Transforming Global Communication: DeepL Acquires Mixhalo to Revolutionize Live Event Experiences
In the dynamic realm of conferences and live events, language barriers can hinder engagement for attendees unfamiliar with the spoken tongues of speakers. This often leads to frantic searches for translation apps, which can fall short in accuracy. Enter Mixhalo, a groundbreaking audio technology startup, now partnering with DeepL, renowned for its translation expertise, to enhance real-time translation experiences at events.
Founded in 2016 by music industry veterans Mike Einziger from Incubus, violinist Ann Marie Simpson-Einziger, and Vik Singh, the current CEO, Mixhalo initially focused on elevating the concert experience. However, the company has since pivoted to cater to live sports and events, successfully attracting over $39 million in funding from notable investors like Fortress Investment, Founders Fund, and Defy Partners.
Mixhalo’s unique offering harnesses the power of real-time audio technology, improving how audiences connect with events. As CEO Vik Singh points out, the surge of voice AI innovations offers rich integration opportunities, refining Mixhalo’s services while presenting competitive challenges. Collaborating with DeepL—a long-standing partner—aligns perfectly with their vision for enhanced multilingual communication.
The partnership took shape organically during a customer dinner attended by Singh, where he engaged with DeepL’s CTO, Sebastian. Their discussion revealed significant synergies between their technologies, particularly for the event sector, which led to the decision to deepen their collaboration.
While DeepL has long been central to text translation, recent years have seen a shift towards voice capabilities, including the launch of voice-to-text translation in over 33 languages in 2024, followed by a voice-to-voice translation suite. By bringing Mixhalo into the fold, DeepL aims to extend its reach within the live event landscape.
DeepL CEO Jarek Kutylowski expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that Mixhalo not only serves as a practical solution but also as a powerful showcase for DeepL’s technology in real-time environments like conferences, allowing attendees to experience seamless translation firsthand.
To reinforce its U.S. presence, DeepL plans to establish a new office in the San Francisco area, directly in Mixhalo’s home city. This strategic move positions DeepL favorably against competitors such as Wordly AI and Seven Seven Six-backed Palabra, reinforcing its commitment to leading the future of multilingual communication in live settings.
As the partnership unfolds, the stage is set for a new era of interconnected global events, where language is no longer a barrier, but rather a bridge to greater understanding and collaboration.