Gestala, a cutting-edge Chinese brain-computer interface startup, has secured $21.6 million in a heavily oversubscribed funding round just three months after its launch.
The Series A round, equivalent to CN¥150 million, was co-led by Guosheng Capital and Dalton Ventures, with additional backing from Tsing Song Capital, Gobi Ventures, and others.
Revolutionary Non-Invasive Ultrasound BCI
Gestala's technology leverages phased-array ultrasound to precisely stimulate or suppress neural activity without invasive surgery.
This approach enables monitoring of larger brain portions, including deep neural circuits, offering broader access than traditional implanted electrodes.
Phoenix Peng's Vision Drives Innovation
Founded by serial entrepreneur Phoenix Peng, who also leads NeuroXess in implantable BCI, Gestala represents China's first ultrasound-based BCI venture.
Peng highlights ultrasound as the next generation of BCI, surpassing risks associated with surgical implants like those from Neuralink.
Broad Medical Impact and Future Plans
The funding will accelerate R&D, expand the team from 15 to 35 employees, and establish a manufacturing facility in China.
Gestala targets applications in chronic pain management, mental health disorders like depression and PTSD, stroke rehabilitation, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
By partnering with major Chinese hospitals, the company aims to conduct cost-effective clinical trials at 20-33% of U.S. or European costs.
In the competitive landscape, Gestala benefits from China's efficient supply chains for rapid prototyping, outpacing global rivals like U.S.-based Merge Labs.
The startup is building an "Ultrasound Brain Bank" to create large datasets for AI-driven brain signal decoding and diagnostics.
Peng envisions U.S.-China collaboration, combining American scientific talent with China's clinical and manufacturing strengths, despite geopolitical tensions.
This funding marks the largest early-stage investment in China's BCI sector, valuing Gestala at $100-200 million and signaling a global surge in non-invasive neurotech.
Alfred Lee
