DSP Concepts, a US-based developer of processors for voice-assisted interfaces, raised $10m on Tuesday in a series A round led by automotive manufacturer BMW.
BMW participated through its innovation division BMW i Ventures, along with venture capital firm Walden International Ventures and angel investor David Tsang.
DSP Concepts’ Audio Weaver platform removes the need for a standalone digital signal processor by allowing developers of voice-controlled user interfaces (UIs) to select from multiple audio processing options within a single software stack.
The technology is generally used to help develop technology for products that can be controlled by a user’s voice. The cash will help DSP Concepts move from directly selling its engineering services to a licensing approach that will help clients to adapt the technology more effectively.
Christian Noske, a partner at BMW i Ventures, said: “Voice UI will play a huge role in the evolution of the car toward becoming an extension of our digital lives.
“The type of agile development of voice UI capabilities that DSP Concepts enables will become key for companies that want to bring their products to the next level in alignment with this vision.”