Holosonics
Holosonics manufactures patented Audio Spotlight directional speakers that use ultrasonic technology to project narrow, isolated sound beams. The Watertown, MA company serves museums, retail, healthcare, banking, and experiential marketing clients globally through direct enterprise sales and regional distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersWatertown, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Holosonics does
Holosonics (legal name: Holosonic Research Labs, Inc.) is a privately-held manufacturer of directional audio speakers, founded in 1999 by Dr. F. Joseph Pompei and headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts, where it also operates its manufacturing facility. The company commercializes the Audio Spotlight® platform, originally developed at the MIT Media Lab, which uses ultrasonic carrier waves to project narrow beams of audible sound — claimed to be roughly ten times more isolated than competing directional speakers, with sound levels dropping 20+ dB just outside the beam. The current product line consists of three X-Series models (the AS-168iX entry unit at 85 dB SPL, the AS-16iX mid-range at 90 dB, and the AS-24iX flagship at 95 dB), each with a built-in amplifier and signal processor, plus a forthcoming NEXIS™ architecture (announced June 2026) that adds Dante networked audio, Power over Ethernet (PoE), aptX Low Latency Bluetooth, GPIO/UART control, and enhanced DSP. Optional features include Bluetooth streaming, motion-sensor triggering, microSD playback, and custom printed fabric finishes. The IP portfolio exceeds 25 issued patents and includes the Audio Spotlight® and SoundBeam® registered trademarks.
The business model is anchored in direct hardware sales priced from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars per unit, with secondary streams from OEM licensing and custom integration partnerships aimed at consumer applications (smart home, automotive, TV displays) and commercial venues (restaurants, kiosks, ATMs). Go-to-market is enterprise field sales driven by a 'Request a Demo' funnel on the company's website, with a sales team that responds within one business day, supplemented by regional distributors including Ligra in Italy and Teknomaks in Turkey for European and Middle Eastern coverage. Target customer verticals include museums and galleries, retail and digital signage, banks and credit unions, hospitals and healthcare, libraries, tradeshows and events, command and control centers, and creative marketing/experiential campaigns.
Since 2000, Holosonics reports thousands of Audio Spotlight installations across more than 100 countries, with named deployments including Intel (CES 2019), Nike (NYC flagship store with 36 speakers), View Boston (14 speakers, 2024 Commercial Integrator award), Mission Health Hospital (200+ speakers), Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Fiat (Westfield London), Johnnie Walker/Diageo (Miami International Airport), Nivea (South African mall tour), and Studio Iregular (Village Numérique 2025 in Montreal). The company is founder-owned, bootstrapped from $2,000 of seed capital, profitable, and operates with a small team of 11–50 employees from a single Watertown, MA facility that also houses manufacturing.
Holosonics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Holosonics
- Legal name
- Holosonic Research Labs, Inc.
- Website
- https://holosonics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Holosonics manufactures patented Audio Spotlight directional speakers that use ultrasonic technology to project narrow, isolated sound beams. The Watertown, MA company serves museums, retail, healthcare, banking, and experiential marketing clients globally through direct enterprise sales and regional distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Holosonics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Directional Audio Speakers
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Speakers & Subwoofers Retail (Soundbars, Surround, Smart Speakers) (CRACAEAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Studio / Pro Monitoring Headphones & Reference Speakers (CRACANAK)
Keywords
Where Holosonics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Watertown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Holosonics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Audio Spotlight Speakers: Sale of proprietary directional speaker systems including AS-168iX, AS-16iX, AS-24iX models. Products are self-powered, fully integrated systems requiring no additional hardware. Pricing ranges from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on model and configuration.
- OEM/Integration Services: Partnerships with manufacturers for OEM integration of directional audio technology into third-party products and installations, including custom mounting solutions and system integration.
