EUR 12 million investment in loudspeaker startup USound in Graz

© Der Brutkasten

A startup investment of this size has not taken place in Austria for a long time. EUR 12 million was invested in the Graz-based semiconductor specialist USound, which developed the smallest loudspeaker in the world.

The technical details: compared with current loudspeakers, for example in smartphones or headphones, the USound loudspeaker is only half the size, consumes 80% less energy and features a sound quality which is twice as good. This added value also convinced the investment company eQventure based in Graz, which in turn also brought computer pioneer and top investor Hermann Hauser on board.

Production is commencing in Austria and Sweden

The funding has helped to double the current staff. In addition, it enables the smooth launch of series production which is just starting. The innovative loudspeaker is being manufactured by an Austrian, Swedish and American supplier with a plant in Austria. In the initial phase the first headsets containing USound loudspeakers will hit the market in the middle of the year. Corresponding contracts have already been concluded with customers.  

The second step will be to integrate the technology into smartphones. Negotiations on this are already underway.  

Source: Der Brutkasten