This startup died in 2017, but its dream of in-ear computing is everywhere

Doppler Labs folded before it could revolutionize hearing. Then its ideas came to life one by one in Apple’s AirPods and their rivals.

[Photos: Courtesy of Noah Kraft; Doppler Labs]

Few elements of Silicon Valley’s culture are more cherished than its embrace of failure. Nobody looks askance at you for starting a company that doesn’t make it. Indeed, it’s widely regarded as a badge of honor, proving your willingness to make bold, risky bets and leaving you a smarter, more battle-tested veteran.

And yet failed startups tend to be forgotten the moment their doom is sealed. Aside from a few flops so epic they become legends—hello, Webvan and........

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