$145m for BCI startup

Author: EIS Release Date: Jan 5, 2023

Synchron, which has developed an implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) device – has picked up a $75 billion investment from Jeff Bezos to add to investments from Bill Gates and VC Vinod Khosla.

 

Total funding is $145 million.

 

Synchron’s Stentrode Endocascular Electrode Array is impanted in the brain via the jugular vein.

 

The  implant works by communicating via a wire with a second implant in the chest. A transmitter then sends signals to a computer outside the body, near the patient.

 

The device aims to help paralysed people, such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), communicate by controlling computer cursors with their minds.

 

In 2021 there were 49 deals involving BCI startups attracting $568 million, says Pitchbook, in 2022, there have been 37 deals at $263 million by the end of November.