NextSense Secures $16 Million to Launch Wireless EEG Smartbuds for Brain Health
NextSense, a Mountain View–based neurotechnology company, has closed a $16 million Series A funding round to accelerate the launch of its Smartbuds — wireless earbuds equipped with EEG sensors capable of tracking brain activity. The oversubscribed round was led by Ascension Ventures, with additional participation from Satori Neuro, Corundrum Neuroscience Fund, and individual investors including Stanford neuroscientist David Eagleman, Wellville founder Esther Dyson, and former Google executive Bradley Horowitz.
Founder and CEO Jonathan Berent said the company’s mission is to make brain health as accessible as physical fitness tracking. “We started NextSense to democratize brain health — to give people the same visibility into their minds that wearables gave their bodies,” he said. “This round is the next step toward that reality.”
Smartbuds are expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, offering clinically validated sleep monitoring and adaptive audio designed to enhance deep sleep. The earbuds use EEG sensors and real-time algorithms to deliver personalized soundscapes that help users relax, focus, and achieve more restorative rest. Early trials have shown auditory stimulation can increase slow-wave sleep by up to 50%.
Lead investor John Kuelper of Ascension Ventures said the firm backed NextSense for its ability to “translate decades of neuroscience into accessible, consumer-ready solutions.” Other investors echoed similar confidence, noting the company’s potential to bridge neuroscience research with everyday wellness.
NextSense plans to expand its technology through partnerships with universities and pharmaceutical firms, with medical-grade applications targeted for 2027. The company’s vision, supported by strong investor enthusiasm, is to pioneer a new generation of wearables that not only monitor brain activity but actively improve cognitive and emotional well-being. Smartbuds are now available for pre-order and will begin shipping later next year.
