Kandu Fortifies Stroke Rehab Push with New Capital and Board Leadership

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 12, 2026

Kandu, Inc., a healthcare technology firm at the forefront of post-stroke care, today announced a significant strategic move to accelerate its growth, appointing veteran executive Marshal Linder to its Board of Directors and securing a major growth capital investment. The funding comes from two prominent healthcare-focused investment platforms, K2 HealthVentures and Piper Sandler Merchant Bank, signaling strong market confidence in Kandu's innovative approach to stroke recovery.

The dual announcement positions Kandu to scale its operations and expand the reach of its flagship product, the IpsiHand® System—an FDA-cleared brain-computer interface (BCI) designed to help stroke survivors regain movement in their upper extremities.

"Kandu is at an important moment as we scale a platform designed for durable impact in stroke recovery," said Leo Petrossian, CEO of Kandu, Inc. He emphasized the strategic importance of the new board appointment, stating, "Marshal brings a seasoned perspective shaped by years of advising healthcare companies through growth and complexity. His guidance will be invaluable as we expand our reach, reinforce our operating foundation, and build partnerships aligned with our mission."

A Strategic Infusion of Capital and Expertise

The investment from K2 HealthVentures and Piper Sandler Merchant Bank is more than just a financial transaction; it's a validation of Kandu's technology and its integrated care model. Both firms have strong track records of identifying and nurturing innovative medical technology companies poised for significant impact. K2 HealthVentures, in particular, operates on a "Profit and Purpose" model, focusing on companies that not only promise financial returns but also deliver tangible improvements to patient lives. Their portfolio, which includes successes in digital health and therapeutic devices, suggests a deep understanding of the landscape Kandu aims to dominate.

As part of the investment, Toby AuWerter of K2 HealthVentures will join Kandu's Board in an observer capacity, providing the investors with direct insight into the company's strategic direction. This infusion of capital is earmarked for scaling the platform, expanding commercialization efforts, and bolstering the company's operational infrastructure.

Complementing the financial boost is the addition of Marshal Linder to the Board of Directors. Linder's career is marked by senior executive and board roles where he has guided healthcare and tech-enabled companies through critical periods of expansion and capital formation. His expertise in corporate governance and operational scaling is precisely what a company like Kandu needs as it transitions from a promising innovator to a market leader.

"Kandu stands out for its thoughtful integration of technology, clinical insight, and care delivery," Linder commented on his appointment. "The company is addressing a significant unmet need in stroke recovery with a platform that is both clinically meaningful and commercially scalable. I look forward to supporting the team as they translate this foundation into sustained growth and measurable patient impact."

The Technology Revolutionizing Stroke Recovery

At the heart of Kandu's strategy is the IpsiHand® System, a non-invasive device that represents a significant leap forward in neurorehabilitation. Unlike many BCI technologies in development that require surgical implants, the IpsiHand is an external system consisting of a headset with EEG electrodes, a robotic exoskeleton for the hand and wrist, and a tablet for control and feedback.

The device operates on a novel principle. It detects a user's intention to move their impaired hand by reading brain signals from the unaffected hemisphere of the brain. When the user thinks about opening or closing their hand, the headset captures these signals, and the system's algorithm translates them into physical movement of the robotic brace, which gently opens and closes the patient's paralyzed hand. This process creates a feedback loop that leverages neuroplasticity—the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. By repeatedly pairing the intention to move with the actual physical movement, the IpsiHand aims to re-educate the brain and help restore motor function.

The technology's potential was recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which granted the IpsiHand a "Breakthrough Device" designation. This program is designed to expedite the review of technologies that offer more effective treatment for debilitating conditions. Following this, the IpsiHand received De Novo marketing authorization, creating a new regulatory classification for this type of non-invasive, BCI-powered rehabilitation device. This not only cleared the path for IpsiHand but also established a regulatory framework for similar future innovations.

Clinical Validation and the Patient Journey

The FDA's authorization was based on compelling clinical data. An unblinded study involving 40 chronic stroke patients over a 12-week trial demonstrated that all participants experienced statistically significant improvements in motor function. For individuals who have struggled for years with the debilitating effects of upper-extremity paralysis, this can mean regaining the ability to perform essential daily tasks, such as dressing oneself or holding a cup, fostering a profound sense of independence and improved quality of life.

Designed for use both in clinical settings and at home, the IpsiHand empowers patients to take a more active role in their own recovery. The recommended regimen of one hour of use, five days a week, can be integrated into a patient's daily routine, removing the logistical and financial barriers of frequent trips to a rehabilitation center. This home-based model is a critical component of Kandu's vision for extending recovery beyond the hospital.

By providing a tool that responds directly to a patient's thoughts, the technology can also be a powerful motivator. Stroke survivors who may have plateaued with traditional physical therapy find renewed hope and engagement as they witness their own neural intent translate into physical action, rebuilding not just motor pathways but also self-efficacy and confidence. Reported adverse events have been minor, such as temporary fatigue or skin redness, making it a safe option for a broad range of patients.

Navigating a Growing Market and Reimbursement Hurdles

Kandu enters a rapidly expanding market. The global stroke rehabilitation sector is projected to grow exponentially, with some estimates placing the U.S. market alone at over $250 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by an aging population, increasing stroke prevalence, and a wave of technological innovation in robotics, virtual reality, and digital therapeutics.

Within this dynamic landscape, Kandu's BCI technology carves out a unique niche. While competitors focus on robotic exoskeletons or invasive implants, Kandu's non-invasive, thought-controlled therapeutic device offers a distinct value proposition. The company's strategy isn't just about selling a device; it's about creating an integrated, longitudinal care model that supports patients throughout their recovery journey.

However, the greatest technology is only effective if patients can access it. A critical challenge for any novel medical device is securing reimbursement from insurers, particularly Medicare. This is where the FDA's "Breakthrough Device" designation becomes a crucial commercial asset. The designation is intended to streamline the pathway to Medicare coverage, potentially accelerating market adoption and making the IpsiHand accessible to the millions of stroke survivors who could benefit from it.

With fresh capital to fuel its commercial engine, proven technology validated by regulators, and strengthened leadership to guide its strategy, Kandu is poised to translate its innovative vision into widespread clinical practice. The company's integrated approach aims to create durable value not just for investors, but for the providers, caregivers, and, most importantly, the patients at the center of the stroke recovery journey.