Hollywood Headphones Startup Has Helped 20,000 People With Hearing Disabilities

“LSTN was founded to change lives through the power of music.” proclaims co-founder, Bridget Hilton. She knows a thing or two about good music, having spent over 8 years at Universal Music Group working alongside artists like Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West. Launching LSTN out of her Hollywood apartment with just a $10k loan from a friend, it is now a multimillion dollar a year company. The vintage inspired line of headphones wasn’t just about the music, however.

As a social enterprise, LSTN is an impact focused company, yet their headphones truly stand on their own. The sleek wooden design, full bass, and overall high quality sound is a wonderful musical experience. Daniel Kirkpatrick is an up & coming musician that just recorded with the producer of The Lumineers (he also happens to be my brother). He is the most particular person on earth when it comes to sound, but was quick to endorse the LSTN "Troubadors" quality as well.

After watching a video online where a woman her age was able to hear for the first time, Bridget realized how different her life would have been without ever hearing music. “I did some research and found there are 360 million people with disabling hearing loss. Most of them are in developing countries and can be helped with just hearing aids. Music is so important - it shouldn't be something that is dependent on status, age or location. I had to do something to help.” states Hilton. A youtube video and a passionate social entrepreneur later, 20,000 people have been provided with hearing aids through LSTN's partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation in countries including the USA, Peru, Uganda, Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka.

In addition to the impact, Bridget and co-founder Joe Huff have created a solid, growing business. Partnerships have been formed with Spotify & TOMS among others and their headphones are now available on their website, Nordstrom , Whole Foods, Birchbox, Fry’s, and more. They have also recently secured funding with strategic investors in entertainment, fashion, legal and finance including several heavy hitters that will be announced soon. The capital infusion will assist in LSTN’s efforts to expand distribution worldwide.

The Los Angeles startup scene continues to produce quality businesses that incorporate a philanthropic kick. Products that offer a charitable element have a difficult task, that is, the balance of price point and quality must be reasonable to the consumer all while earning profit for investors and growth.  LSTN has found that sweet spot where everyone wins. Profitable for the business, valuable to the consumer, and good for the world.

For more information, view their story on LSTNheadphones.com.