General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that provides early-stage and growth equity investments. The company provides ongoing momentum that accelerates ideas, careers, and companies toward standout success.

General Catalyst

Khosla Ventures invests in companies that are bold, early, and impactful. The firm was started in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, to provide venture assistance to entrepreneurs. Khosla Ventures invests in a range of areas including AI, climate, sustainability, enterprise, consumer, fintech, digital health, medtech and diagnostics, therapeutics, and frontier technology.

Khosla Ventures

Eldridge Industries invests across insurance, asset management, technology, mobility, sports & gaming, media & music, real estate, and consumer industries. The firm seeks to build and grow businesses led by proven management teams that have demonstrated leadership and experience to scale an enterprise.  Eldridge Industries is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, with additional offices across the United States and London.

Eldridge Industries

Manta Ray Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund backing mission-driven founders that provides flexible and patient capital, leveraging time, resources, and networks resources and networks as far as possible to support its portfolio companies.

Manta Ray Ventures

Tiny Blue Dot focuses on validating theoretically-motivated and clinically useful measures of consciousness. Its strategy is to formulate and derive a principled, quantitative, comprehensive, and empirically testable account of what consciousness is; to understand mechanistically how consciousness is generated, altered, and lost in humans and animals; how it can be measured reliably in neurologically impaired patients, and whether and how it can be present in machines; and, finally, to explore the ethical, legal, philosophical and other societal implications of this knowledge.

Tiny Blue Dot

Kernel

Digitizing the commercial real estate value chain

Commercial PropTech

Mytraffic is a French company founded in 2016 that provides location analytics and traffic intelligence solutions. Its software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform quantifies and qualifies footfall and vehicular traffic at any physical location across Europe. Through advanced algorithms that process teraoctets of raw data, Mytraffic generates detailed insights such as heatmaps, statistics, and visitor profiles while adhering to GDPR compliance.
Mytraffic assists clients in data-driven decision-making for various use cases. Real estate asset managers leverage the platform to drive performance, optimize marketing activities, and attract ideal tenants. Retail chains utilize the insights to select optimal locations for store expansions. City authorities rely on Mytraffic's analytics to measure the impact of their policies, improve attractiveness, and reduce vacancies. The company's solutions also cater to real estate brokers, research analysts, and other businesses seeking location intelligence.
In November 2022, Mytraffic secured a EUR 30 million Series B funding round led by AXA Venture Partners, reaching a total of EUR 45 million raised since its inception. The funding fueled product enhancements, including the addition of tourist insights, purchasing habits, rental value analysis, and vehicle traffic monitoring. Mytraffic experienced rapid revenue growth, doubling year-over-year from 2019 to 2022, driven by the increasing demand for location analytics in the physical world.
In January 2024, Mytraffic acquired Geoblink, a geospatial intelligence platform, in a strategic move to establish itself as the premier location intelligence provider in Europe. This integration combined Mytraffic's robust analytics capabilities with Geoblink's cutting-edge geospatial technology, creating a comprehensive suite of solutions for businesses across the continent.
Key customers and partnerships
Through the acquisition of Geoblink, Mytraffic gained access to a notable client base, including prominent brands such as Danone, KFC, Pepsico, IKEA, and CBRE. By combining their expertise and offerings, the newly formed entity aims to cater to a diverse range of industries seeking advanced location intelligence solutions.

MyTraffic uses the power of traffic data insights to help companies make quicker and better decisions. They provides analytics, average, dynamic attendance, socio-demographic profile, penetration rate,  pedestrian, and vehicle traffic data access solutions.

Kernel is a neuroscience company that specializes in developing brain-recording technologies. Its custom-built, non-invasive brain interface acquires neural signals similar in quality to fMRI, MEG & ECoG, as easy to use as EEG. It was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Kernel is a neurotechnology company developing non-invasive brain imaging devices. Their flagship product, Kernel Flow, is a wearable headset that uses time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) technology to measure brain activity. Kernel Flow emits near-infrared light and detects changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain's cortical areas, similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, it offers advantages such as portability, affordability, and the ability to measure brain activity in natural environments.

