VocaTone Sudio—a startup participating in WiSys’ flagship entrepreneurship program WiSys VentureHome—was recognized at this year’s Elevator Pitch Olympics, held Nov. 10 as part of the Wisconsin Early Stage Symposium.
VocaTone Studio is a voice technology company using artificial intelligence to develop new and innovative solutions related to the recognition, transcription and recreation of the human voice.
The startup’s pitch received the “People’s Choice Award,” earning the most votes from the audience at the annual entrepreneurship conference at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wis.
According to reporting by The Capital Times, Kenosha’s VocaTone Studio, pitched by Natalia Shmueli, offers a “deep learning-based vocal synthesizer” in 70 languages, allowing animation studios, content producers and musicians the ability to add vocals to their work without hiring a singer.
“Finding a vocalist, scheduling that vocalist, all the issues that come up in recording sessions. Don't you think most musicians and singers would prefer a pop star right in their pocket?” Shmueli asked. “The technology is simple: draw a note, type in whatever lyrics you want and press play. Human quality vocals, straight from your computer. It’s that easy.” One of the company’s best-selling vocal synthesizers was featured in the cartoon series “Bee and PuppyCat.”
VocaTone Studio’s founders are currently part of the Level Up! Program at the WiSys VentureHome-Eau Claire.
The WiSys VentureHome Level Up! program is an action-oriented 5-month program that helps entrepreneurs take their scalable business or idea to the next level. Participants network with entrepreneurs and mentors in the local and statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem as they complete programming and work towards leveling up their business. This rigorous and customized program prepares founders to present their businesses to investors and the community.
With its participation in the Eau Claire Level Up! program and its president being a former student at UW-Parkside, the Kenosha-based startup exemplifies the statewide network and community the WiSys VentureHome program continues to support.
WiSys is a nonprofit organization that works with faculty, staff, students and alumni of the UW System to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, develop and commercialize discoveries and foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking across the state.