Sonical

You’re likely familiar with smart wearables. Have you heard about smart hearables?

For years, “hearables” like headphones have been slowly evolving, but still fall short of their true potential. That’s where a company called Sonical comes in.

This technology startup is giving users complete control of how they use their ears with a universe of new applications. In the same way that the smartphone unlocked the creativity of third-party app developers, Sonical has identified an inflection point in the ear-worn product market that transforms how people listen, communicate, and monitor their health.

The company describes its vision as “AI for your ears.” But that can be hard to fully understand.

Essentially, Sonical has developed a platform called Cosmos, which acts as a new operating system for hearables. This system:

Enables developers and device makers to create customizable apps for audio, communication, and wellness.

Tailors individual needs, such as amplifying the sounds that bring joy and removing those that create noise and stress.

And helps create next-generation devices that deliver new audio experiences.

Using Cosmos, Sonical has created a product called Headphone 3.0. The first headphones became popular in the 1970s with the introduction of Sony’s Walkman. Then the early 2000s saw the launch of the first Bluetooth wireless earphones and earbuds (i.e., Headphone 2.0).

Now it’s time for the third iteration — Headphone 3.0.

What makes this company’s headphones unique is that it’s “appable.” In other words, it can run apps, giving wearers a customized hearing and health-monitoring experience. Features and functions are delivered as a software app that can be downloaded.

This is a big opportunity. The market for headphones is valued at around forty-two billion dollars. And the market for global hearables is projected to grow by eighteen percent by 2032.

Not only do these headphones offer quality sound, they also help the more than 700 million people suffering from tinnitus, which is described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling in their ears.

Sonical’s headphones offers features like sound relief (AI-generated sounds that mask tinnitus noises), sleep support (intelligent monitoring of sleep cycles), and hearing profiles (specific to individual needs depending on the wearer).

Sonical makes money through hardware sales, licensing of its Cosmos operating system, and revenue-share opportunities with developers.

Sonical has raised more than four million dollars from investors and has patents filed to cover more than 1,000 aspects of its operating system and technology.

Team Background

Gary Spittle - Founder & CEO

Gary has spent more than thirty years inventing and selling audio products.

In addition to his role with Sonical, he is Founder & CEO of Audicus, an audio-technology consulting firm. Previously, he was Head of Product Strategy with Knowles Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty-electronic components. While there, he led the marketing campaigns for the company’s ear-worn devices.

Earlier in his career, Gary was Chief Technology Officer with Personics, a software-development company, where he developed a new wearable device. Before that, he spent five years with Dolby Laboratories, a prominent audio-technology company.

Gary began his career as a software engineer, including time spent with CSR, a semiconductor-manufacturing business that focuses on consumer electronics.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in Electronics from the University of York.

Michael Vartanian - VP of Developer Solutions

Michael joined Sonical in June 2021.

Previously, he was Director of Strategic Partnerships with DSP Concepts, an audio-software developer. Before that, he was Chief Product Officer with Locally, a technology company collecting actionable consumer data using sensors and mobile devices.

Earlier in his career, Michael was a business-development manager with Qualcomm, a telecommunications company, where he worked on several projects for its audio-technology platforms. Prior to that, he spent a decade with CSR, a semiconductor-manufacturing business, working as a strategy analyst and a business-development manager.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Signal Processing, and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He also earned a Master’s degree in Web Development Technologies from Harvard.

Michael Lee - VP of Software

Michael has extensive product-development experience.

Previously, he held senior positions at Creative Labs, a Singapore-based electronics company focused on audio technologies, and Razer, a company selling consumer electronics and gaming hardware.

He earned a Ph.D. in AI-based solutions and is an expert in software systems for low-latency audio, which makes sound reach a listener’s ears almost immediately.

Co-Investors