Startup Builds Brain-Reading Helmet That Scans Your Brain in Infrared

Kernel Flow Headset: A Wearable Device for Noninvasive Optical Brain Imaging

Kernel flow: A wearable device for noninvasive optical brain imaging

A New Era for Exploring the Brain

Kernel: Light speed towards accessible brain imaging

Kernel Brain Computer Interface and General BCI Technology Overview

Computer Interface Companies and their Current and Prospective Products

Kernel Flow Nueroscience - Costa Mesa

Kernel Launches Cognitive Decline Study Using Flow2 Neuroimaging Technology

Kernel Flow Predicts Gaming Expertise

Bridging the gap between the human brain and computer

Brain-computer Interfaces

Ukraine's Kernel agricultural holding invests $44.15 mln to purchase sunflower oil transshipment terminals on Danube river, in Black Sea in 2023-2024

MyTraffic

Alven

Platforms that provide performance data and analytics relating to commercial real estate to facilitate activities such as property valuations, financing deals, and marketing initiatives

Kernel is a neurotechnology company developing non-invasive brain imaging devices. Their flagship product, Kernel Flow, is a wearable headset that uses time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) technology to measure brain activity. Kernel Flow emits near-infrared light and detects changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain's cortical areas, similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, it offers advantages such as portability, affordability, and the ability to measure brain activity in natural environments.
Kernel Flow features 52 modules arranged in four plates that fit on either side of the head. Each module contains two laser sources that generate picosecond pulses of light and six detectors that capture the reflected light. By recording the photon arrival times, the system can measure changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations, providing insights into brain function.
Kernel has conducted studies demonstrating the efficacy of Kernel Flow in various applications, including measuring the psychedelic effects of ketamine, predicting gaming expertise, and assessing cognitive decline. As of January 2022, the company had provided 50 systems to partners for evaluation and launched commercial sales for research teams.

Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk with the goal of developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The company's flagship product is the N1 Implant, a coin-sized device that is surgically implanted in the brain. The implant contains 1,024 electrodes distributed across 64 ultra-thin threads that can monitor neural activity and electrically stimulate the brain. It wirelessly transmits brain data to external devices, allowing users to control computers or mobile devices directly with their thoughts.
Neuralink's initial focus is on providing digital freedom for people with quadriplegia by enabling them to interact with technology using neural signals. The N1 Implant will be placed in the motor cortex region of the brain that controls movement intention. As of March 2024, Neuralink has implanted its device in at least one human participant, allowing them to control a computer mouse cursor and play video games purely by thinking.
The implant surgery is performed using a custom robotic system developed by Neuralink. This surgical robot automatically inserts the electrode threads into the desired brain region with high precision. Neuralink claims the robotic implantation process aims to be as minimally invasive as procedures like LASIK eye surgery.
Key customers and partnerships
In November 2023, Neuralink announced its first clinical trial, dubbed the "Prime Study," to evaluate the N1 Implant's safety and functionality in human participants with quadriplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study is expected to enroll participants aged 22 and older over a period of six years.
Neuralink has previously collaborated with the University of California, Davis to conduct animal testing of its brain implants on monkeys and other research animals. However, this partnership ended in 2020 amid allegations from an animal rights group regarding the treatment of monkeys during experiments.

