Bugatone

Bugatone, founded in 2013 by Edmund Ben-Ami and Noam Petrank, was a Tel Aviv-based company that developed software to enhance audio devices. The firm, which is now defunct, specialized in turning standard earphones into sensor devices.

The core of Bugatone's offering was a software-only technology that operated like a sonar. It worked by sending imperceptible sound waves into the user's ear canal and then interpreting the returning signals. This allowed the software to gather biometric data, such as body temperature, and even recognize a user by the unique shape of their ear. Key features included active noise cancellation and the ability to automatically play or pause music when the earphones were put in or taken out. The business model likely targeted mobile phone manufacturers for software integration.

Throughout its operation, Bugatone secured a total of $5.5 million in funding over three rounds. A significant funding event was a $3 million Series B round in December 2017, led by the Chinese electronics company Oppo, with participation from Wellborn Ventures and other private investors. This followed a Series A round of $2 million in June 2015 and an initial seed investment of $500,000 in September 2013. Despite this financial backing, the company ceased operations around February 2021.

Keywords: audio software, biometric sensors, sonar technology, active noise cancellation, ear recognition, health tech, mobile audio, defunct startup, software-only sensors, vital signs monitoring