Cognition company Arctop has secured $10 million in Series A funding to advance its brain decoding software. The funding will be used to expedite the commercialization of the company’s technology, which transforms brain activity into data for applications ranging from improving sleep to translating thoughts into speech and actions.
Founded by neuroscientist Dr Dan Furman and software engineer Eitan Kay, Arctop decodes brain signals acquired through simple electric skin sensors in wearable devices such as headbands, earbuds or virtual reality headsets. The platform uses AI to interpret electric measurements of brain activity, providing insights into people’s “feelings, reactions, and intent.”
Following his graduation from Harvard University, Furman led the team responsible for creating a non-invasive brain-computer interface for renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, enabling him to continue communicating as his ALS progressed.
“As a neuroscientist, I have seen firsthand the life-changing impact that cutting edge technology can have on people who face difficult challenges,” said Furman, Arctop’s CEO. “And that is basically all of us at some point of our lives. Our neural decoding platform can enhance communication, learning, and experiences in a way that is accessible for all.”
Arctop’s early focus is on the medical field, where it has received grant funding from Wellcome Leap’s SAVE program, and is collaborating with Stanford Medicine, Surgical Safety Technologies, and the Academy for Surgical Coaching. Among the company’s early projects is building innovative surgical training applications for medical schools, with the goal of reducing the time required to acquire minimally invasive surgical skills.
Arctop licenses its software to enterprise developers, enabling them to create new applications. The company prioritizes user privacy and says it does not share raw brain data with its clients and partners. It provides users with a dashboard allowing them to retain control over their data.
The funding round was co-led by Fifth Growth Fund (FGF) and Supermoon Capital, a venture capital firm focused exclusively on sleep technology.
“Arctop is positioned to create the world’s premier non-invasive brain-computer interface and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Royce Wilson, partner at FGF.
“Our partnership with Arctop is part of our commitment to advancements in human-centered technologies that improve our lives, organizations, and communities,” said Supermoon’s Mike Masterson.
