Resound
Resound, with a valuation of $4.5 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company has developed a platform that uses artificial intelligence to automate video and audio editing. Resound’s model is trained with proprietary audio data and tested and approved by professional audio engineers. The platform has over 16,500 users and has been used to create 45,650 projects. Resound is at the current MRR of $4,829 and is in talks with multiple companies to be used for its data and machine learning model. Jacob Bozarth and Mark Minnery founded Resound in September 2021. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $100,000. The campaign proceeds will be used for ML development and data, software engineering development, and B2B outbound and inbound sales.
Investment Overview
Raised: $750
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2021
- Industry
- Business Services, Software, & Applications
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B/B2C
- Margin
- High
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
- Revenue +9,059% YoY
- $64,389
- Monthly Burn
- $896
-
Runway
- 24+ months
- Gross Margin
- 79%
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Synopsis
Resound is a company that leverages artificial intelligence to automate audio and video editing. The platform, which has over 16,500 users, is designed to streamline the editing process for both audio and video content. Resound’s primary customers are likely to be content creators, podcasters, video producers, and businesses that require efficient and accurate editing solutions for their media projects.
The problem Resound addresses is the time-consuming and detail-oriented nature of audio and video editing. Traditional editing methods often involve multiple steps, including transcribing audio, detecting discrepancies, and making manual adjustments. This process can be particularly challenging for those who lack extensive technical expertise or access to professional-grade equipment.
Resound’s solution is a platform that uses AI to automate these tasks. By eliminating the need for manual transcription and leveraging proprietary audio data, Resound’s model aims to achieve accuracy comparable to that of professional audio and video engineers. The platform has been tested and approved by professional audio engineers, ensuring its reliability for high-quality editing.
In everyday scenarios, consider a podcaster who needs to edit multiple episodes each week. The traditional editing process might take several hours per episode, involving meticulous adjustments to ensure clarity and quality. With Resound, this podcaster can automate much of the process, significantly reducing editing time and allowing for more focus on content creation. Similarly, a business producing promotional videos can benefit from the platform’s ability to quickly and accurately edit footage, ensuring a polished final product without the need for extensive manual intervention.
Price
Resound is currently raising funds through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). The terms of the SAFE include a valuation cap of $4.5 million and no discount rate. This valuation cap sets the maximum pre-money valuation at which the SAFE will convert into equity during a future priced round.
Given Resound’s current monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of $4,829, the company's revenue multiple stands at 79x based on its $57k annual recurring revenue (ARR). This high multiple suggests that the current valuation may be aggressive relative to its present revenue and market traction. However, it is not uncommon for early-stage startups to have high revenue multiples, especially in the AI and tech sectors.
For investors to achieve a 10x return, Resound would need to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $45 million. Achieving this would likely require significant growth in user base, revenue, and market penetration. Assuming the company maintains its current growth rate, substantial increases in MRR and successful scaling of its B2B and B2C sales channels would be necessary to reach this threshold.
Startups in the AI-driven software market have shown potential for high exit valuations, particularly if they can demonstrate strong user adoption and recurring revenue growth. However, investors should consider the competitive landscape and the challenges of scaling AI-based solutions when evaluating the likelihood of achieving a substantial exit.
Market
The global AI in music and audio market, which Resound operates within, is experiencing significant growth. The market size is estimated to be around $7.85 billion, with an annual growth rate of 20.6%. This robust expansion is driven by several key factors.
One major driver is the increasing demand for personalized content. AI algorithms enable the creation of customized playlists, music recommendations, and tailored podcast content based on individual listener preferences. This trend enhances user engagement and satisfaction, potentially increasing demand for Resound’s AI-driven editing solutions.
Enhanced production efficiency is another critical market driver. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks such as background noise removal, volume leveling, and music composition. This automation allows content creators to focus on more creative aspects, thereby speeding up production processes and reducing costs. Resound's platform aligns well with this trend, offering tools that streamline the editing workflow.
Accessibility for new creators is also a notable trend. AI-powered tools democratize content creation by enabling aspiring artists and podcasters to produce professional-quality content without needing extensive technical knowledge or expensive studio setups. This trend could expand Resound's customer base by attracting a broader audience of independent creators and small businesses.
