Prague-based VC fund Soulmates Ventures has announced AIN’s team of its lead position in a a €2.4 million seed round for Signapse, a UK-based Sign Language translation software company. Other investors include Deeptech Seed Fund, the Royal Association for Deaf people, Empirical Ventures, CEAS Investments, and FSE Group.
About Signapse
- Signapse is a sign Language translation software company that uses Gen AI to achieve photo-realism and accuracy. The startup claims that its team includes deaf and hearing people who build artificial intelligence solutions for clients who need access to sign language translation and interpretation.
- Over the past two years, Signapse has used Generative AI to create 5,000 BSL train announcements daily throughout the UK, as well as delivering over 4,000 manual BSL translations for clients in the website and video markets. Recently, Signapse has delivered Deaf accessibility to transport companies such as LNER Train Stations in the UK, and CVG Airport in the US.
We at Soulmates Ventures are proud and excited to be a part of the Signapse endeavor in building unconstrained generative AI sign language translation. Their innovative solution is reflecting the daily challenges and needs of the Deaf people. We are looking forward to supporting the Signapse team through our acceleration program to amplify their distinctive real-time solution and enhance accessibility in transport, mass media, TV, streaming services and others for the Deaf community globally,
Michal Sikyta, Investment Director at Soulmates Ventures, said.
Investment details
- The fresh €2.4 million seed funding comprises €1.8 million from investors, co-led by Soulmates Ventures and Deeptech Seed Fund, and €588,000 from the UK Government. The Royal Association for Deaf people, Empirical Ventures, CEAS Investments, and FSE Group are the participators in the round.
- Established in 2020, Soulmates Ventures is a Czech accelerator and venture capital firm dedicated to sustainable innovation in areas such as air, water, energy, circular economy, food & agriculture, mobility, education, and healthcare. The fund supports a seed-stage startups throughout Europe, offering also a tailored acceleration program and access to growth opportunities.
With the new funding the company plans to improve deaf accessibility through building unconstrained translation for British Sign Language.
In March 2024, Soulmates Ventures invested in the Czech fintech startup Flowpay and the Romanian energy tech Ogre Ai.
