MicroTransponder, a Texas-based medical device company, has raised $65m in a Series F financing round, aimed at enhancing the adoption of its Vivistim Paired VNS System for chronic stroke recovery.
The funding round was led by US Venture Partners and featured contributions from existing backers, including Osage University Partners and Action Potential Venture Capital. There was also participation of new investors Gilde Healthcare and Longitude Capital.
US Venture Partners general partner Casey Tansey said: “The MicroTransponder executive leadership team is building the company in a very thoughtful way to establish Vivistim Therapy as the standard of care for stroke survivors.
“We’re excited by the combination of commercial excellence and the overwhelmingly positive clinical outcomes that show material improvements in stroke survivors’ quality of life with Paired VNS Therapy.”
The Vivistim system is said to be the sole US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved tool aimed at enhancing upper extremity recovery in chronic ischemic stroke survivors beyond what high-intensity therapy can achieve alone.
With approval under the breakthrough device designation, the system involves implantation of a device that is used in conjunction with vagus nerve stimulation during therapeutic exercises. This combination is designed to enhance neuroplasticity, allowing patients to experience improvements in hand and arm functions related to daily activities.
Previously, in September 2022, MicroTransponder raised $73m during a Series E finance round also led by US Venture Partners. The company is focused on creating neuroscience-based solutions for neurological conditions affecting sensory and motor capabilities.
The Vivistim Paired VNS System has shown significant benefits for improving upper limb functionality following targeted occupational or physical therapy sessions over six weeks.
At the 2025 International Stroke Conference, two independent stroke centres presented real-world data affirming the effectiveness of Paired VNS Therapy, supporting earlier clinical studies highlighting its benefits for chronic stroke recovery.
MicroTransponder CEO Richard Foust said: “We’ve built programmes in 20% of Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Centers and 50% of Becker’s 2024 100 Great Neuro and Spine Programs by presenting Vivistim as the evidence-based chronic stroke recovery solution that’s been missing from the stroke continuum of care.
“In partnership with leading healthcare providers, we’ve helped build new programmes that support our goal of changing the standard of care for stroke treatment across the US, renewing hope for stroke survivors and their caregivers.”
