Legato emerges from stealth with $12M funding and AI hearing glasses

Legato's Debut and Funding

Legato, a new hearing technology startup, has officially emerged from stealth mode. The company announced it has secured $12 million in funding to support its operations and product development. This funding marks a significant step for Legato as it introduces its approach to hearing assistance technology.

Introduction of Legato Frames

Alongside its funding announcement, Legato provided a first look at its flagship product, Legato Frames. These AI hearing glasses integrate the company's patented hearing-assistance technology directly into the arms of eyewear frames. The design aims to offer a discreet and accessible solution for individuals with hearing loss.

Founders and Background

Legato was co-founded by Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine. Both founders have prior experience in wearables and hearing care, having worked at Bose, where Trivedi led the creation of Bose Frames and Romine managed the hearing aids division. Trivedi also contributed to smart eyewear efforts at EssilorLuxottica, including the Meta Ray-Bans, while Romine served as COO of Audicus.

Addressing Hearing Loss Accessibility

The company's goal is to make hearing care more accessible by addressing common barriers such as cost, comfort, and the stigma associated with traditional hearing aids. Legato is targeting the largest segment of the hearing-loss population: those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The Legato Frames are designed to be small and lightweight, incorporating a proprietary acoustic system, signal-processing stack, and mechanical architecture.

AI-Powered Hearing Assistance

Legato's approach to hearing assistance differs from traditional methods that often rely on directional microphones. The company utilizes an AI-powered system to process sound, which is intended to improve performance in various environments, including noisy settings like restaurants. The Legato Frames are anticipated to launch later this fall.