Neuralink

Synchron is a neurotechnology company developing an implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) system designed to enable patients with severe paralysis to wirelessly control digital devices through their thoughts and improve functional independence. Their flagship technology, the Stentrode, is an endovascular brain implant that is inserted into the brain's motor cortex via the jugular vein using a minimally invasive endovascular procedure, eliminating the need for open brain surgery.
The Stentrode contains electrodes that detect motor intent signals from the brain, which are wirelessly transmitted to an external device. Using machine learning algorithms and signal processing techniques, these neural signals are then translated into digital commands, allowing the user to control personal devices like computers and smartphones for tasks such as texting, emailing, online shopping, and accessing telehealth services.
In August 2020, Synchron received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, followed by the first Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) in July 2021 for evaluating a permanently implanted BCI. The company has conducted clinical trials in Australia and the US, with the first US implantation occurring in July 2022 at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. As of January 2023, Synchron reported that the Stentrode remained safe and functional in four Australian patients after 12 months, with no serious adverse events or significant signal deterioration.

Synchron

Paradromics is an Austin, Texas-based neurotechnology company developing a high data-rate brain-computer interface (BCI) called the Connexus Direct Data Interface (DDI). The Connexus DDI is designed to collect an unprecedented number of individual neural signals from the brain using a fully implantable device intended for long-term daily use.
The first application of the Connexus DDI is an assistive communication device that translates brain signals into speech and movement in real-time. This revolutionary technology aims to restore the ability to communicate and interact with technology independently for people with conditions like ALS, spinal cord injuries, and stroke that cause severe motor impairment.
In May 2023, Paradromics raised USD 33 million in a Series A funding round led by Prime Movers Lab, with participation from Westcott Investment Group, Dolby Family Ventures, and Green Sands Equity. This investment will enable the company to launch its first-in-human clinical trial for the Connexus DDI.
Additionally, in a significant milestone, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the Connexus DDI a Breakthrough Device Designation in May 2023. This designation recognizes the transformative potential of the device and allows for an expedited review process, accelerating its availability to patients.

Paradromics

Cognixion is a leading developer of non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Their flagship product, the Cognixion ONE Axon, utilizes electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to provide a non-invasive brain-computer interface. It enables patients with advanced disease progression, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Motor Neuron Disease (MND), traumatic injuries, and cerebral palsy, to communicate their responses with their thoughts and mental attention in a wearable, augmented reality headset.
The Cognixion ONE Axon integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), including GPT large language models, to rapidly support the user's communication intentions and desired outcomes. It provides contextual predictions and suggestions that can be quickly selected and communicated audibly and visually on the front visor as a communication aid. The device aims to become the first FDA-cleared device allowing fully paralyzed or locked-in patients to communicate via a non-invasive brain-computer interface once eye-tracking is no longer usable due to ocular motor decline.
Cognixion's technology combines AI, Augmented Reality, and Assistive Technology, designed to help people with severe motor impairments communicate and interact more effectively and independently with the world around them. Unlike invasive BCI technologies, Cognixion's device can be prescribed and utilized without surgical procedures or significant training, providing a new level of independence and autonomy.
Key customers and partnerships
In May 2023, the Cognixion ONE Axon received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device designation, which will streamline its development and validation process with prioritized feedback from FDA review staff. This designation is awarded to devices that demonstrate the potential to provide more effective treatment for life-threatening or debilitating conditions where no clear alternatives exist.

Cognixion

Non-invasive hardware typically involving wearable devices that can record, monitor and interact with brain activity using methods like electroencephalography (EEG), enabling the control of prosthetic limbs, operating computers, and more

Physical devices implanted in the body, often in the brain, to interface with neural signals such as electrodes or neural implants

Companies that offer software platforms for BCI applications, including cloud platforms that enables neural data storage

Companies that gather, store, analyze, and interpret neural data collected via BCIs in order to generate valuable insights for clinical decision making

Most BCI companies personalize the BCI devices based on the patient's condition and goals

Most BCI companies leverage a digital means of extracting and interpreting neural data, some of which use mobile applications to provide insights

The products/platforms offered by most companies utilize AI/ML in enhancing their offering

Kernel

Sources

EDGE Insights

About EDGE

Contact Us

Resources

Area of Focus

Technology Research Made Effortless