US-based voice application programming interface (API) provider Clique API plans to invest $10m in the Asia Pacific region through a venture capital unit, TechCrunch has reported.
Clique operates a cloud-based platform that lets customers integrate voice, messaging and video communications into their software. It has 20 million users in 150 countries, and recently opened two offices in Australia.
The company’s investment arm, Clique Labs, funds startups developing technologies related to communications APIs. Clique is open to expanding its $10m fund for the region if it finds the right partners.
Clique chose Australia for the expansion due to its strong banking culture and insurance and retail sectors that are similar to the US, CEO Andy Powers told Australian Financial Review.
Powers said: “We are looking for opportunities with startups that are in voice, video or messaging, that will drive value above and beyond connecting the call in a timely and efficient manner.
“It will be things like transcription artificial intelligence, so the ability to take notes in real time during a call. Our vision is to connect conversations that matter. In banking, voice authentication is also interesting.”