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§ Private Profile · Oakland, CA, USA
LISNR is a technology company.
LISNR provides an ultrasonic proximity platform, leveraging advanced sound-based technology for secure, seamless data transmission. Its proprietary Radius ultrasonic SDK enables precise presence detection, frictionless access, and secure transaction processing. This hardware-free approach allows businesses to bridge online and offline customer interactions, offering versatile proximity solutions.
Founded in 2012 by Rodney Williams, Josh Glick, and Chris Ostoich, LISNR emerged from the insight that ultrasonic technology could offer breakthrough, hardware-free proximity verification. CEO Rodney Williams led this vision, aiming to transform device communication and address a market need for reliable, cost-effective proximity solutions.
LISNR's technology supports enterprises in payments, promotions, and customer engagement. Its products streamline processes demanding secure, proximity-based data exchange across various sectors. The company envisions becoming the global standard for ultrasonic data transmission, building a pervasive infrastructure for secure and efficient proximity interactions.
LISNR has raised $30.9M across 4 funding rounds.
LISNR has raised $30.9M in total across 4 funding rounds.
LISNR is a Cincinnati-based technology company pioneering ultrasonic data-over-sound technology for proximity verification and contactless interactions. Its core product, the Radius SDK, enables secure, hardware-free data transmission via device speakers and microphones, serving sectors like retail, mobility, finance, payments, education, and live events[1][2][3][5]. LISNR solves the problem of bridging digital and physical experiences by replacing NFC, Bluetooth, QR codes, and Wi-Fi with low-power, scalable audio-based solutions that enhance efficiency, security, and personalization—such as frictionless payments, transit fare collection, and in-store offers[1][2][4]. The company powers applications for Fortune 100 partners, including a recent partnership with S-CUBE for ultrasonic transit systems in India, and has grown its ecosystem through the Quest engagement platform (via Arden Labs acquisition), with revenue at $5.3 million and 37 employees[1][2].
Founded in 2012, LISNR emerged from the insight that sound offers the most accessible and secure method for data transmission, initially as a software alternative to NFC and other hardware-dependent tech[2]. The founders developed Radius—originally Smart Tones—in response to the need for frictionless proximity authentication, quickly establishing it as an industry standard with early adoption in contactless transactions[2][5]. Pivotal moments include amassing the largest IP portfolio in ultrasonic tech (131 patents, 6X the peer average) and evolving beyond Radius to a full ecosystem, including the Quest platform for gamified engagement, while partnering with global leaders in mobility and finance[2][4].
LISNR rides the proximity engagement wave, projected to expand from $64 billion to $280–$360 billion by 2030, fueled by demand for real-time, personalized interactions in a post-pandemic world prioritizing contactless tech[2]. Timing aligns with shifts away from power-hungry wireless standards toward audio-based solutions that leverage ubiquitous speakers/microphones, reducing costs and barriers for merchants in retail, mobility, and finance[1][4][5]. Market forces like rising e-commerce-physical blends and secure P2P payments favor LISNR, influencing the ecosystem by setting ultrasonic standards and enabling micro-moment monetization for brands[2][3].
LISNR is poised to dominate proximity infrastructure as adoption accelerates in high-volume sectors like transit and retail, with Quest driving engagement revenue amid AI-personalization trends[2][4]. Expect deeper integrations in emerging markets (e.g., India expansions) and payload enhancements via multi-channel tech, potentially capturing significant share in the $300B+ market by leveraging its unmatched patents[1][2][5]. As businesses prioritize seamless digital-physical fusion, LISNR's audio edge will evolve from verification tool to full-stack platform, solidifying its role as the ultrasonic standard for tomorrow's touchpoints—echoing its founding vision of sound as the ultimate connector[2].
LISNR has raised $30.9M in total across 4 funding rounds.
LISNR's investors include Alumni Ventures, Baird Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Seven Seven Six, Y Combinator, Lisa Lambert, 7BC Venture Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, FJ Labs, Jinlin Wang, Menlo Ventures.
LISNR has raised $30.9M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $16.0M Series C in May 2019.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2019 | $16M Series C | — | Alumni Ventures, Baird Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Seven Seven SIX, Y Combinator | Announced |
| Nov 1, 2015 | $10M Series B | Lisa Lambert | 7BC Venture Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, FJ Labs, Jinlin Wang, Menlo Ventures, Rubicon VC, Streamlined Ventures, Team8, Tsvc Capital, Valar Ventures, Adam Pisoni | Announced |
| May 1, 2014 | $4M Series A | Progress Ventures | Alumni Ventures, Baird Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Mercury Fund, Seven Seven SIX, Y Combinator, CincyTech USA, Serra Ventures | Announced |
| Jun 1, 2013 | $850K Seed | — | Reign Ventures, Refinery Ventures | Announced |