China's BrainCo Seeks Pre-IPO Funds at $1.3B Valuation
BrainCo, a Chinese startup positioning itself as a significant competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, is reportedly in advanced discussions to secure approximately $100 million in pre-initial public offering (IPO) financing. This fundraising round would value the company at more than $1.3 billion, as it prepares for a potential market debut on stock exchanges in either Hong Kong or mainland China.
Founded in 2015 by Harvard alumnus Han Bicheng, BrainCo has rapidly emerged as a key player in the burgeoning field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and advanced prosthetics. The company’s innovative work focuses on translating neural signals into actionable commands, aiming to enhance human capabilities and provide assistive solutions. A notable demonstration of BrainCo's technology occurred at the 2025 World AI Conference in Shanghai, where an amputee successfully operated an AI-powered mechanic arm using the company’s system, underscoring its practical applications in restoring function and improving quality of life.
Sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations, who requested anonymity as the plans are private, indicate that BrainCo has already initiated the process of preparing the necessary documentation for its public listing. While the company is actively moving towards an IPO, specific details regarding the chosen exchange and the exact timeline for the offering are yet to be finalized.
The pursuit of substantial pre-IPO capital at such a high valuation highlights the intense investor interest in the BCI sector, a domain increasingly seen as the next frontier in human-computer interaction. Companies globally, including Neuralink, are investing heavily in research and development to unlock the potential of directly linking the human brain with external devices. This includes applications ranging from medical therapies for neurological disorders and advanced prosthetics to potentially broader consumer applications that could redefine human interaction with technology.
BrainCo's strategic move to secure this funding is poised to accelerate its research, development, and market expansion efforts. It also underscores China's growing ambitions and capabilities in cutting-edge technological domains, particularly in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The successful securing of this capital would significantly bolster BrainCo's resources as it seeks to scale its operations and cement its position in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving global market for neurotechnology.