Uniphore, the provider of conversational automation, just got $400 million in its Series E funding round. The round brings Uniphore’s total funding to $610 million. It is led by NEA and raises the company’s valuation to $2.5 billion.

The new round of funding is Uniphore’s largest to date. It will help Uniphore make advancements in voice AI, computer vision and “tonal emotion.” In addition, business operations will expand globally, specifically in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Uniphore’s Umesh Sachdev

Umesh Sachdev is CEO and co-founder of Uniphore.

“Understanding conversations and the data and insights derived from them is essential to every business,” Sachdev said. “Our conversational automation engine has been delivering powerful and innovative solutions to help enterprises not just survive but thrive amidst all the demands placed on them by customers. It is an incredibly exciting time to be in this industry and at Uniphore.”

The market for automating enterprise conversations has rapidly accelerated in the past few years. Companies recognize the impact of positive customer interactions on their brand image and customer loyalty. As a result, many businesses have turned to AI and automation to create smooth and frictionless customer experiences.

Partner Program

Uniphore also says it is committed to its partners. In October, it launched its Uniphore Unite partner program. This supports an expanding market for using AI and automation technology to  improve the customer experience (CX).

The program includes resources to support the partner life cycle end to end. It enables partners to leverage Uniphore’s technology to expand their portfolio and profitability. Also, Uniphore provides a value proposition that combines improved CX along with a return on investment. This increases customer satisfaction while driving cost savings, the company said.

Uniphore’s Jafar Syed

Jafar Syed is SVP and global head of channel alliances and partnerships at Uniphore.

“Uniphore Unite provides structure and foundation for enhanced partner collaboration,” Syed said. “[The program] will facilitate the creation of a strong community built around the mission to transform CX across the board.”

Uniphore’s leadership is excited about future products and thrilled to participate in this new round, said Hilarie Koplow-McAdams, venture partner, NEA.

“As we continue to operate in an increasingly virtual work model, technologies like Uniphore’s are a necessity for organizations that want to unleash their competitive advantage and take their business to the next level.”