neumo, which develops auditory training focused on the brain's "listening ability," secures funding from D3 LLC

neumo Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryusei Wakabayashi; hereinafter referred to as "neumo") is pleased to announce that it has successfully raised funds through a third-party allotment of new shares from D3 LLC, a venture capital firm specializing in the bio-healthcare field.

This funding will be used to strengthen the development and research capabilities of our auditory training service, "Kikumore," and to accelerate its social implementation.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, approximately 10-11% of Japan's population, estimated at 10 to 14.3 million people, experience hearing loss or difficulties with hearing.

Furthermore, hearing loss among young people (earphone-induced hearing loss and headphone-induced hearing loss) is a serious global issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that 1.1 to 1.4 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to loud music or improper use of earphones.

Against this backdrop, hearing-related challenges have recently gained attention not merely as an age-related phenomenon, but as a societal issue.

Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, highlighting the importance of early intervention. However, subtle difficulties, such as "hearing sounds but not understanding words," are often overlooked, leading to a lack of appropriate action.

Traditionally, the approach has focused on amplifying sound with hearing aids, but this method has not always resolved these "listening difficulties."

This is related to the brain's "auditory processing" function, which interprets sounds received by the ears into understandable words.

In response to these challenges, neumo has been developing new solutions by focusing on the brain's role in hearing, recognizing that "hearing" is not solely an ear function but also a brain function.

About Kikumore

Kikumore is an auditory training service that focuses on the "brain, not the ear," and directly addresses the auditory processing functions necessary for understanding sound.

The training, provided via smartphone, is designed as a game that helps users distinguish between different sounds, allowing for easy and consistent continuation in daily life. Instead of simply increasing volume, it aims to improve the "listening ability itself," such as the capacity to discern words amidst noise and selectively focus on necessary sounds among multiple auditory inputs.

It also requires only a smartphone, with no special equipment needed, making it a service that can be completed at home. Its simple operation makes it accessible even for those unfamiliar with digital services.

Furthermore, by incorporating a mechanism for regularly assessing hearing status alongside daily training, Kikumore aims to provide a continuous training experience tailored to individual needs.

About the Evidence

Kikumore's training has shown an average improvement of 3.1dB in the ability to hear in noisy environments (S/N ratio) (n=16). This indicates that it becomes easier to discern speech even in noisier settings, demonstrating a value distinct from traditional "sound amplification" approaches.

neumo is also promoting scientifically validated research, including joint studies with Keio University Hospital.

Purpose of Funding (Use of Funds)

This funding will be used to enhance Kikumore's product development and research capabilities. On the product side, efforts will focus on advancing training algorithms, improving user experience, and strengthening personalized optimization based on individual hearing status.

On the research and development side, neumo will deepen collaborations with academia, including Keio University, to conduct scientific validation of auditory training effectiveness and accumulate long-term data. Additionally, by expanding the service provision system, we aim to create an environment where more people can engage in continuous training in their daily lives.

Future Outlook

neumo aims to realize a world where "listening remains enjoyable even at age 80."

Maintaining the ability to enjoy conversations with family and friends, and to richly experience various sounds in daily life such as music and movies, are crucial elements that support human connection and quality of life, even as one ages.

Moving forward, neumo aims to grow as a brain-tech company, leveraging the insights gained from auditory neuroscience through Kikumore. In the long term, we plan to develop the technology cultivated through auditory training, explore applications in cognitive function research and related fields, and consider global expansion based on the research outcomes and technologies developed in Japan.

Company Comments

Ryusei Wakabayashi, CEO of neumo Inc.

At neumo, we believe that "hearing" is not just a function, but something that supports human connection and the richness of daily life.

We have received feedback from users who have undergone training, such as, "Before, I was reluctant to go out because it was hard to hear, but now I can't wait for my weekend outings with friends."

Gaining confidence in conversations broadens one's life experiences, including meeting people, going out, and enjoying hobbies, and the accumulation of these experiences leads to improved quality of life and happiness.

We aim for Kikumore to become a natural and readily considered new option for everyone struggling with hearing, in addition to existing solutions like hearing aids.

Through this funding, we aim to deliver this option to more people, alleviate anxiety in conversations, and encourage opportunities for social interaction and new challenges, thereby creating a society where people can feel the joy of engaging in new things at any age.

Investor Comments

Tomoya Nagata, Managing Partner at D3 LLC

neumo is a team with rare expertise and experience in Japan, having sincerely engaged with the application of neuroscientific principles from a private and business perspective since the dawn of brain-tech.

Hearing loss is a critical issue affecting quality of life, interpersonal relationships, and dementia risk, yet effective "improvement" options have been scarce.

We are confident that neumo's unique, neuroscience-based approach will fill this void and benefit people worldwide.

Company Overview

neumo Inc. aims to "realize a society where people can regain their listening ability and reconnect with others" by developing products that fuse neuroscientific principles with technology.

Recognizing that sound is not just received by the ears but processed by the brain to gain meaning, we are pursuing a new approach: "training the brain's listening ability, not just the ears."

Company Name: neumo Inc. Representative: Ryusei Wakabayashi, CEO Location: 1-11-19 Ebisu Minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Established: August 21, 2017 Business Activities: Development and provision of the auditory training service "Kikumore" based on neuroscientific principles.

URL: https://neumo.jp/ Service Site: https://kikumore.net/