eCaptions Company Profile

Background

Overview

eCaptions, established in 1997, is a San Diego-based agency specializing in Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and captioning services. The company offers real-time speech-to-text translation, video captioning—including for platforms like YouTube—and audio transcription services. eCaptions serves a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, government entities, healthcare organizations, and technical firms. Their services are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ensuring effective communication access for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Mission and Vision

eCaptions is committed to providing equal communication access by delivering high-quality, real-time captioning and transcription services. Their mission is to enable full participation for individuals who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-native English speakers in various settings, including meetings, workshops, presentations, and online content.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Accessibility: Ensure equal access to spoken content for individuals with hearing impairments or those who use English as a second language.

Quality Service: Maintain high standards in captioning and transcription services to meet diverse client needs.

Flexibility: Offer both on-site and remote services to accommodate various client preferences and situations.

Areas of Specialization

CART Captioning: Providing real-time speech-to-text translation for live events, meetings, and educational settings.

Video Captioning: Creating accurate captions for online videos, including platforms like YouTube, to enhance accessibility and searchability.

Audio Transcription: Converting audio recordings into written text for documentation and accessibility purposes.

Key Technologies Utilized

Speech-to-Text Software: Advanced software solutions for accurate and efficient real-time transcription.

Video Captioning Tools: Specialized tools for synchronizing captions with video content.

Remote Communication Platforms: Utilizing platforms like Zoom and Skype for remote captioning services.

Primary Markets Targeted

Educational Institutions: Universities and schools requiring captioning for lectures and seminars.

Government Entities: Agencies needing compliance with accessibility regulations.

Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals and clinics providing accessible communication for patients and staff.

Corporate Sector: Businesses aiming to make meetings and training sessions accessible to all employees.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

eCaptions is a privately held company and has not publicly disclosed specific funding details. The company operates with a lean structure, focusing on delivering high-quality services without external funding.

Financial Performance

Estimated Annual Revenue: Approximately $1.3 million.

Number of Employees: Around 15.

Pipeline Development

As a service-oriented company, eCaptions does not have a product pipeline. Instead, they continually enhance their service offerings by integrating new technologies and expanding their service areas to meet the evolving needs of their clients.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

eCaptions utilizes state-of-the-art speech-to-text software and video captioning tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency in their services. While specific proprietary technologies are not disclosed, the company emphasizes the use of the latest technology to provide high-quality services.

Significant Scientific Methods

Real-Time Transcription: Employing advanced algorithms for immediate conversion of speech to text.

Caption Synchronization: Utilizing precise timing methods to align captions accurately with audio and video content.

Leadership Team

Tom Brown – Chief Executive Officer

Tom Brown has been the CEO of eCaptions since March 2014. With over 34 years of experience in software development and management, he has led various technology initiatives prior to joining eCaptions. His leadership focuses on expanding the company's service offerings and maintaining high standards of service quality.

Susan Brown – Chief Financial Officer

Susan Brown serves as the CFO, overseeing the company's financial operations and strategic planning. Her role is crucial in ensuring the company's financial health and supporting its growth initiatives.

Trish Connery – Scheduling Manager

Trish Connery manages the scheduling of services, coordinating between clients and captioners to ensure timely and efficient service delivery.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The demand for captioning and transcription services is growing, driven by increasing awareness of accessibility needs and regulatory requirements. The market includes a range of providers, from large firms to specialized agencies like eCaptions.

Competitor Analysis

ACSI Translations: Specializes in translation and interpretation services, including captioning. Estimated annual revenue is approximately $4.7 million.

Caption First: Provides real-time captioning services for various events and settings. Estimated annual revenue is between $5 million and $25 million.

CaptioningStar: Offers captioning and transcription services with a focus on accuracy and timeliness. Estimated annual revenue is between $5 million and $25 million.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

eCaptions collaborates with various organizations to enhance service delivery, including being the official CART and captioning agency for Deaf Community Services of San Diego, Inc.

Operational Insights

eCaptions differentiates itself through its commitment to high-quality, flexible, and responsive services. By employing qualified independent contractors and utilizing advanced technologies, the company ensures effective communication access for all clients.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

eCaptions aims to expand its service offerings by integrating new technologies and exploring additional markets to meet the growing demand for accessible communication solutions.