Legato Raises $12 Million to Innovate Hearing Solutions
Legato, a Boston-based hearing technology company, has emerged from stealth mode with a $12 million seed funding round. This round was led by Neotribe Ventures, with participation from Listen and Village Global. Legato aims to revolutionize the hearing device market by integrating AI-powered technology into everyday eyewear.
Introducing AI-Powered Hearing Glasses
Legato's flagship product, the Legato Frames, is set to launch in the coming months. These glasses discreetly incorporate patented hearing assistance technology into the arms of eyewear frames. This innovation is designed to make hearing improvement as convenient as wearing glasses, addressing the barriers that prevent many from using traditional hearing aids.
"Traditional hearing aids have existed for 70 years, but the cost, discomfort, and stigma turn away so many people who could really benefit from them," said Mehul Trivedi, CEO of Legato. "We wanted to turn a hard-to-swallow medical device into a product people are actually excited to wear."
Investment Details
The $12 million seed round was spearheaded by Neotribe Ventures. Other investors include Listen and Village Global. This funding will support the development and marketing of Legato Frames, aiming to provide a fresh approach to hearing loss solutions.
Founders and Leadership
Legato was co-founded by Steve Romine, who serves as President, and Mehul Trivedi, who is the CEO. Their combined expertise drives the company’s mission to innovate in the hearing technology space.
Use of Funds
The funds raised will primarily be used to bring the Legato Frames to market. This includes scaling production, enhancing the product's AI capabilities, and expanding marketing efforts to reach a broader audience.
Hearing loss is a significant issue, affecting an estimated 50 million adults in the United States, yet only a fraction of those affected seek treatment. Legato's innovative approach could potentially encourage more individuals to address their hearing needs in a more comfortable and socially acceptable manner.