Conferences often present a linguistic challenge, with speakers delivering keynotes or panel discussions in languages unfamiliar to many attendees. This typically leads to individuals attempting to use phone-based translation apps for audio capture from a distance, an approach that frequently proves ineffective. Addressing this precise issue, Mixhalo, a startup specializing in real-time audio solutions, is now joining forces with DeepL, the German translation technology leader, to significantly enhance its translation suite and improve these critical communication experiences.
Mixhalo was established in 2016 by Incubus guitarist and songwriter Mike Einziger, violinist Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger, and Vik Singh, who currently serves as the startup’s CEO.
Initially, Mixhalo focused on elevating the audio experience for concert-goers through its innovative platform. Over the years, however, the company successfully evolved to provide real-time audio solutions for a broader range of sports and live events. The startup has attracted substantial investment, raising over $39 million from prominent investors including Fortress Investment, Founders Fund, Defy Partners, and Cowboy Ventures.
In an email, Mixhalo CEO Vik Singh noted the significant benefit derived from the proliferation of voice models entering the market, enabling Mixhalo to integrate and compare the performance of various models. While he clarified that the surge in voice AI did not directly instigate acquisition discussions, he acknowledged that as model companies grow, they would inevitably "start encroaching" on Mixhalo's operational space, creating future difficulties in competitive pricing.
Mixhalo had already been leveraging DeepL as its primary translation provider, making the decision to pursue a closer collaboration a logical step for the company.
Singh elaborated on the origins of the partnership, stating, "The DeepL conversation was very organic. Mixhalo has been a long-time DeepL customer, and I attended a customer dinner and ended up seated next to Sebastian, DeepL’s CTO. We just got to talking, and the more we talked, the more obvious the overlap became across the event space, the API, and the application layer, whether that is voice for meetings, document translation, or live event."
DeepL has long been a dominant force in text translation, but in recent years, it has notably expanded its focus on voice products. In 2024, the company introduced voice-to-text translation capabilities supporting over 33 languages. This past April, it further launched a comprehensive voice-to-voice translation suite designed to facilitate use cases such as multilingual meetings. The acquisition of Mixhalo is poised to propel DeepL directly into the live event sector with this advanced suite of products.
"For us, Mixhalo will work as a solution and also a marketing use case. The platform will allow us to show how DeepL’s tech works in real-time and in environments like conferences where people are present on the ground," DeepL CEO Jarek Kutylowski informed TechCrunch during a call.
Kutylowski also announced that with the acquisition of San Francisco-based Mixhalo, DeepL plans to establish a new office in the Bay Area, signaling a strategic expansion of its U.S. operations. Mixhalo currently operates in a competitive landscape, with notable rivals including Wordly AI and Seven Seven Six-backed Palabra.
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