Cost reduction is another factor. By streamlining workflows and reducing production time, AI can significantly lower the costs associated with creating music and podcasts. This cost-effectiveness is appealing to both individual creators and businesses, potentially driving adoption of Resound’s platform.
Despite these positive trends, the market is moderately competitive, with several established players offering similar AI-driven editing solutions. Resound’s ability to differentiate itself through proprietary audio data and a high user acceptance rate will be crucial in capturing market share.
Resound’s product can target a wide range of users within the AI music and audio market. While it appeals broadly to content creators, podcasters, and video producers, its specialized AI capabilities and professional-grade output also make it attractive to businesses and professional audio engineers. This versatility enables Resound to address both niche and broader market segments effectively.
In conclusion, the growing demand for personalized content, enhanced production efficiency, accessibility for new creators, and cost reduction are key trends driving the AI music and audio market. While competition is a challenge, Resound's unique approach and targeted solutions position it well to capitalize on the market's expansion.
Team
Resound's team comprises experienced professionals with a strong background in audio engineering, machine learning, and software development. The key members include Jacob Bozarth, Rafał Rolczyński, and Clint Fenton.
Jacob Bozarth, the CEO, has over 15 years of experience as a professional audio engineer and is a two-time founder. He has produced two true crime podcasts that reached #1 on Apple Podcasts. His extensive experience in the podcast industry and audio engineering is crucial for Resound’s focus on high-quality audio editing.
Rafał Rolczyński serves as the Machine Learning Engineer. He brings over six years of experience in machine learning and more than eight years as a software engineer. His previous roles at Scala, Sigmoidal, and the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology highlight his expertise in developing advanced AI models, which is essential for Resound's AI-driven platform.
Clint Fenton is the Senior Software Engineer with over 20 years of development experience and 13 years in senior roles. His past positions include head of infrastructure and Interim CIO at Voodoo Labs, a leading hyper-casual game publisher. Fenton’s extensive experience in software development and infrastructure management supports Resound’s technical operations and product development.
The team’s collective experience aligns well with Resound's goals of providing a high-quality, AI-driven audio and video editing platform. Bozarth’s industry knowledge ensures the platform meets professional standards, while Rolczyński’s machine learning expertise drives the development of accurate and efficient AI models. Fenton’s technical skills ensure the platform’s robustness and scalability.
However, the team is relatively small, which may limit its capacity to scale quickly and manage rapid growth. Expanding the team to include additional expertise in marketing, sales, and customer support could be critical for achieving future milestones and ensuring sustained growth.
Differentiation
Resound competes in the AI-driven audio and video editing market, which includes several established players. Two notable competitors are Descript and Auphonic.
Descript offers a comprehensive audio and video editing platform that includes transcription, screen recording, and multitrack editing. The company is larger than Resound, with a broader user base and a more extensive feature set. Descript’s pricing is competitive, with various subscription plans catering to different levels of usage, making it accessible to both individual creators and professional teams.
Auphonic specializes in automatic audio post-production, providing tools for leveling, noise reduction, and encoding. While smaller than Descript, Auphonic has carved out a niche with its focus on high-quality audio processing. Auphonic’s pricing is usage-based, which can be cost-effective for users with specific needs but might become expensive for high-volume users.
Compared to these competitors, Resound differentiates itself through its proprietary audio data and a high user acceptance rate of 90%. The platform’s AI model is designed to offer accuracy comparable to professional audio engineers, which can be a significant advantage for users seeking high-quality output without manual intervention. Additionally, Resound’s focus on eliminating the transcription layer sets it apart by streamlining the editing process.
Resound targets a diverse customer demographic that includes content creators, podcasters, video producers, and businesses. The platform is particularly appealing to those who require efficient and accurate editing solutions but may lack extensive technical expertise. This includes independent creators, small to medium-sized businesses, and professional audio engineers looking for cost-effective and time-saving tools.
In summary, while Resound operates in a competitive market with established players like Descript and Auphonic, its unique features and proprietary technology provide a distinct value proposition. By targeting a broad range of users with varying needs, Resound aims to carve out a significant share of the growing AI-driven audio and video editing market.
