PeopleofSuperintelligence

Builder

15

15 is the creator of 15.ai, a speech-synthesis tool that brought low-data character voices to online fandom. At MIT, they studied physics, mathematics, and computer science, began the project in 2018, and demonstrated low-data results by 2019. Their startup was accepted into Y Combinator in 2019, and they returned to speech-synthesis research in early 2020 before launching 15.ai in 2020. In January 2022, Voiceverse used 15.ai audio in NFT marketing without attribution; the service went offline in 2022. The tool returned with a pony focus in May 2025, and as of October 2026, 15 is building Artist Alley, a marketplace for artists’ merchandise and commissions.

Timeline

  1. 2018–2019

    Reducing speech training data

    While studying physics, mathematics, and computer science at MIT, 15 begins a speech-synthesis project in 2018. By 2019, they demonstrate that it reproduces WaveNet and Tacotron 2 results with 75% less training data.

  2. 2019–2020

    Leaving for startup work

    In 2019, 15’s startup is accepted into Y Combinator. In early 2020, they leave the company and return to speech-synthesis research.

  3. 2020

    Launching 15.ai

    In 2020, 15.ai launches as a deep-learning text-to-speech tool for fictional character voices.

  4. 2021

    Character voices go viral

    In 2021, 15.ai goes viral among fandoms as users make character voices speak custom lines in online edits and memes.

  5. January 2022

    Voiceverse uses 15.ai audio

    In January 2022, Voiceverse uses 15.ai audio in NFT marketing without attribution. The company removes the material and apologizes.

  6. 2022

    The service goes offline

    The Voiceverse incident contributes to 15.ai going offline in 2022 amid copyright and legal issues.

  7. May 2025

    15.ai returns to pony voices

    In May 2025, 15.ai returns with a pony focus, more features, and a menu for generated emotion.

  8. As of October 2026

    Building Artist Alley

    As of October 2026, 15 is building Artist Alley, a marketplace for artist merchandise and commissions. They say they built the site themselves and personally fund it.

Sources and credits

Photo: We have no published photo of 15 yet. Send us a free-licensed photo.

  1. An AI Project Clones Cartoon Character Voices deeplearning.ai. Checked 15 October 2026.
  2. Introducing ArtistAlley.Org, a Place for All Fan-Artists to Sell Their Work! zootopianewsnetwork.com. Checked 15 October 2026.
  3. 15.ai en.wikipedia.org. Checked 15 October 2026.
  4. 15.ai / Fifteen.ai knowyourmeme.com. Checked 15 October 2026.
  5. Make the cast of TF2 recite old memes with this AI text-to-speech tool pcgamer.com. Checked 15 October 2026.
  6. AIAAIC - Voiceverse NFT voice theft aiaaic.org. Checked 15 October 2026.
  7. 15.ai Returns With Pony Voice Creation as the Focus equestriadaily.com. Checked 15 October 2026.