• Sonarworks

  Participated · Equity · Jul 2021

  Sonarworks builds next-generation audio applications for professional studios and consumer devices, with its products used in roughly 70,000 studios worldwide. Founded in 2012 in Riga, the company gained attention after unveiling its Reference 3 product suite at NAMM in 2015. In early 2020 Sonarworks launched SoundID, a machine learning–based app that creates customized sound profiles via a hearing test. The firm has signed licensing agreements with partners and is expanding its licensing operations. Sonarworks plans to deepen its presence in the U.S. and enter Asian markets as part of a broader goal to bring better audio to over 1 billion devices. Financially, the company has raised a total of $13.8 million to date, including its latest $6 million round. Sonarworks develops digital sound calibration and personalization software that combines device-level calibration with individualized hearing profiles. The company maintains a database of more than 10,000 measured sound devices and uses AI-based technologies to precisely map individual hearing and sound preferences. By combining digital adjustment of the sound device and individual hearing data, Sonarworks aims to deliver a personalized sound experience for every individual on every device. It serves customers in over 170 countries. Founded in 2012 and led by CEO Helmuts Bems, the company plans to use new funding to develop its consumer calibration and personalization products and expand its market presence in key regions. The article notes a recent financing event that supports these product and expansion plans. Sonarworks builds software that eliminates sound shortcomings in speakers and headphones, including its Reference 3 calibration product used in professional audio. More than 5,000 studios worldwide use Reference 3, from home studios to recording studios where artists such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Lady Gaga record. The company has received industry recognition, winning Sound On Sound's Best Audio Product in 2016 and an Innovation Award from MusicTech. The fresh €700,000 from the third investment round will be used to develop a new product aimed at a wider consumer market to let listeners hear music as it was recorded regardless of playback device. Financially, Sonarworks has attracted €1.5 million in venture capital to date and reported that sales exceeded costs at the beginning of the year. The idea dates to 2012 and the company was officially registered in 2013.

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