Belfast-based healthcare tech company Neurovalens has received £750,000 from the Growth Finance Fund.
This will support the launch of the company’s new sleep product in the USA later this year.
Neurovalens was formed in 2015 and specialises in combining neuroscience and technology to tackle global health challenges such as obesity, diabetes and insomnia.
The company employs 26 staff and recently announced a further 22 new jobs are to be created to support business-wide growth.
Dr Jason McKeown, Founder and CEO of Neurovalens explained that the company’s new product, Modius SLEEP is a “drug-free, non-invasive headset that actively stimulates key sleep neurons in the brain to improve sleep.
“By sending a safe electrical pulse to the vestibular nerve and hypothalamus the SLEEP headset reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and keeps you asleep for longer.
“We estimate nine million Americans use sleep medication so Modius SLEEP will be a breakthrough device in sleep science when we launch later this year.”
He added that this investment from the Growth Finance Fund will be used to further develop Neurovalens’ SLEEP and SLIM products internationally.
Neurovalens claims its Modius SLIM headset tackles obesity by stimulating the brain to reduce cravings, lessen appetite and increase a user’s sense of fullness.
With this additional funding, the company plans to move the SLIM headset into the retail sector, making it more accessible to consumers.
David McCurley, Director and Head of Investments within the Growth Finance Fund, said: “Neurovalens’ products have great growth potential and with a foot in the USA market now secured, we are confident the business will continue to expand and help tackle global health challenges.”
Finance for the £30m Growth Finance Fund has been provided by the British Business Bank, Invest Northern Ireland and private investors, Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC).
The Growth Finance Fund will support loans from £500,000 up to £2m to established smaller growing businesses in Northern Ireland over the next four years. Companies seeking funding must be based in Northern Ireland and demonstrate existing growth.
