This morning neurology-focused health startup Flow announced that it landed a $1.5 million investment. This latest round was led by Khosla Ventures. 

WHAT THEY DO

The Swedish startup is focused on treating and supporting users with depression. Flow is a two-part system including a brain stimulation headset and a therapy app. When the user puts on the device, it delivers electrical signals to stimulate activity in the left frontal cortex of the brain, which often has lower activity in people diagnosed with depression, according to the company. 

The system also includes an app that gives users advice and education about sleep, nutrition, medication and exercise. According to the company’s webpage, there are 18 treatment sessions, each lasting 30 minutes over a six-week period. 

The startup officially launched its product in the UK in June for £399. Next up, the company is looking to work with the FDA to get clearance for the tool in the U.S. 

WHAT IT’S FOR 

The new funding will be put toward rolling out the product in Europe. This expansion will include introducing the technology to clinics and future clinical studies. 

MARKET SNAPSHOT

When it comes to digital health, the mental health arena is popular. Scores of apps and digital tools have come on the market angling to help users manage common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Just yesterday, social media giant Pinterest announced a new tool to help users manage depression. 

But this isn’t the only company combining digital and brain stimulation service. In June 2018, Medtronic landed FDA clearance for its Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Clinical Programmer and ActivaProgramming application. While Medtronic’s DBS system has been on the market for 25 years, this edition of the ActivaProgramming Application was designed to streamline workflows and provide actionable information to neurologists and neurosurgeons who are treating patients using Medtronic’s Activa DBS system.

ON THE RECORD 

"We’re increasing treatment choice and empowering people to self-manage their symptoms at home with an effective, personalizedand non-pharmacological alternative,” Daniel Mansson, clinical psychologist and co-founder of Flow, said in a statement. “This has the potential to improve the standard of care, and reduce global healthcare costs. The Khosla Ventures investment will support the next stage of our journey as we cement our position as European leaders of brain stimulation treatment for depression.”