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Toma’s AI voice agents have taken off at car dealerships – and attracted fundingfrom a16z
Toma, co-founded by Monik Pamecha and Anthony Krivonos in 2024, has gained traction in car dealerships, securing $17 million funding from a16z. The AI voice agent addresses high call volumes in dealerships, enhancing customer interactions. The team's immersive approach, including touring dealerships, shaped the product's development, leading to its use in over 100 locations across the U.S.
Key points
- Co-founders Monik Pamecha and Anthony Krivonos started Toma in early 2024.
- Initially targeting banking and healthcare, they pivoted to car dealerships after dealers reported high call volumes.
- They conducted a nationwide test, discovering low call pickup rates (45%).
- Their immersive tours of dealerships allowed them to understand business operations and customer pain points.
- Toma's AI voice agents help schedule service appointments, handle parts orders, and answer sales queries.
- Over 100 dealerships currently use Toma's AI, which automates customer interactions and integrates with human staff when needed.
- They raised $17 million in funding led by a16z, alongside investments from Y Combinator and others.
- Toma operates on a subscription model, charging dealerships for additional capabilities as the AI handles more tasks.
Why it matters
- The growing demand for AI solutions in customer service aligns with the rise of digital transformation in 2025.
- Car dealerships often struggle with unpredictable call volumes, a problem AI can standardize, enhancing customer service.
- The trend towards vertical AI companies reflects a larger movement towards industry-specific solutions in technology.
Toma's success story showcases the potential of AI in optimizing customer service processes within traditional industries, reflecting a broader trend of digital adaptation in business.