- Custom OEM Solutions: Customized directional audio solutions for large manufacturers, fabricators, and integrators targeting consumer applications (smart home, automotive, TV displays) and commercial venues (restaurants, kiosks, ATMs).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | AS-168iX - Entry-level model for quiet environments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | AS-16iX - Mid-range model for moderate ambient noise |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | AS-24iX - Flagship model for high-noise environments |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
Holosonics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Holosonics designs, manufactures, and sells Audio Spotlight directional speaker systems that use patented ultrasound-based acoustic projection to deliver highly focused beams of audible sound to specific listeners while keeping surrounding areas quiet. The company offers a tiered product family (AS-168iX entry, AS-16iX mid-range, AS-24iX flagship), the upcoming NEXIS networked architecture, and OEM/licensing of its directional audio technology for integration into third-party products.
Product overview
Holosonics offers the Audio Spotlight® line of directional sound speakers—a family of products using patented ultrasonic technology to create narrow beams of sound. The core product line consists of three X-Series models: AS-24iX (flagship, 95 dB), AS-16iX (mid-range, 90 dB), and AS-168iX (entry, 85 dB). The NEXIS™ architecture represents the next-generation platform powering these speakers with modern networking capabilities. Standard features across all models include built-in amplifiers/processors, line-level inputs, microSD media players, and VESA mounting compatibility. Customization options include Bluetooth audio streaming, motion sensors for triggered playback, and custom printed fabric finishes. The company manufactures exclusively in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Audio Spotlight AS-24iX Flagship Audio Spotlight directional speaker with strongest output (95 dB SPL @ 1kHz) and deepest low frequency response, designed for competing with noisier environments or areas requiring more sound coverage.
- Audio Spotlight AS-16iX Mid-range Audio Spotlight directional speaker with max output of 90 dB SPL @ 1kHz, capable of producing clear and present speech or music for environments with moderate ambient noise.
- Audio Spotlight AS-168iX Smallest and most affordable Audio Spotlight directional speaker with max output of 85 dB SPL @ 1kHz, best suited for reproducing brighter sounds in quiet settings.
- NEXIS Architecture (next-generation Audio Spotlight platform) Next-generation architecture powering Audio Spotlight directional speakers, incorporating Dante networked audio, Power over Ethernet (PoE), a new amplifier platform, proprietary audio processing algorithms, GPIO triggering, UART control, distance sensor, enhanced DSP, and aptX Low Latency Bluetooth, debuted at InfoComm 2026.
- OEM / Custom Integration Services Partnerships with manufacturers, fabricators, and integrators for OEM integration of directional audio technology into third-party products and installations, including custom mounting solutions and system integration for consumer (smart home, automotive, TV displays) and commercial (restaurants, kiosks, ATMs) applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- 130% potential increase in sales when using targeted directional audio messaging for consumer engagement
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Holosonics
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Holosonics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability1 record
Feature7 records
Holosonics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core, notable and minor.
- LigraregionalItalian AV distributor partnership extending market reach into Italy for Audio Spotlight directional audio products.
- TeknomaksregionalTurkish AV distributor partnership for distribution of Audio Spotlight products in Turkey and surrounding regions.
- ElectrosoniccoreExperiential technology leader collaborated with Holosonics on View Boston observatory project, integrating 14 AS-168iX Audio Spotlight speakers into immersive city exploration experience. Project won Commercial Integrator's 2024 'Best Immersive Experience Project' award.
- Parallel StudiocoreDesign partner for Nike flagship NYC store installation, working with Holosonics to integrate 36 Audio Spotlight speakers into 'The Beacon' exhibit at House of Innovation 000.
- Brilliant MarketingnotableAudio-visual integrator designed and installed AMETA Center at Mid-State Technical College with triple-transducer AS-24iX array and custom mounting solutions.
- Skooby LaposkynotableArtist/integrator for 'The Storm Remembered / Reactivated' installation at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum using motion-sensor-triggered AS-168iX directional audio.
- Studio IregularnotableInteractive art studio for 'NEST: COLONY' installation at Village Numérique 2025 in Montreal, featuring 9 AS-24iX speakers with motorized robotic arms for real-time sound targeting.
- KolarnotableDesign firm for Cincinnati Children's Hospital Crestview Hills renovation, integrating custom printed fabric Audio Spotlight speakers with motion sensors for interactive audio scavenger hunt.
- IntelnotableTechnology company featured Audio Spotlight at CES 2019 booth with four AS-24i systems daisy-chained for immersive volumetric video experience.
