ElevenLabs has launched a platform for licensing celebrity AI voices, securing a partnership with Sir Michael Caine and revealing Matthew McConaughey as a long-term investor.
The “Iconic Marketplace” allows companies to request access to the digital voices of renowned talent. Alongside Caine, the platform features more than 25 other voices at launch, including Dr Maya Angelou, Alan Turing, Liza Minelli, and Art Garfunkel.
Caine’s voice will also be available on the company’s ElevenReader app.
“For years, I’ve lent my voice to stories that moved people — tales of courage, of wit, of the human spirit. Now, I’m helping others find theirs. With ElevenLabs, we can preserve and share voices — not just mine, but anyone’s,” said Sir Michael. “ElevenLabs is at the very forefront of technology, using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it. ElevenLabs gives everyone the tools to be heard. It’s not about replacing voices; it’s about amplifying them, opening doors for new storytellers everywhere. I’ve spent a lifetime telling stories. ElevenLabs will help the next generation tell theirs.”
McConaughey an early investor
Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey was revealed as an early investor in the company. He announced he is using the technology to produce a Spanish-language audio version of his newsletter, Lyrics of Livin’, using his own voice converted by the AI.
“I’m proud to share that I’ve been an investor in ElevenLabs for several years now,” said McConaughey. “It’s been amazing to see the growth from those early days to where the company, and the technology, is now. What’s remained constant is the extraordinary storytelling capabilities and creative potential that ElevenLabs unlocks – something that stood out to me from the start and that speaks to me as a professional storyteller.”
The marketplace is designed as a “performer-first” approach to ethical sourcing and licensing. ElevenLabs has partnered with agencies, including CMG Worldwide, to manage the rights of legendary figures.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the Iconic Marketplace, a true breakthrough for ethical sourcing and licensing of celebrity content,” said Mati Staniszewski, CEO and co-founder of ElevenLabs. “It demonstrates how AI can responsibly expand opportunities for studio and talent, while enhancing storytelling. We’re especially excited to welcome Sir Michael Caine to the platform. He is an iconic creator and voice whose cultural and artistic consequence we hope will only be further championed through this platform.”
A representative from CMG Worldwide added: “Our partnership with ElevenLabs represents the next chapter in how iconic talent and their legacies engage with audiences. By combining CMG’s decades of experience managing the rights of legendary figures with ElevenLabs’ groundbreaking technology, we’re creating new opportunities for storytelling that honour history while embracing the future.”
Staniszewski also commented on McConaughey’s involvement: “When I first met Matthew, I was struck by how genuinely he connected with our vision and what we’re trying to do at ElevenLabs. He wasn’t just excited by the tech – he understood what we’re aiming to achieve creatively. We’re so grateful for his continued insight and support, especially as we expand our work in the creative space.”
