BrainU
Category: AI in Healthcare
Korean AI-based EEG (brainwave) medical device and healthcare company, best known for the world's first EEG-based anesthesia depth monitor for pets (VET CAI) and human anesthesia monitoring (CAI). BrainU was founded in 2018. The company is led by Seungkyun Hong (홍승균) & Kwangmoo Kim (김광무) — Co-CEOs. Based in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $5.5M. Latest round: Series A. Key investors include Tony Invest, Wonik Investment Partners, IBK (Industrial Bank of Korea), NBH Capital, Magna Investment, Solid Investment Association, K-Ground Fund, Credit Guarantee Fund, Entels.
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $5.5M
Value proposition
Uses AI/deep-learning and big-data analysis of EEG signals to index depth of anesthesia in real time — for both human surgery (CAI) and companion animals (VET CAI) — replacing indirect vital-sign monitoring with direct, ~2-minutes-faster brainwave-based consciousness measurement. Non-invasive, no-fur-shaving EEG for pets.
Products and solutions
CAI (human depth-of-anesthesia monitor), CAI+, VET CAI (world's first EEG-based veterinary anesthesia depth monitor, CES 2025 Innovation Award), NeuroKIDS, BrainLog (exam-prep concentration device), MENTALade (mental healthcare device, KFDA-approved), ST1, SLEEPade (sleep wearable).
Unique value
World's first EEG-based anesthesia depth monitor for animals (VET CAI) using non-invasive, fur-free EEG measurement; pioneered Korea's only wireless brain-monitoring system (CAI) that displaced foreign brands dominating the domestic depth-of-anesthesia market.
Target customer
Hospitals and anesthesiologists (human CAI), veterinary hospitals/clinics (VET CAI), and consumers via healthcare wearables (sleep, stress, concentration).
Industries served
Medical devices (anesthesia monitoring), veterinary medicine, digital health/healthcare wearables, mental health.
Technology advantage
AI deep-learning + big-data EEG analysis; patented international EEG-based anesthesia-depth technology; 18 patents; ISO 13485:2016 certified; KFDA/MAFRA (Ministry of Agriculture) device licenses; New Technology (NeT) certification; GMP certification.
How they differentiate
Direct EEG-based consciousness measurement (vs. indirect vital signs), world-first for veterinary use, non-invasive fur-free EEG for pets, and domestic technology replacing imported anesthesia-depth monitors in Korea.
Main competitors
For human anesthesia monitoring: foreign incumbents (e.g., Medtronic BIS, GE), for pet monitoring: Iljin Medical (펫케어키트), Didicare (페보), Plan20, PetFeoTalk.
Key partnerships
Chungnam National University Veterinary Hospital (VET CAI clinical research MOU, Aug 2026), Haemaru Animal Hospital (VET CAI development MOU, Jan 2024), Dongguk University Gyeonggi RISE / BMC (digital health collaboration MOU, Jun 2026), Dräger (partnership), Seoul Biohub (resident company), government labs/universities/hospitals.
Notable customers
~140 domestic Korean hospitals including tertiary hospitals (CAI human anesthesia monitor), Chungnam National University Veterinary Hospital (VET CAI clinical research MOU), Haemaru Animal Hospital and other major vet hospitals (VET CAI).
Major milestones
2018 founded, 2019 TIPS selection, 2021 Series A (NBH/Magna), 2022 Korea Excellent Patent Award, 2023 Post-TIPS, SLEEPade Wadiz launch (6,400% funding), 2024 VET CAI device license (MAFRA), NeT certification, Dräger partnership, Haemaru VET CAI development MOU, 2025 CES Innovation Award for VET CAI, KFDA approval for mental healthcare device
Growth metrics
19 employees (2026-07); 18 patents; 7 funding rounds; 8 investors; supplying ~140 domestic hospitals with CAI.
Market positioning
Leading the depth-of-anesthesia market in South Korea (previously dominated by foreign brands); expanding into overseas markets (UAE, Italy, Greece, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam) and the veterinary segment.
Geographic focus
South Korea (domestic leadership), expanding to emerging markets (GDP ~$10K countries) and global markets via CES, Arab Health, and international distribution.
Patents and IP
18 patents (per THE VC); Korea Excellent Patent Award (16th, 2022); IP R&D Excellence Organization Award; international patented EEG anesthesia-depth technology.
About Seungkyun Hong (홍승균) & Kwangmoo Kim (김광무) — Co-CEOs
Seungkyun Hong researched EEG/brainwave technology before founding BrainU; developed EEG measurement and monitoring tech used in the CAI anesthesia-depth medical device and SLEEPade sleep tracker. Co-founded BrainU in 2018 with Kwangmoo Kim.
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Official website: https://brainu.co.kr/
