# LISNR

> LISNR is a Cincinnati-based technology company that moves data through sound. Its Radius ultrasonic SDK lets ordinary speakers and microphones transmit inaudible 'Smart Tones' between devices, enabling secure proximity detection, identity verification, and contactless transactions without Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or QR codes. Founded in 2012 out of a 72-hour Startup Bus ride to SXSW, LISNR has grown into a data-over-audio leader backed by Visa, Mastercard, and Intel, serving payments, retail, mobility, and live-event clients.

- **Founded:** 2012
- **Headquarters:** Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- **Founders:** Rodney Williams (Co-Founder & former CEO (now Executive Chairman)), Chris Ostoich (Co-Founder), Josh Glick (Co-Founder), Chris Ridenour (Co-Founder), Nikki Ridenour (Co-Founder)
- **Team size:** ~31 employees
- **Products:** Radius Ultrasonic SDK, Smart Tones, Quest Customer Engagement Platform
- **Notable:** Named to CNBC's 2016 Disruptor 50 list (No. 45), Holds 131 patents - roughly six times the peer average, Raised $30M+ (some sources cite $43M+) since inception

## Products & services

- **Radius Ultrasonic SDK** — LISNR's flagship data-over-audio SDK. Uses inaudible ultrasonic Smart Tones to enable real-time proximity detection, secure authentication, and contactless transactions between devices over 10+ feet apart - no Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, or QR codes required.
- **Smart Tones** — Inaudible ultrasonic frequencies that, when played from any audio speaker, transmit data to any LISNR-enabled device.
- **Quest Customer Engagement Platform** — Gamification, personalized offers, and rewards platform (built on technology acquired from Arden Labs) for proximity-based loyalty experiences.

## Achievements

- Named to CNBC's 2016 Disruptor 50 list (No. 45)
- Holds 131 patents - roughly six times the peer average
- Raised $30M+ (some sources cite $43M+) since inception
- Secured strategic investment from both Visa and Mastercard
- Pioneered the 'data over sound' / 'internet of sound' category

## Latest updates

- **2024-08** — Refreshed branding and positioning around 'Proximity Engagement Driving Contactless Commerce'; launched Quest engagement platform.
- **2024-01** — Partnered with Refill Technologies to bring ultrasonic authentication to ticketing and mobile ordering.
- **2020-11** — Closed strategic Series C with investment from Visa and Mastercard to accelerate growth in payments.

## Links

- Website: https://lisnr.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lisnr
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/lisnr
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LISNR
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getlisnr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getlisnr

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/lisnr
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-06-14