What is Karavela?
Karavela is building a brain foundation model from large-scale MRI data to advance neurological diagnostics and enable portable brain-computer interfaces using cutting-edge deep learning.
Business and value proposition
Karavela is pioneering the development of a foundation model of the brain using advanced magnetic resonance techniques. By creating the world's richest dataset of brain activity from healthy participants, they aim to enhance neurological diagnostics and develop portable brain-computer interfaces. Their approach leverages cutting-edge deep learning techniques tailored for large-scale transformers, promising breakthroughs in neuroscience and clinical applications.
Why we invested?
Karavela is led by an outstanding team blending neuroscience, AI, and pharma experience (rare at this stage). Their ambition to build a foundational brain model using large-scale fMRI data could unlock transformative applications in diagnostics and brain-computer interfaces. Early references are stellar, and the round is well-structured to validate key technical assumptions with curated data access.
However, this is a long-term, high-risk bet. The model’s scalability is unproven, commercial paths are still vague, and regulatory hurdles are significant. The team is science-heavy, and execution will require time, capital, and strategic partnerships.
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