Performance
Resound has shown notable traction since its inception. The platform boasts over 16,500 users and has facilitated the creation of 45,650 projects. This user base has contributed to a current monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of $4,829, reflecting an average monthly growth rate of 16% over the past year. These figures indicate a steady increase in user adoption and revenue generation.
Financially, Resound faces challenges with its cash flow. The most recent cash on hand is approximately $30k, while the most recent monthly burn rate stands at around $95.5k. This burn rate suggests that the company has limited runway, emphasizing the need for additional funding to sustain operations and support growth initiatives.
In terms of product performance, Resound's latest machine learning model has achieved a 90% user acceptance rate, which is a 9% improvement from the previous model. This indicates a positive reception from users and suggests that the company’s continuous improvements are resonating well with its target audience.
Resound is also engaged in active conversations with multiple companies interested in utilizing its data and machine learning model. These discussions could potentially lead to strategic partnerships or acquisitions, providing further opportunities for growth and market expansion.
Despite these positive indicators, the company reported a net income loss of approximately $1.1 million in the most recent fiscal year, up from a loss of $541k in the prior fiscal year. This increase in net loss highlights the ongoing investment in product development and market expansion efforts, which are typical for early-stage companies aiming to establish a foothold in a competitive market.
Risk
Investing in Resound presents several unique risks that potential investors should consider. One significant risk is the high revenue multiple of 69.89x, suggesting an aggressive valuation relative to the company's current monthly recurring revenue (MRR). This high multiple may indicate that the company is overvalued at its current stage of development, posing a potential risk for investors seeking substantial returns.
Resound is also in the early stages of market adoption. While the company has gained traction with over 16,500 users, the AI-driven audio and video editing market is competitive and rapidly evolving. The company needs to continuously innovate and improve its platform to maintain and grow its user base. Additionally, the presence of established competitors may create adoption risks as Resound seeks to capture a larger market share.
Furthermore, although Resound's founders are dedicated, the company is led by a small team. This may limit the company's capacity to scale quickly and handle the complexities of rapid growth. The success of the company heavily relies on the expertise and commitment of a few key individuals, which could pose a risk if any of them were to leave or if the team fails to expand effectively.
Lastly, the lack of patents or proprietary technology may also pose a risk. While Resound's platform has been tested and approved by professional audio engineers, the absence of intellectual property protection could make it easier for competitors to replicate or surpass their offerings, potentially eroding Resound's competitive advantage.
Bullish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bullish outlook for Resound, starting with the significant market opportunities and growth potential in the AI-driven audio and video editing sector. The market is valued at $7.85 billion and is growing at an annual rate of 20.6%. This growth is driven by increasing demand for personalized content, enhanced production efficiency, and cost reduction, all of which align well with Resound’s offerings.
Resound's unique strengths provide a competitive advantage. The platform leverages proprietary audio data and an AI model tested and approved by professional audio engineers, offering accuracy comparable to industry professionals. This differentiation is crucial in attracting users who require high-quality, efficient editing solutions.
The team’s expertise also supports a positive outlook. Jacob Bozarth, with over 15 years of audio engineering experience and notable achievements in the podcast industry, leads the company. The technical skills of Rafał Rolczyński in machine learning and Clint Fenton in software engineering ensure robust development and continuous improvement of the platform. This strong leadership team is well-positioned to drive the company’s growth.
Resound has also achieved notable traction, with over 16,500 users and 45,650 projects created on the platform. The high user acceptance rate of 90% for its latest machine learning model indicates strong market validation and user satisfaction, supporting further growth and adoption.
Favorable investment terms relative to the industry benchmarks also contribute to a positive outlook. The valuation cap of $4.5 million is reasonable given the company’s current stage and growth trajectory, making it an attractive entry point for investors.
Several growth drivers could lead to significant expansion for Resound. The company is leveraging emerging trends in AI and automation to streamline the editing process, which is increasingly important as content production continues to rise. Additionally, Resound is in active discussions with potential partners, which could lead to strategic alliances and further market penetration.
Financially, while the company has challenges with its cash flow, the steady growth in MRR and a high user acceptance rate demonstrate revenue potential. Securing additional funding will be crucial to sustaining operations and scaling the business. The company's ability to attract investors in previous rounds indicates confidence in its business model and growth prospects.
