Over 4 Million Downloads, AI-Based Voice Coaching App “Vocal Image” Paves New Paths for Innovation and Confidence

Estonian startup Vocal Image has surpassed 4 million downloads, providing 160,000 active users the opportunity to improve their voice and communication skills. The company’s CEO, Nick Lakhoyka, is himself a living example of the inspiration behind its founding.

Born in Belarus, Lakhoyka learned English after moving to Estonia and at one point struggled with anxiety during public speaking. Together with co-founder Marina “Russia” Shukiurava, he launched a YouTube channel, which later evolved into the Vocal Image app. The subscription-based app allows users to receive private voice coaching from home.

The app’s interactive library includes tongue-twisting exercises, breathing techniques, and advice on posture and body language. Additionally, through co-founder and CTO Mikalai Karaliou, AI is used to provide automated feedback and personalized tips.

Vocal Image’s coaching programs primarily focus on professional development, leadership skills, and improving public speaking or presentation abilities. The platform also aims to boost confidence and support the LGBTQ community.

Despite competition from major companies, Vocal Image has raised $3.6 million in seed funding, achieving $12 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) by August 2025, with around 50,000 paying users. Its 20-member team mainly consists of Belarusian exiles.

The app collects approximately 35,000 voice recordings daily and uses a user-integrated “Voice Rating” feature to identify authentic voice samples. This dataset helps refine Vocal Image’s AI and opens new opportunities for synthetic voice creation in the future.

Vocal Image’s initiative is considered a groundbreaking step in voice coaching and communication skill development.