US-based Somnee has secured $10m in a seed extension round to advance its AI-powered neurotech sleep wearables.
The funding will aid the launch of the company’s second-generation smart sleep headband.
Khosla Ventures spearheaded the round with contributions from Marc Benioff’s TIME Ventures, the DeVos family of the NBA’s Orlando Magic, LEAD VC, Seaside Ventures, Metalab, and Nelstone Ventures.
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Based on sleep research and neuroscience, the company developed the headband that utilises AI technology and electroencephalogram (EEG+) to map the brain activity of users and provide personalised stimulation.
This headband is said to aid individuals in falling asleep quickly, extending their sleep duration, and minimising restlessness.
In a study, the headband demonstrated superiority over melatonin, Ambien, and cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-i).
The headband features SmartSleep AI operating system, which will offer real-time monitoring and AI-driven interventions tailored to individual sleep patterns.
Somnee’s product is currently undergoing beta testing with certain NBA [National Basketball Association] teams and the performance training staff.
Founded in 2022 by Dr Matt Walker and a team from the University of California, the company has seen significant progress under CEO Tim Rosa, who joined 18 months ago.
Somnee is actively seeking further collaborations with professional sports teams, employers, as well as brands focusing on healthcare to leverage research that connects sleep quality with athletic performance, longevity, and productivity.
Dr Walker said: “We’re trying to speak to the brain in its own language – using gentle, precisely timed pulses of electricity, not unlike how a conductor uses subtle hand movements to guide an orchestra into harmony.
“The goal was to create what I call a ‘blast radius’ of benefit: deeper sleep, more efficient sleep, and a quicker descent into sleep itself by preparing the brain just before sleep, we’re trying to drive more powerful deep-sleep brainwaves, and give you a faster entry into sleep to begin with.”
Last year, Somnee introduced an upgraded app and new features for its smart sleep headband.
