NextSense is a technology company.
NextSense has raised $16.0M across 1 funding round.
NextSense has raised $16.0M in total across 1 funding round.
NextSense has raised $16.0M in total across 1 funding round.
NextSense's investors include Ascension Ventures, Satori Capital.
NextSense is a U.S.-based neurotechnology company founded around 2020 in Mountain View, California, specializing in wearable devices for brain health, particularly sleep optimization.[1][2][3] It builds Smartbuds, in-ear EEG earbuds that passively measure brain activity via electroencephalography (EEG) during sleep, paired with a software app and cloud platform delivering real-time bio-responsive audio, clinical-grade sleep tracking, and actionable insights on sleep quality, focus, and energy.[1][2][5][6] Targeting consumers struggling with chronic exhaustion, stress, and burnout, Smartbuds solve sleep deficiencies by enhancing deep sleep stages, blocking noise, and providing personalized soundscapes—functioning also as high-quality wireless earbuds.[1][3][6] The company has gained traction through over $5.5M in pharmaceutical contracts, peer-reviewed publications on seizure detection, and pre-orders for its flagship product, positioning it for commercial launch.[1]
NextSense was founded in 2020 by Jonathan Berent, a CEO with a background in neurotechnology innovation, alongside key team members like Caitlin Shure (Head of Product & Marketing), John Horstmann (Sr. Brand Manager), and Duy Phan (VP of Engineering).[1][3] The idea emerged from Berent's vision to democratize brain health monitoring, inspired by the evolution of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) from 1988 conceptualizations to 2010s consumer EEG devices, culminating in 2024's Smartbuds as the world's first brain-responsive earbuds.[3] Early pivotal moments included acquiring pharmaceutical partnerships for validation studies—securing $5.5M in contracts with four companies—and publishing peer-reviewed research proving ear-EEG efficacy for seizure detection, marking a shift from R&D to product readiness.[1]
NextSense rides the wearable neurotech and digital health wave, capitalizing on rising demand for sleep tech amid chronic exhaustion epidemics, with market forces like AI-driven personalization and consumer EEG maturation (from 2010s apps to real-time BCIs).[1][2][3] Timing is ideal post-2020, as post-pandemic burnout and wellness trends converge with advances in compact sensors, positioning ear-EEG as a non-invasive alternative to bulky devices for disease management, drug discovery, and everyday vitality.[1][2] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering "smart human" categories—expanding from sleep to focus/relaxation—while fostering research partnerships that validate neurotech for healthcare and wearables industries.[1][2]
NextSense is primed for launch with Smartbuds pre-orders, leveraging its IP and research momentum to capture the $100B+ sleep tech market.[1][6] Upcoming trends like AI-biosignal integration and multimodal wearables (e.g., glasses/clothing extensions) will shape its path, potentially disrupting pharma trials and consumer wellness.[1] Its influence may evolve from sleep specialist to brain health platform leader, empowering "smart humans" with continuous insights—transforming exhaustion into energy as the next frontier in personal performance unfolds.[1][3]
NextSense has raised $16.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $16.0M Series A in November 2025.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | $16.0M Series A | Ascension Ventures, Satori Capital |