BrainCo Seeks $100 Million Pre-IPO Funding at $1.3 Billion Valuation

BrainCo, a Chinese startup rivaling Elon Musk's Neuralink, is in talks to raise $100 million at a $1.3 billion valuation ahead of a potential IPO in Hong Kong or mainland China. The company, founded in 2015, is developing bionic limbs and brain-computer interface technologies. BrainCo joins a wave of fundraising by Chinese VCs, signaling renewed interest in the country's startup landscape and broader economy.

BrainCo, a Chinese startup aiming to compete with Elon Musk's Neuralink, is in talks to raise $100 million in pre-IPO financing at a valuation of over $1.3 billion. The company, founded in 2015 by Harvard alumnus Han Bicheng, is based in Hangzhou and is developing bionic limbs and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies. BrainCo is one of the "Six Little Dragons" recognized for their technological advancements in China [1].

BrainCo's funding round comes as Chinese venture capital firms are re-engaging with the country's startups, seeking to invest at least $2 billion in new funds. This renewed interest reflects a broader revival of the Chinese startup landscape and economy, which has shown signs of recovery after years of Covid-era stagnation and regulatory headwinds [1].

The company's financing underscores the growing investor interest in innovative tech startups, particularly those pioneering advances in AI and robotics. BrainCo is not alone in its ambitions; earlier this year, Shanghai StairMed Technology raised 350 million yuan ($48.7 million) in Series B funding and launched the country's first clinical trial for invasive brain-computer interfaces [1].

BrainCo's potential IPO could be in Hong Kong or mainland China, but the details remain fluid, depending on market conditions. The company's focus on developing bionic limbs and BCI technologies positions it to compete with established players like Neuralink. However, the competitive landscape is also evolving, with other startups like Synchron making significant strides in the BCI sector [2].

Synchron, a pioneer in endovascular BCI systems, has recently integrated its technology with Apple's BCI Human Interface Device (HID) protocol, enabling non-invasive neural control of Apple devices. This integration positions Synchron as a leader in the rapidly growing BCI market, which is projected to reach $400 billion by 2025 [2].

While BrainCo and Synchron represent the cutting edge of BCI technology, their success will depend on their ability to navigate regulatory hurdles, secure strategic partnerships, and demonstrate commercial scalability. Both companies are poised to shape the future of neurotechnology and AI, offering investors unique opportunities to capitalize on this emerging market.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-05/china-neuralink-rival-seeks-pre-ipo-funds-at-1-3-billion-value
[2] https://www.ainvest.com/news/strategic-investment-synchron-capturing-400b-bci-market-apple-integration-ai-driven-neurotechnology-2508/