01 · Stage
Usually the first institutional check
Typically pre-seed; also seed and Series A at entry valuations under $30M. Often following angels, friends and family, university tech transfer and non-dilutive capital.
Early-stage neurotech venture · San Francisco
Great science deserves great support.
We back neurotech and neuro-focused medtech founders from pre-seed to Series A — often the teams traditional venture channels overlook.
Now raising
Chaanakya Capital is raising $2M to invest in early-stage neurotech and neuro-centric medtech startups incorporated in the US.
- Pre-seed → A
- < $30M
- Devices + SaMD
- ~25x
- 4
- +4
The thesis
Three filters, applied to every company we meet.
02 · Science
Neuroscience that reaches the clinic
Neurostimulation, neuromodulation, imaging, surgical tools, BCI and robotics. Devices and software as a medical device. No pharma, small molecules or techbio platforms.
03 · Team
Good people, close to the problem
At least one subject-matter expert, ideally a PhD on the leadership team. MedTech or regulatory experience is highly desirable. A real tie to the problem, through work or personal journey.
We bring not just capital, but clinicians, scientists and operators who have walked the path from lab to bedside.
Portfolio
All companies, news & careers →Companies rewiring how we treat the brain.
PSYONIC
Touch-sensing bionic hands for people and robots, where each side improves the other.
Non-invasiveBionicBCICommercial
MadSci
A smart shunt that monitors and regulates intracranial pressure in hydrocephalus.
InvasiveHydrocephalus
NeuroEM
Wearable electromagnetic therapy targeting the protein aggregates behind Alzheimer's.
Non-invasiveAlzheimer'sFDA Breakthrough
PigPug
EEG neurofeedback, gamified for children with ADHD and autism.
Non-invasiveADHDAutismPediatric
In diligence now · Updated October 2026
Four more companies on deck.
- Non-invasive · BCI platform · Clinical
- Non-invasive · First-in-human
- Non-invasive · Parkinson's · First-in-human
- Invasive · Pain · First-in-human
From the field
All events →Where neurotech gets together, we're in the room.
In the news · Portfolio
What our founders are making headlines for.
Team
Full team →Investors, scientists and operators — in one room.
Leadership
Advisors
Connect with Chaanakya
Start a conversation
Building something bold? Know someone who is?
Founders
Send us the science.
Email submissions@chaanakya.capital with your deck, a one-pager, your website and any non-confidential publications. Please don't send confidential material.
Submit your companyReferrals
Introduce a team that fits our thesis.
Same materials to submissions@, plus a line on how you know the team.
Refer a companyAccredited investors
Back early neurotech alongside clinicians.
Email hi@chaanakya.capital for the fund deck, to start a conversation. Interested in co-investment opportunities? Just ask.
Email us