NextSense (see Pulse 2.0 profile here), a company developing wearable EEG technology for consumer wellness, announced the close of a $16 million Series A funding round led by Ascension Ventures. Additional investors in the oversubscribed round include Satori Neuro and Corundum Neuroscience Fund, as well as individual backers David Eagleman, Esther Dyson, and Bradley Horowitz. The new funding supports the company’s plans to bring its Smartbuds product to market in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The funding marks a significant milestone in NextSense’s efforts to make brain-sensing technology accessible in everyday consumer products. Smartbuds are designed to provide clinically accurate sleep tracking and apply auditory stimulation that can help improve slow-wave sleep. The earbuds also feature brain-responsive modes designed to enhance relaxation and focus by adjusting audio output in real-time based on EEG data.
The company is preparing collaborations with universities and pharmaceutical partners as part of a roadmap that includes medical applications targeted for 2027. The round’s rapid subscription signals growing investor interest in consumer-ready neurotechnology and closed-loop wearable systems that go beyond tracking to actively improving mental and physical well-being.
NextSense’s Smartbuds can be pre-ordered now, with first shipments expected in Q4 2025.
KEY QUOTES:
“We started NextSense to democratize brain health — to give people the same visibility into their minds that wearables gave their bodies. This round is the next step toward that reality, and we’re excited for the next chapter in bringing science-backed brain health tools to everyone.”
Jonathan Berent, CEO and Founder of NextSense
“We invested in NextSense because of their ability to translate decades of neuroscience into accessible, consumer-ready solutions. We are also pleased to see new partners join this round to support the company’s next phase of growth in advancing brain health.”
John Kuelper, Lead Investor, Senior Managing Director, and Head of Healthcare Technology at Ascension Ventures
“We share NextSense’s vision that closed loop wearables are the next frontier for human flourishing when it comes to consumer wellness. Their combination of academic research, user-focused design, and scalable technology uniquely positions them to have a transformative impact on human well-being.”
Dr. Amy Kruse, General Partner at Satori Neuro
“NextSense offers a cutting-edge solution to improve brain health. We are excited to support the team in their mission to help consumers better understand and improve their sleep.”
Itsik Francis, PhD, Managing Partner, Business Development at Corundum Neuroscience
