Google Acquires VR Audio Startup Dysonics

Google acquired VR audio startup Dysonics, which TechNexus backed from seed through its Series B. The deep-tech audio venture builds hardware and software workflows for 3D audio applications — technology now heading into Google's ecosystem.

Dysonics, a deep-tech audio venture that builds hardware and software workflows for 3D audio applications, has been acquired by Google. In 2018, TechNexus Venture Collaborative led its Series B funding round, after joining the company during an earlier seed round. Initially reported by Protocol, the news became public based on a recent filing Google made with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The transaction took place quietly in December of 2020 and was previously unannounced. Dysonics gives AR/VR creators high-fidelity audio solutions to infuse in their content. The advanced 3D audio technology is designed specifically for mobile applications, gaming, automotive, and the eSports entertainment industry. Formerly known as the Center for Image Processing and Integrated Computing (CIPIC) Lab, Dysonics is a product-driven company with a strong R&D team and legacy. The company was founded by Ralph Algazi, Richard Duda, and Robert Dalton. Several publications speculated that the Dysonics team’s deep expertise in spatial audio hardware could align well with Google's audio ambitions, and perhaps help support the emergence of new, advanced technologies, like Pixel Buds and Nest Audio , among others . Dysonics was an early, foundational investment made by TechNexus to power the Audio Co-Lab , an ecosystem accelerator & investment engine which has grown to be one of the largest venture portfolios focused on advanced audio and communication technologies. In partnership with corporations like audio equipment manufacturer Shure , who have decades of industry-leading experience, the Audio Co-Lab's mission is to identify and explore the most important trends and opportunities defining the future of audio. Other investors include Rawah Partners, lead by Kevin Duncan who also chaired the Dysonics Board of Directors successfully through the Google acquisition, and Intel Capital , who collaborated with Dysonics to integrate advanced audio technology into chip process

By Madelyn Rutter at TechNexus Venture Collaborative