Everyone thinks AI will change software through chat.

But the biggest shift might actually happen through voice.

Because when humans stop typing and start talking to AI naturally, the amount of context, emotion, and real-world data flowing into software explodes.

And that changes everything.

In this episode of Verticals, Mike Droesch from Bessemer Venture Partners breaks down why voice AI is becoming one of the most important layers in vertical software.

And we also go deep on what is actually happening inside the Voice AI boom:

-Why voice agents are finally good enough to use in production

-How AI voice infrastructure became a massive opportunity

-Why regulated industries like healthcare and insurance are adopting faster than expected

They also unpack the biggest debates in AI right now:

-Is Voice AI becoming a commodity?

-Where will defensibility actually come from?

-Why evals, workflow ownership, and data flywheels matter more than ever

If you are building in AI, SaaS, healthcare, fintech, or customer support, this episode is one of the clearest breakdowns of where Voice AI is headed next.

🎬 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Why Voice AI could transform software forever

03:15 The infrastructure powering the Voice AI boom

06:04 Why healthcare and finance are adopting Voice AI fast

11:15 The hidden moat behind Voice AI platforms

15:34 Why humans still matter in AI voice workflows

19:45 Voice AI use cases nobody saw coming

24:26 The real future of AI interfaces

29:11 Which Voice AI markets are overcrowded… and which aren’t

34:41 How AI pricing models are changing software economics

37:53 What investors actually look for in AI startups now

41:32 The biggest mistake Voice AI founders make

42:55 Why owning the entire workflow matters

📃 TOPICS

1. Voice AI & AI Voice Agents

2. Vertical AI & Vertical SaaS

3. AI Infrastructure & Developer Platforms

4. Healthcare AI, Fintech AI & Regulated Industries

5. The Future of AI Interfaces & Conversational Software