Voice AI is becoming one of the first real entry points for AI adoption in SMEs: not because of the technology itself, but because it delivers immediate, measurable value.

In this episode, we speak with Daniel Keinrath, co-founder and CEO of Fonio AI, an AI call assistant used by thousands of businesses across the DACH region.

Daniel shares how Fonio AI grew from 0 to rapid scale, why voice is a natural starting point for AI in non-technical companies, and how this expands into a broader omni-channel platform over time. We discuss the practical challenges behind building in this space: getting companies to structure their data, integrating with fragmented systems, and making AI usable for non-technical users.

The conversation goes beyond product into market dynamics. Daniel explains why this is a scale-driven market with similarities to telecom, where distribution, partnerships, and speed matter as much as the underlying technology. We also cover why Fonio focuses on SMEs instead of enterprise, and why long-term success depends less on building proprietary models and more on product, go-to-market, and execution.

If you’re interested in how AI is actually being deployed in everyday business workflows, and what it takes to build a category in a fast-moving market: this episode is worth a listen.