We unlock stories.
Whether they’re about culture, art or nature, we give objects and spaces a voice, helping people to listen and expand knowledge.
That’s why we’ve created the world’s smartest audio guide. So that people can discover the bigger context that lies beyond the visual world, without limiting technologies or unnecessary distractions.
Welcome to Guide-ID
Welcome to the art of listening.
Frits, our CEO, tells us how it all began.
It all started in 1986, when I was thirteen years old, and I got my first computer. It wasn’t the commodore 64 which all my friends had, but a Sharp MZ-800 for which almost no software existed, so I started making it myself. That’s what I call magic: making something from nothing. My passion for technology was born – this is how I wanted to earn my livelihood.
I studied computer technology and then business economics. After graduating, I started a company together with a fellow student.
Little by little, the company became involved in the world of museums. One day, a curator showed me around, and her stories brought the paintings and objects to life. People are naturally curious and driven by stories. But why would you only tell those stories live?
This was the start of a new adventure: developing software and hardware that makes it seem as if the curator is standing right next to you. I made an initial version on a predecessor of the iPhone, the PDA. It was soon replaced by a new design, the Podcatcher – the world’s easiest audio guide.
The Podcatcher made it possible to look at art better, without distractions – without a screen. Guide-ID is now used across the globe, with over 380 million stories shared. These stories open up visitors’ minds, so that they leave the exhibition feeling truly inspired. That’s what motivates me.
Undivided attention
Who doesn’t love a good story? Especially those told by artists, history or mother nature. They deserve to be heard, enjoyed and learned from without any distractions. That’s exaclty why we offer audio-only guides, to make sure all eyes are on the object, all ears are on the story.
Simplicity is key
‘Keeping it simple’ is the key principle on which we build our smart audio tour technology, straightforward services and honest communication. Why overcomplicate things, when keeping it simple brings the most joy — and the least amount of headaches?
Let’s have fun together!
We are not just any audio guide company. We like to keep it personal. Whether it’s with our colleagues, clients or other partners, we’re in it as friends. That means listening to each other, helping out wherever we can and making the occasional silly joke.