AI Voice Analysis for Hiring | mappa

The Challenges of Candidate Selection

Determining the most suitable candidate for a position can often feel subjective, even with thorough reviews of résumés, cover letters, and interviews. Hiring managers frequently depend on personal biases or intuitive feelings when making decisions, meaning the process isn't always precise.

Introducing Mappa: AI-Powered Behavioral Intelligence

To address this challenge, Sarah Lucena developed Mappa, an AI-driven platform designed to reduce uncertainty in hiring. Mappa employs an AI model trained to identify vocal patterns linked to specific characteristics, including communication style, levels of empathy, and self-assurance.

Applicants engage in a conversation with Mappa’s AI agent, after which the platform provides hiring managers with a curated list of candidates whose traits align with the requirements of the role.

Recognition and Funding

Mappa was recognized as a Top 20 finalist at the Startup Battlefield during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, which took place in San Francisco.

Lucena explained in a TechCrunch interview that Mappa’s core objective is to gain a genuine understanding of individuals. The platform doesn’t label traits as inherently positive or negative, but rather assesses their compatibility.

Company Growth and Development

Founded in 2023 by Lucena, alongside Pablo Bérgolo and Daniel Moretti, Mappa has successfully secured $3.4 million in seed funding, led by Draper Associates, the investment firm of Tim Draper.

Within a span of under three years, the company has expanded its customer base to over 130 clients across the U.S., generating more than $4 million in annual recurring revenue.

The Power of Voice Analysis

A key differentiator for Mappa lies in its data. The startup has meticulously constructed datasets specifically for analyzing human behavior.

Initially, Mappa explored candidate assessment through video submissions and online profiles; however, voice analysis proved to be the most effective methodology.

Improved Employee Retention

According to Lucena, Mappa’s platform has demonstrably assisted companies in recruiting employees who exhibit greater longevity in their roles. While the typical annual employee turnover rate is approximately 30%, Mappa reports a turnover rate of only 2% for employees hired through its platform.

Promoting Equity in Hiring

Lucena emphasizes that Mappa’s primary goal is to help organizations identify top talent, which frequently leads to a more equitable hiring process.

To date, Mappa has facilitated over 3,000 hires, with more than 60% being women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or immigrants. Lucena, originally from Brazil, expresses her pride in fostering opportunities for these groups.

Expanding Beyond Recruitment

Looking ahead, Lucena envisions Mappa transitioning from a service-based company to an infrastructure provider.

The startup’s API is gaining traction among companies seeking to integrate its behavioral analysis capabilities into applications beyond traditional hiring.

Tim Draper utilizes Mappa to evaluate potential founder investments, and the educational platform Re-Skilling.ai employs it to identify areas for student skill development.

Future Applications

Lucena anticipates that Mappa could be utilized to assess loan applicants lacking extensive credit histories, providing a more equitable evaluation process.

She believes Mappa has the potential to serve as a tool for fairer assessment across a wide range of contexts.

For an opportunity to learn directly from Mappa, alongside numerous other pitches, participate in insightful workshops, and forge valuable business connections, visit this link for details about this year’s Disrupt, taking place from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.