Cincinnati-based audio communication company LISNR has been named a finalist for the SXSW Music & Audio Innovation Award.
The award honors innovation that changes and improves the way people enjoy music. LISNR was nominated specifically for its work with the Budweiser Made in America Music Festival. The Made in America Festival app, powered by LISNR, provided real-time information, proximity-based marketing messages and context-driven promotional offers to fans despite the limited connectivity that is common at large festivals.
“LISNR was launched at SXSW, and the music industry has always been part of our lifeblood,” said Rodney Williams, founder and CEO. “We’re thrilled to be a finalist for the award, and we have high hopes of taking it home come March.”
The idea for LISNR was forged on StartupBus 2012, a pitch competition where entrepreneurs develop a business idea on the drive to SXSW and pitch it upon arrival. Since then, LISNR has grown exponentially, winning a Cannes Lion for Mobile Innovation, being named to the CNBC Disruptor 50, and raising $10 million in Series B funding led by Intel Capital. LISNR’s high-profile clients include AEG, Visa and Budweiser.
LISNR is the world’s first and only data-over-audio solution. It creates high frequency, inaudible Smart Tones that can be played by any speaker and picked up by any microphone. This effectively turns any speaker — be it a stadium PA system or the TV in your living room — into a beacon that can trigger second-screen experiences on any device. Unlike Bluetooth, iBeacons, or NFC, LISNR is not dependent on hardware or connectivity, meaning that wherever sound can be played, connections can be made.
The awards ceremony will be held March 15. Other finalists for the award include DELQA, Pulse Solo, Trackd and Here Active Listening System.
About LISNR
LISNR is the creator of SmartTones, a new technology that sends data over audio. LISNR uses an inaudible digital sound file to turn any device into a beacon. LISNR gives brands and content creators a platform that delivers second-screen experiences and proximity-based messaging. For more information, visit http://lisnr.com.