In summary, Resound presents a positive investment opportunity due to its alignment with market trends, strong team, unique technological strengths, and notable traction. These factors, combined with a reasonable valuation cap and potential for strategic partnerships, position Resound well for significant growth in the AI-driven audio and video editing market.
Bearish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for Resound, starting with its high revenue multiple of 69.89x. This valuation appears aggressive given the company's current MRR of $4,829, suggesting that the company might be overvalued relative to its existing financial performance. Such a high multiple could pose a risk for investors expecting substantial returns.
Market challenges also present significant hurdles. The AI-driven audio and video editing market is moderately competitive, with established players like Descript and Auphonic already offering comprehensive solutions. Resound must continuously innovate to maintain its competitive edge, which can be resource-intensive and challenging, particularly for a smaller team.
Financial concerns are another critical factor. With approximately $30k in cash on hand and a monthly burn rate of around $95.5k, Resound has a limited financial runway. This situation could lead to cash flow issues, limiting the company's ability to invest in growth initiatives and potentially hindering its scalability. The need for additional funding is imminent to sustain operations and achieve growth milestones.
Despite the expertise of Resound's core team, the small team size could also be a growth inhibitor. Expanding the team to include additional expertise in marketing, sales, and customer support is essential for scaling the business and managing rapid growth. Without this, the company might struggle to handle increased demand and operational complexities.
A lack of strategic partnerships or major customers could further impede growth. While Resound is in talks with potential partners, the absence of established partnerships can limit its market reach and credibility. Strategic alliances are crucial for expanding market presence and gaining competitive advantages, and their absence could slow down Resound's growth trajectory.
Additionally, the AI-driven market requires constant technological advancements. Any lag in innovation could render Resound's offerings less competitive compared to those of its rivals. The reliance on proprietary audio data provides a differentiation point, but it also means that the company must continuously update and refine its models to keep pace with industry standards and user expectations.
In conclusion, while Resound shows promise, several factors contribute to a bearish outlook. The high valuation, competitive market landscape, financial constraints, small team size, and need for strategic partnerships and continuous innovation pose significant challenges that could hinder the company's growth and scalability.
Executive Summary
Resound is an AI-driven platform that automates audio and video editing, targeting content creators, podcasters, video producers, and businesses. The company aims to streamline the editing process by leveraging proprietary audio data to achieve professional-grade accuracy.
Resound is raising funds through a SAFE with a valuation cap of $4.5 million and no discount. The company has a high revenue multiple of 69.89x, reflecting aggressive valuation relative to its current MRR of $4,829. The platform has shown steady user growth and a high user acceptance rate of 90% for its latest machine learning model.
The AI in music and audio market is valued at $7.85 billion, growing at 20.6% annually. Key trends such as personalized content, enhanced production efficiency, and cost reduction drive this market. Resound differentiates itself through its proprietary audio data and streamlined editing process, appealing to a broad range of users from independent creators to businesses. However, the market is moderately competitive with established players like Descript and Auphonic.
The team includes Jacob Bozarth (CEO), Rafał Rolczyński (Machine Learning Engineer), and Clint Fenton (Senior Software Engineer). Their combined expertise in audio engineering, machine learning, and software development aligns well with Resound's goals. However, the small team size may limit the company’s capacity to scale quickly, indicating a potential need for additional expertise in marketing, sales, and customer support.
From a bullish perspective, Resound's proprietary technology, high user acceptance rate, and alignment with key market trends position it well for growth. The company's ability to streamline the editing process and offer professional-grade accuracy appeals to a wide range of users. Additionally, ongoing discussions with potential partners could provide further growth opportunities.
On the bearish side, the high revenue multiple and limited financial runway present significant risks. The competitive landscape requires continuous innovation and differentiation, and the small team size may hinder rapid scaling. The lack of proprietary patents also poses a risk in maintaining a competitive edge.
In conclusion, Resound presents a compelling investment opportunity with its unique approach to AI-driven audio and video editing. While the company faces challenges related to valuation, financial health, and competition, its alignment with market trends and strong team expertise provide a solid foundation for potential growth. Investors should weigh these factors carefully when considering an investment in Resound.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $1,850,000
- VC Backed?
- Yes
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/17/2025 | Wefunder | $4,499,997 | $750 | SAFE | Active | RegCF |