SCA invests in Australian AI and machine learning company Sonnant to power digital audio experiences

SCA today announced that it has become an early stage investor in Melbourne-based Sonnant Pty Ltd, a transformational artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) company that provides content discovery for the spoken word.

Consumption of digital audio is growing in Australia and is expected to reach 80% of the population by 2024¹ and SCA’s recent launch of LiSTNR is designed to be a best in class consumer digital audio experience.

SCA’s in-house technical capability will be enhanced by Sonnant’s AI intelligence, providing an depth of understanding of SCA content that allows for rich meta data and exciting new user experiences.

Sonnant allows SCA to enhance the key product pillars of LiSTNR delivering a personalised experience to each user based on the topics they most enjoy listening to. This aids discovery and recommendations as well as enhancing the accessibility of LISTNR’s audio, so it can reach new Australian audiences with its premium shows.

“SCA is a proud supporter of the Australian entrepreneurial ecosystem, so when we found a company of Sonnant’s calibre in Melbourne, we knew that an investment partnership would provide significant long term value to  both parties,” SCA Head of Digital and Innovation, Chris Johnson, said.   “We were delighted when Sonnant’s tech outperformed several ‘off the shelf’ products we pitted it against in testing. Even better that they were right in our own backyard! The partnership demonstrates our commitment to not just delivering engaging digital products but building the technical capabilities  that power market leading platforms today.”

Sonnant CEO, Tony Simmons (pictured above), said: “Technology now allows us to do things with the spoken word that was merely science-fiction a few short years ago. Sonnant has long recognised that the consumption of audio, especially the need for better audience discovery of relevant content with podcasts, can greatly benefit by our exacting AI processes.

“Importantly, by applying Sonnant’s machine learning, SCA will reduce manual processes and SCA customers and advertisers will experience more precise results in a shorter period of time. We are very excited for the opportunity to work with Australia’s pre-eminent media organisation to create even better listener experiences and a high degree of engagement.”

(1) - Source: GfK Australian Share of Audio 2019