Technology
Hearing technology startup Legato exits stealth with $12 million in funding
The startup plans to launch AI-powered hearing assistance eyewear targeted at adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
The short version
- Legato announced its emergence from stealth mode alongside $12 million in funding raised from Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global.
- The company plans to release Legato Frames, eyewear integrating an AI-powered voice amplification system into the frame arms, in fall 2026.
- The glasses target adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and are designed to be sold through eye-care providers nationwide.
- Legato has not yet disclosed the exact retail price of the frames, stating only that they will cost a fraction of traditional hearing aids.
Key facts
- Legato was founded in late 2024 by former Bose executives Mehul Trivedi and Steve Romine.[TechCrunch]
- The startup raised $12 million in funding from investors including Neotribe Ventures, Listen, and Village Global.[TechCrunch]
- Legato Frames use an AI-powered system designed to separate background noise from voices to amplify speech for wearers with mild to moderate hearing loss.[TechCrunch]
- The device features a dual-speaker open-ear design intended to cancel sound escaping from the frames to preserve privacy.[TechCrunch]
- The company plans to distribute the frames through select eye-care providers across the United States.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- The precise launch date and pricing details for Legato Frames remain unannounced.[TechCrunch]
- It is unconfirmed which vision insurance policies will cover the device upon release.[TechCrunch]