For the past six years, CNBC has chosen 50 start-ups to be a part of the CNBC Disruptor 50 list. Out of 1,000 nominated companies, Rodney Williams’ LISNR was chosen as a part of the 2018 list, marking the companies third appearance for its innovative data-over-audio transmission technology.
LISNR uses audio to transmit data between devices. Rather than Wi-fi or Bluetooth technology, the low-power data transmission that LISNR uses lets devices send fast, secure information throughout the world via inaudible smart tones. Last year LISNR paired up with Ticketmaster to create technology that would let different venues check attendees into their events quickly, easily and securely.
The CNBC Disruptor 50 Advisory Council is made up of 52 leaders in entrepreneurship and innovation. This group reviewed and ranked the required quantitative and qualitative criteria that the nominees were required to submit in order to figure out the importance and ability to disrupt pre-established industries. Top features they were looking for this year include both scalability and user growth.
LISNR came in at 22 this year, ranked alongside companies such as SpaceX, Uber, Coinbase and 23andMe. The company is currently working on projects with both Jaguar Land Rover and Visa to innovate those industries as well. With Jaguar Land Rover, LISNR’s technology is being used for features such as keyless entry and controlling radio stations. And with Visa, they are exploring ways to use sound to facilitate mobile payments.
Check out CNBC’s interview with Williams below:
