Participated · Series C · Jul 2020

Kernel develops non-invasive technology for recording brain activity, offered via a commercial "Neuroscience as a Service" (NaaS) model. It sells two distinct products: Flux, which detects magnetic fields created by the collective activity of neutrons in the brain, and Flow, which measures blood through the brain. The company aims to replace invasive, expensive hardware and broaden access to brain imaging by providing on-demand and remote access to its devices. Earlier this year Kernel announced the platform was generally available to commercial customers. The recent funding will be used to further scale that on-demand access. Financially, Kernel has taken its first outside capital in this round while founder and CEO Bryan Johnson had previously invested $54 million in the company and also participated in the latest financing. Kernel is developing a neuroprosthetic system—hardware and software—designed to augment human intelligence by facilitating communication between brain cells and "hacking" the neural code that stores and recalls information. The device, rooted in research by chief science officer Theodore Berger, might not require implantation beneath the skull and is intended to correct faulty signals to address conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Kernel is currently in planning and early research stages; the team plans animal and human testing as part of product development. Near-term company plans include rapidly doubling headcount and shoring up a portfolio of intellectual property. Founder Bryan Johnson has characterized the effort as a multi-year project, estimating a 7–10 year timeline to major milestones. Financially Kernel is at a seed stage and is being advanced initially via a large personal investment from Johnson rather than outside capital.