SonicEnergy

About SonicEnergy

SonicEnergy, formerly known as uBeam, operated in the wireless energy sector, developing technology to transmit power over the air using ultrasound. The company was founded in 2011 by Meredith Perry, a University of Pennsylvania graduate who won the university's invention competition for the concept. Perry's academic background was in paleobiology and astrobiology, having conducted research with NASA before venturing into entrepreneurship. The company initially gained significant attention, securing $26 million in funding from notable investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Mark Cuban, and Marissa Mayer.

The core of SonicEnergy's business was a proprietary hardware and software solution designed to deliver long-range, wire-free charging. The technology involved converting electrical energy into acoustic energy via ultrasonic transducer arrays, transmitting it through the air in a focused beam, and then converting it back to electrical energy at a receiver. This system was intended to power a wide array of devices, from consumer electronics to industrial IoT sensors, aerospace systems, and medical devices, without the need for physical contact with a charging station. The business model focused on B2B partnerships, aiming to integrate its technology into the products and operations of other companies, such as a development program announced with Airbus in 2020.

Throughout its history, the company faced considerable challenges, including skepticism about the technology's practicality and safety, as well as significant leadership changes. All of the original engineering team departed by 2016. Meredith Perry stepped down as CEO in 2018 and was succeeded by a series of acting and permanent CEOs. In late 2019, the company rebranded from uBeam to SonicEnergy to reflect an evolving focus toward the B2B and IoT markets. Despite demonstrating prototypes and securing partnerships, the company ultimately ceased operations, with its status listed as 'Out of Business' as of February 5, 2024.