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Gestala raises record $62 million for non-invasive ultrasound BCIs

Yangtzeer observers05 mins
  • Ultrasound BCI startup secures record domestic funding six months after launch
  • Company establishes dual-headquarters strategy spanning Chengdu and Shanghai

Gestala (格式塔科技), China’s first startup focused on ultrasound-based non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), has raised 420 million yuan ($62 million) in an angel+ funding round, bringing total financing to 570 million yuan in just six months and setting a domestic funding record for the BCI sector.

The round was led by Meridian Capital, with participation from C Capital, HongShan, Lens Technology, CETC Health Fund, Sinovation Ventures, Lingang LKC Investment, Furong Capital and GoldTech.

Existing shareholders including Dalton Venture, Seas Capital, Tsing Song Capital and Gobi Partners also increased their commitments.

The financing follows a 150 million yuan angel round completed in March.

Chief executive Peng Lei shows visitors around Gestala’s global headquarters and its “super factory” in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, on June 26. Image credit: Gestala
The first phase of Gestala’s “superfactory” was completed and became operational in late June in Chengdu. Image credit: Gestala

Off the beaten path

Founded in 2025, Gestala is committed to developing ultrasound-based non-invasive BCIs, an alternative to conventional implanted electrical systems.

According to the firm, the technology enables non-invasive whole-brain reading and writing as well as multi-target neural circuit modulation, making it suitable for treating a broader range of conditions.

These include chronic pain, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke rehabilitation and epilepsy, it says.

Gestala employees pose for a group photo. Image courtesy of Gestala

Dual HQ strategy

The company also inaugurated its Shanghai headquarters at Brain Intelligence World, a government-backed brain-computer interface industrial hub in Shanghai’s Minhang District, on July 3.

Gestala is among the first companies to move into the park and the first to begin full headquarters operations there, Chinese media reported.

Gestala’s animal research lab. Image courtesy of Gestala

The opening formalizes the company’s dual-headquarters strategy. Its Chengdu global headquarters will serve as its research, manufacturing and clinical translation center, with a 16,000-square-meter factory for ultrasound BCI devices entering operation in late June.

The Shanghai headquarters will function as what it calls a NeuroAI innovation center focused on AI foundation models for the brain and international research collaboration.

Peng Lei, a serial entrepreneur, dabbled in the SaaS business before returning to work on his specialty neuroscience and BCI technology.

Returning to field of expertise

Gestala is led by serial entrepreneur Phoenix Peng Lei (彭雷), who holds degrees from the University of Science and Technology of China and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as a doctorate in neuroscience from the Fudan University.

A serial entrepreneur, he previously founded Keruyun (客如云), a startup providing SaaS solutions to catering businesses, and later sold it to Alibaba Group for 800 million yuan. He is also a co-founder of Shanghai-based implantable BCI company NeuroXess (脑虎科技).

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