Ascension Ventures leads the oversubscribed round to bring clinically accurate in-ear EEG earbuds to market in Q4 2025
NextSense, a leader in wearable EEG technology, today announced the close of its $16 million Series A funding round. The oversubscribed round was led by Ascension Ventures, with participation from notable investors including Satori Neuro and Corundrum Neuroscience Fund (CNS). Individual investors include David Eagleman, PhD, neuroscientist at Stanford University; Esther Dyson, founder of Wellville; and Bradley Horowitz, General Partner at Wisdom Ventures and former Google Vice President of Product.
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NextSense Smartbuds
“We started NextSense to democratize brain health — to give people the same visibility into their minds that wearables gave their bodies,” said Jonathan Berent, CEO and founder of NextSense. “This round is the next step toward that reality, and we’re excited for the next chapter in bringing science-backed brain health tools to everyone.”
Launching in Q4 2025, Smartbuds aim to deliver clinically accurate sleep tracking while helping users unlock deeper, more restorative rest through auditory stimulation proven to boost slow-wave sleep by as much as 50% among early users. Relax and Focus modes—brain-responsive audio that adapts in real time to calmer or more attentive brain states—are also coming soon.
“We invested in NextSense because of their ability to translate decades of neuroscience into accessible, consumer-ready solutions,” said John Kuelper, Lead Investor, Senior Managing Director, and Head of Healthcare Technology at Ascension Ventures. “We are also pleased to see new partners join this round to support the company’s next phase of growth in advancing brain health.”
By integrating EEG sensing with real-time, adaptive algorithms, Smartbuds personalize sleep and relaxation experiences with bio-responsive audio. Users can naturally drift off, wake up refreshed, relax more deeply, and sustain focus with NextSense’s library of personalized soundscapes. NextSense is also planning research partnerships with leading universities and pharmaceutical companies, with medical applications planned for 2027.
”We share NextSense’s vision that closed loop wearables are the next frontier for human flourishing when it comes to consumer wellness,” said Dr. Amy Kruse, General Partner at Satori Neuro. “Their combination of academic research, user-focused design, and scalable technology uniquely positions them to have a transformative impact on human well-being.”
“NextSense offers a cutting-edge solution to improve brain health,” said Itsik Francis, PhD, Managing Partner, Business Development at Corundum Neuroscience. “We are excited to support the team in their mission to help consumers better understand and improve their sleep.”
The size and rapid subscription of the round reflect strong investor confidence in NextSense’s vision and signal a major step toward making brain-sensing technology accessible to everyday consumers. Smartbuds aim to usher in an era of wearables that go beyond tracking to proactive improvement of sleep and well-being.
NextSense Smartbuds begin shipping in Q4 2025 and are available for pre-order now at nextsense.io.
About NextSense
Based in Mountain View, CA, NextSense is redefining consumer wellness with the world’s first truly wireless consumer EEG earbuds. Built through years of research and clinical validation, Smartbuds translate real-time brain activity into actionable insights that help people sleep better, focus longer, and recharge more effectively. NextSense is building a future where wellness isn’t measured in steps or calories, but by enabling lives filled with joy, energy, and purpose.
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Contacts
Media Contact:
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nextsense@jacktaylorpr.com