Gestala

Gestala is a neurotechnology startup developing non-invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) using focused ultrasound technology. Founded in January 2026 by serial entrepreneur Phoenix Peng, the company aims to interact with neural activity without requiring surgical implants. Peng previously founded NeuroXess, a company focused on implantable BCIs, and brings experience from leadership roles at major technology companies. Gestala was also co-founded by Shanda Group founder Tianqiao Chen.

The company's core technology is based on low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), which uses sound waves to pass through the skull and precisely modulate neural circuits deep within the brain. This approach allows for both monitoring and stimulating or suppressing specific regions of neural activity without incisions, addressing a key barrier to widespread BCI adoption. The system utilizes a wearable headset that emits these ultrasound pulses. Gestala is also building a large clinical dataset called an 'Ultrasound Brain Bank' to train AI models for decoding brain signals and aiding in neurological diagnostics.

Just two months after its launch in March 2026, Gestala secured approximately $21.6 million in an angel funding round, reportedly the largest for a BCI company in China. The round was co-led by Guosheng Capital and Dalton Venture, with participation from investors including Tsing Song Capital, Gobi Ventures, Fourier Intelligence, and Seas Capital. This financing placed the company's valuation between $100 million and $200 million. The funds are designated for research and development, expanding its team, and establishing a manufacturing facility in China, with the goal of producing a first-generation prototype by the end of 2026.

Gestala is initially targeting clinical applications, with a primary focus on chronic pain management. The company is also researching applications for mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, and OCD, as well as for stroke rehabilitation and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Based in Chengdu with offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Gestala is collaborating with major Chinese hospitals to accelerate clinical trials, leveraging lower costs compared to the U.S. and Europe.

Keywords: Brain-computer interface, BCI, non-invasive neurotechnology, ultrasound neuromodulation, focused ultrasound, NeuroAI, functional ultrasound imaging, chronic pain management, neurological disorders, deep tech, Phoenix Peng, Chengdu, brain signal decoding, neural stimulation, neurotech, medical devices, stroke rehabilitation, mental health technology, Alzheimer's research, Parkinson's treatment