MicroTransponder Secures $65 Million to Expand Access to Vivistim® Therapy for Chronic Stroke Recovery

Austin, TX-base MicroTransponder®, a leader in innovative stroke recovery solutions, has announced a $65 million Series F financing round to expand the adoption of its FDA-approved Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System. Vivistim is the first and only FDA-approved intervention clinically proven to help chronic ischemic stroke survivors regain 2-3 times more upper extremity function than high-intensity stroke therapy alone. Approved with the Breakthrough Device Designation, Vivistim is an implanted device that pairs vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with high-repetition, goal-oriented therapy tasks to enhance neuroplasticity and improve motor function.

The financing round was led by US Venture Partners (USVP) and included participation from current investors Osage University Partners, Action Potential Venture Capital, GPG Ventures, The Vertical Group, and Exceller Hunt Ventures, as well as new investors Gilde Healthcare and Longitude Capital.

“The MicroTransponder team is thoughtfully building the company to establish Vivistim Therapy™ as the standard of care for stroke survivors,” said Casey Tansey, General Partner at USVP and MicroTransponder board member. “We’re excited by the combination of commercial excellence and the overwhelmingly positive clinical outcomes that show significant improvements in stroke survivors’ quality of life.”

Vivistim’s rapid adoption reflects the growing recognition of its clinical benefits. MicroTransponder has successfully partnered with leading healthcare providers to build programs in 20% of Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Centers and 50% of Becker’s 2024 100 Great Neuro and Spine Programs. “We’ve presented Vivistim as the evidence-based chronic stroke recovery solution that’s been missing from the stroke continuum of care,” said Richard Foust, CEO of MicroTransponder. “These partnerships are helping us change the standard of care for stroke treatment across the U.S., renewing hope for stroke survivors and their caregivers.”

The Vivistim System works by delivering targeted VNS during rehabilitation exercises, enhancing the brain’s ability to rewire itself and improve motor function. Real-world data presented at the 2025 International Stroke Conference, alongside published clinical studies, further validates the effectiveness of Paired VNS Therapy for chronic stroke recovery.

MicroTransponder’s collaborative approach with hospitals and clinics focuses on robust education, awareness, and referral initiatives to connect stroke survivors with implanting surgeons and therapy providers. This effort ensures that more patients can access this life-changing therapy.

With this new funding, MicroTransponder aims to accelerate the adoption of Vivistim Therapy, transforming the standard of care for chronic stroke recovery and improving the lives of stroke survivors worldwide.