly and ethically.
This includes implementing robust data privacy and security measures, ensuring transparency and accountability in our algorithms, and fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct throughout the organization.
We actively engage with our key stakeholders and industry experts, and stay on top of regulations to remain informed of emerging ethical issues and best practices, allowing us to continuously evolve and improve our approach to ethical AI.
Please share your advice for budding entrepreneurs who are looking forward to bringing innovative AI solutions into the business ecosystem.
My advice to budding entrepreneurs entering the AI space is to focus on solving real-world problems and delivering tangible value to customers.
Start by identifying a specific market need or pain point that AI technology can address, and then develop a solution that is innovative, scalable, and user-friendly. Invest in building a diverse and talented team with a passion for AI and a shared commitment to excellence.
Prioritize ethical considerations and responsible AI development practices from the outset, ensuring that your technology is deployed ethically and responsibly. Finally, be resilient, adaptable, and open to feedback as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the AI landscape, and never lose sight of your vision and purpose as you work towards building a successful and impactful AI-driven business.
