Fortel is a venture-backed startup using custom AI chips and multiple microphones to create hearing aids that selectively amplify important sounds while filtering noise—a stark contrast to traditional devices that just make everything louder. CEO Matthew DeYoung explains how the technology works, the $6,800 pricing (including 5 years of care), and why investors like Founders Fund and Antonio Gracias bet on this medtech disruptor.
Summarized by Podsumo
Fortel uses a custom AI chip to separate important sounds (like conversation) from background noise in real time, addressing both the ear and brain aspects of hearing loss.
The startup has raised ~$160M at a ~$700M valuation from Founders Fund, Thrive Capital, and Antonio Gracias, highlighting rare venture interest in medtech.
Fortel's hearing aids cost $6,800 (including 5 years of audiological care) and offer free over-the-air AI updates, unlike traditional devices from the 'Big 5' companies.
"Why do I have to beg my grandparents to put on their hearing aids? But no one has ever needed to ask me to put on my glasses."
— Matthew DeYoung
"Hearing aids have been really good at making sounds louder... and really hard at differentiating important from unimportant."
— Matthew DeYoung
"We really see ourselves as almost like we're making medicine. We're here to solve high-stakes problems."
— Matthew DeYoung