Gestala
Category: AI in Healthcare
Chinese deep-tech startup building non-invasive, ultrasound-based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) for whole-brain read/write applications. Gestala was founded in 2025. The company is led by Phoenix Peng (Peng Lei / 彭雷). Based in Chengdu, China. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $83.6M. Latest round: Angel. Key investors include Huaying Capital, Guosheng Capital, Dalton Venture, HongShan (Sequoia China), Lens Technology, Sinovation Ventures, C Capital, China Electronics Health Fund, Lingang Sci-Tech Investment, Furong Capital (Fudan Furong), Guotai Venture, Qingsong Capital (Tsing Song Capital).
- Founded
- 2025
- Headquarters
- Chengdu, China
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $83.6M
Value proposition
Non-invasive ultrasound BCI platform that avoids surgical implants, targeting neurological disorder treatment (chronic pain, stroke, PTSD) and eventual brain-AI convergence.
Products and solutions
Ultrasound neuromodulation and sonogenetics technology, functional ultrasound imaging, ultrasound motor decoding, applications in blood-brain barrier opening, chronic pain, stroke rehabilitation, and PTSD treatment.
Unique value
First and largest ultrasound-based BCI company in China, positioned as a non-invasive alternative to implantable BCI systems (e.g., Neuralink) with a platform aiming for whole-brain read/write capability.
Target customer
Patients with neurological/psychiatric conditions (chronic pain, stroke rehabilitation, PTSD), healthcare providers, and future consumer/AI-interface applications.
Industries served
Healthcare / Neurotechnology, Brain-Computer Interfaces, Neuroscience-AI convergence
Technology advantage
Proprietary ultrasound neuromodulation technology (vs. invasive implants); backed by founder's prior BCI venture (NeuroXess) experience; own manufacturing via newly launched 'Super Factory' in Chengdu; strong scientific advisory board including former Neuralink and top neuroscience academics.
How they differentiate
Non-invasive ultrasound approach vs. Neuralink's surgical implants; positions itself as China's first mover in ultrasound BCI, racing directly against OpenAI-backed Merge Labs globally.
Main competitors
Merge Labs (OpenAI/Sam Altman-backed, US, ultrasound BCI), Neuralink (Elon Musk, US, invasive implant BCI), NeuroXess (Phoenix Peng's other venture, invasive BCI)
Key partnerships
Strategic partnership with Fourier Intelligence (embodied AI + BCI integration, Jan 2026), cooperation agreement with Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory on industrial chain innovation (Jul 2026), Scientific Advisory Board includes Fudan University ISTBI, Trevor Robbins, and ex-Neuralink clinical lead Bashar Badran.
Major milestones
Sept 2025: Gestala (Chengdu) Technology Co., Ltd. formally registered. Jan 2026: Officially launched, described as China's first ultrasound BCI company, strategic partnership with Fourier Intelligence announced. Mar 2026: $21.6M angel round, largest in China's BCI sector. Jul 2026: Global HQ + world's first ultrasound BCI 'Super Factory' inaugurated in Chengdu alongside Shanghai HQ launch, $62M Angel+ round closed.
Growth metrics
Raised largest angel round in China's BCI sector (Mar 2026, ¥150M/$21.6M) then a larger Angel+ round (Jul 2026, ¥430M/$62M) within ~4 months of official launch; opened dual HQ (Shanghai + Chengdu) and a dedicated ultrasound-BCI manufacturing facility ('Super Factory') in Chengdu.
Market positioning
Leading Chinese ultrasound-BCI challenger to US players (Neuralink, Merge Labs); framed in press as second-largest early-stage BCI financing globally after Merge Labs.
Geographic focus
China (domestic BCI race) with global competitive framing against US ultrasound/implant BCI companies
About Phoenix Peng (Peng Lei / 彭雷)
Co-founder, NeuroXess (implantable BCI systems); prior roles at Alibaba Group (阿里巴巴集团), Keruyun Technologies, and 24Quan.com; serial neurotechnology entrepreneur. Education: Fudan University (复旦大学).
Latest news about Gestala
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Official website: https://www.gestala.com