In 2022, disability tech companies made significant strides in attracting early-stage investments, with around $4 billion pouring into the sector. Traditionally, accessibility tech has not been a popular choice among venture capitalists, but the tide seems to be turning as startups in the disability tech space find innovative ways to serve a wider population.
One such example is Visualfy, a Spanish startup that leverages AI to improve the lives of people with hearing loss. By focusing on safety and autonomy, Visualfy has developed a sound recognition AI that can identify important sounds like fire alarms and a baby crying at home. The startup’s hardware suite, Visualfy Home, along with its companion app, has gained traction in both the consumer and public sectors, with recent funding from Spain’s national state-owned railway company, Renfe.
Another standout startup is Knisper, a Dutch B2B company targeting people with hearing disabilities who may not use traditional hearing aids. Knisper uses AI to enhance speech intelligibility in various environments, such as museums and public transportation, without increasing background noise. The startup’s technology has already found success in partnerships with museums and audiobook publishers, making audio content more accessible to all.
Whispp, another Dutch startup, takes a unique approach by converting whispered speech into natural voice in real time. This technology caters to a global audience of 300 million people with voice disabilities, providing them with a secure and real-time voice solution. By offering a subscription-based voice calling app, Whispp aims to address the needs of its core audience while exploring other monetization routes.
Lastly, Acapela Group, a veteran in the text-to-speech space, has ventured into voice banking with the help of AI. By offering a service that allows individuals to store their voice for later use, Acapela hopes to cater to those at risk of losing their voice due to certain conditions. The integration of AI has made voice cloning more efficient and accessible, opening up new possibilities for individuals with disabilities.
Overall, these startups exemplify the potential of accessibility tech to not only improve the lives of people with disabilities but also to serve a broader market. By leveraging AI and innovative solutions, these companies are breaking barriers and redefining the definition of accessibility for all.