Lexifone, which is developing automated translation for phone conversations, has raised $ 2 million from a New York State owned fund, Israel’s Office of the Chief Scientist, and private investors, sources inform “Globes." The Office of the Chief Scientist granted Lexifone NIS 3.5 million for development.
Lexifone allows two people to have a phone conversation speaking two different languages, with each party hearing the conversation in his or her own language. In version 2, which was launched six months ago, one of the most important technological mechanisms was improved, so that rather than each party saying a sentence, waiting for the translation, and then signaling when the translation direction switches, Lexifone 2 allows each party to say a series of sentences, and the translation begins immediately when the speaker finishes talking (with a delay of roughly two seconds). Lexifone listens to both speakers simultaneously, and translates each one separately, even if the two speak at the same time. Lexifone translates to English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Russian, and Hebrew. Lexifone was established in 2010 by Dr. Ike Sagie, who serves as CEO.
The funds will be used to expand the company’s operations. Lexifone is expanding its operations in the US, and is establishing a branch in San Francisco, in addition to the existing branch in New York, and is also in talks with companies in China to provide services.
Lexifone says: “Lexifone confirms receiving the investment. Part was funded by the State of New York, and part by private investors. Following the investment, Lexifone has establishes a subsidiary in the US in order to promote US sales.”
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 18, 2014
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