- nasebaminorEvent organizer for Cinematic Innovation Summit at Dubai International Film Festival where Dr. Pompei presented Audio Spotlight technology to industry leaders.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Holosonics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Focusonics: Direct competitor in parametric/directional audio speakers using similar ultrasonic emitter technology. Focusonics targets comparable commercial use cases (digital signage, exhibits, retail) and is the closest functional peer to Holosonics' Audio Spotlight line.
- Audfly Technology: Audfly is a Chinese directional/parametric audio technology company selling focused-sound speakers for retail, exhibitions, advertising, and automotive applications — a direct international competitor to Holosonics, particularly in Asia-Pacific.
- Acouspade: Acouspade develops parametric directional audio speaker systems aimed at digital signage, retail, and museums — directly comparable use cases and technology to Holosonics Audio Spotlight.
Emerging players
- Soundlazer: Soundlazer builds directional parametric audio speakers and DIY kits using ultrasonic technology. It overlaps with Holosonics at the technology level but focuses on smaller-scale, prosumer, and hobbyist markets rather than enterprise installations.
Broad incumbents
- Sonos: Sonos dominates the premium home multi-room audio category and is expanding into commercial and architectural audio. While currently consumer-focused, its engineering and brand could enable a future move into directional or spatial audio for retail and hospitality, putting it on a collision course with Holosonics.
- Sennheiser: Sennheiser is a leading professional audio equipment manufacturer with strong presence in installed-sound, museum/guide, and conferencing verticals — overlapping with several of Holosonics' target segments. Its scale and distribution would make it a credible competitor if it expands into parametric audio.
- Harman International (Samsung): Harman is a major professional and automotive audio solutions provider within Samsung. Its installed-sound brands (JBL Professional, AMX, BSS) overlap with the AV-integration channel that distributes Holosonics, and its automotive arm could pursue directional audio for in-cabin experiences.
- Bose Corporation: Bose is the premier professional and consumer audio brand globally and was Dr. Pompei's first employer. Bose's Professional division targets the same commercial-venue, museum, retail, and AV-installer channels; any move into parametric/directional speakers would be a direct competitive threat to Holosonics.
- Panasonic (Sound Shower): Panasonic's 'Sound Shower' is one of the longest-standing parametric directional speaker products, predating Holosonics in many commercial deployments. As a global consumer-electronics major, Panasonic can leverage much broader distribution and brand reach into the same vertical applications.
Others
- Electrosonic: Electrosonic is a major AV integrator that partners with Holosonics (e.g., View Boston) and competes indirectly by curating the tech stack for museums, observatories, and immersive experiences. It is a channel partner today but also a potential bundling/commercialization competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Holosonics social profiles
Digital presenceHolosonics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Holosonics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Holosonics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Holosonics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Holosonics
What does Holosonics do?
Holosonics designs, manufactures, and sells Audio Spotlight directional speaker systems that use patented ultrasound-based acoustic projection to deliver highly focused beams of audible sound to specific listeners while keeping surrounding areas quiet. The company offers a tiered product family (AS-168iX entry, AS-16iX mid-range, AS-24iX flagship), the upcoming NEXIS networked architecture, and OEM/licensing of its directional audio technology for integration into third-party products.
Is Holosonics a public or private company?
Holosonics is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Holosonics founded?
Holosonics was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Holosonics based?
Holosonics is headquartered in Watertown, United States, in the North America region.
How does Holosonics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Audio Spotlight Speakers are the primary driver. The others are OEM/Integration Services and custom OEM Solutions.
Who are Holosonics's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Focusonics, Audfly Technology and Acouspade. Soundlazer is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Sonos, Sennheiser, Harman International (Samsung), Bose Corporation and Panasonic (Sound Shower). Electrosonic is listed as an others.
Does Holosonics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Holosonics.
What industry is Holosonics in?
Holosonics's product category is Professional Directional Audio Speakers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACAEAF, Speakers & Subwoofers Retail (Soundbars, Surround, Smart Speakers), with a secondary code of CRACANAK, Studio / Pro Monitoring Headphones & Reference Speakers. Its NAICS code is 334310 and its SIC code is 3651.