Gestala has raised RMB570 million, or approximately $84 million, across two financing rounds during its first six months of operations, as the Chinese life sciences company develops an ultrasound-based brain-computer interface platform.
Gestala officially launched on January 1, 2026 and completed an RMB150 million Angel round in March, followed by an RMB420 million Angel+ round in July.
The latest round included HSG, Lens Technology, Sinovation Ventures and C Capital, with existing investors Dalton Venture, Seas Capital, Tsing Song Capital and Gobi Partners making follow-on investments.
Gestala was co-founded by Phoenix Peng and Tianqiao Chen, founder of Shanda Group and the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute.
The company is developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface based on ultrasound technology, with a longer-term ambition of creating a platform capable of whole-brain “read and write” functions.
Its approach combines functional ultrasound imaging, focused ultrasound and AI. Gestala plans to develop a multimodal brain foundation model designed to identify relationships among neural activity, cerebral blood flow, medical imaging and observable behavior.
Gestala has assembled a team of 29 scientists and engineers and plans to grow to approximately 45 employees by the end of 2026.
Its Chengdu headquarters handles product development, engineering, manufacturing and industrial translation, while its Shanghai operation focuses on fundamental research, brain foundation models, clinical resources and scientific collaboration.
Gestala plans to establish an additional international headquarters in either Singapore or Hong Kong.
The company’s first target indication is chronic pain, with potential future applications in depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and stroke rehabilitation.
Gestala plans to unveil its first-generation ultrasound BCI product and brain foundation model by the end of 2026 before moving into clinical trials and medical device registration.
KEY QUOTE:
“Brain-computer interfaces, ultrasound, artificial intelligence and life sciences are all different paths toward understanding human intelligence. Our true subject of study is human intelligence itself.”
Phoenix Peng, Co-Founder of Gestala
