Lithuanian healthtech startup Pulsetto has secured €2 million in funding from Scalewolf, a dual-use technology accelerator and venture capital fund. The company focuses on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to support stress relief, mental resilience, and sleep improvement. With this investment, Pulsetto aims to extend its wearable device’s applications beyond wellness by targeting military and security personnel who operate under high-stress conditions. This expansion highlights the increasing demand for mental endurance solutions in defense sectors, where stress management plays a crucial role in operational effectiveness.
Earlier reports on Pulsetto’s technology primarily emphasized its applications in consumer wellness, particularly for managing anxiety and sleep disorders. Its appearance on Lithuanian Shark Tank and a Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) documentary brought attention to its potential benefits. However, this recent funding signals a shift toward supporting professionals working in high-pressure environments, such as soldiers and first responders. This transition reflects broader trends where wellness technologies are being adapted for defense and emergency response applications, addressing psychological resilience as a critical component of performance.
How Does Pulsetto’s Technology Work?
Pulsetto is a hands-free, wearable device that stimulates the vagus nerve using gentle electrical impulses. This process helps transition the body from a heightened stress response to a more relaxed state, aiding in recovery and cognitive performance. The device is controlled via a mobile app, allowing users to customize their sessions based on their specific needs. By integrating this technology into military and security sectors, Pulsetto seeks to provide personnel with a tool to manage stress and maintain focus in demanding conditions.
Why Is Psychological Resilience Important for Military Personnel?
Mental endurance is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in military effectiveness. Soldiers and first responders frequently encounter high-stress situations that can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and burnout. Addressing these challenges, Pulsetto aims to offer an accessible solution for psychological recovery and sustained operational readiness.
“The modern battlefield isn’t just about physical endurance but mental resilience. Stress, anxiety, and burnout pose as much of a risk to military personnel as physical fatigue. Our technology helps individuals reset their nervous system and maintain peak cognitive performance,” said Povilas Sabaliauskas, CEO and co-founder of Pulsetto.
Scalewolf, in collaboration with the Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation, supports technologies that serve both commercial and defense needs. This investment aligns with their strategy of backing innovations that enhance military preparedness. According to Scalewolf’s Managing Partner Edvinas Kerza, solutions like Pulsetto address an often-overlooked aspect of defense: mental endurance.
“We invest in startups that solve real-world problems, and the demand for psychological resilience solutions in the military is undeniable—especially seeing what’s happening in Ukraine still to this day. Soldiers, first responders, and security personnel operate under extreme stress every day. Pulsetto’s ability to help them recover faster and stay focused makes it a game-changer.”
Pulsetto’s shift from general wellness to military and security applications follows a broader trend of adapting consumer health technologies for high-performance environments. Psychological resilience tools are becoming essential as defense organizations seek methods to improve cognitive performance and reduce the long-term effects of stress-related conditions. The startup’s €20 million valuation indicates market interest in stress management solutions tailored for extreme conditions.
As mental well-being gains more recognition in operational settings, Pulsetto’s VNS technology could see further applications beyond military use, potentially extending to emergency responders, law enforcement, and corporate high-stress environments. While the effectiveness of VNS in military conditions remains subject to further validation, its integration into defense technology highlights the need for innovative approaches to sustaining mental endurance in high-risk professions.