From Shark Tank to $2M Seed Funding — The Journey of Neo 1 and India’s ‘Second Brain’ Wearable
In the rapidly evolving world of wearable technology, one startup is capturing attention for its bold vision and innovative approach. NeoSapien, co-founded by CEO Dhananjay Yadav and his brother Aryan Yadav in 2024, is on a mission to redefine how humans interact with technology through its flagship product, Neo 1 — an AI-native wearable designed to act as a personal artificial intelligence assistant. The Times of India
At the heart of NeoSapien’s strategy is a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of wearable tech. The Neo 1 device isn’t just another smartwatch or fitness tracker — it’s positioned as a Personal AI Intelligent Assistant (PAIA) that works seamlessly across more than 100 languages to capture, process, and organize daily conversations and tasks in real time. This ambient intelligence approach allows Neo 1 to serve as a “second brain,” helping users manage cognitive load by remembering context, summarizing interactions, and providing insights without constant engagement. The Times of India
Under Dhananjay Yadav’s leadership, NeoSapien has secured significant backing from top investors. In December 2025, the company announced it had raised USD 2 million (approximately INR 18 crore) in a seed funding round led by Merak Ventures, with participation from renowned angel investors including Awais Ahmed (Founder – Pixxel), Anupam Mittal (Founder – Shaadi.com), Sameer Mehta (Co-Founder – boAt), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), and Aprameya Radhakrishna (CEO, Koo), among others. Entrepreneur+1
This funding milestone underscores investor confidence in NeoSapien’s vision and technology. The capital is being used to accelerate product development, expand market visibility, and strengthen key functional teams — all of which are essential as the company scales and prepares for broader market adoption. Entrepreneur
One of the key differentiators of Neo 1 is its integration of advanced contextual intelligence with hardware innovation. Unlike traditional wearables that react to user commands, Neo 1 is designed to operate in the background, reducing cognitive burden by proactively offering assistance. This includes tracking everyday interactions, organizing information, and helping users focus on what matters most. The Times of India
The long-term ambition for NeoSapien extends beyond a single device. The founders envision building an entire ecosystem of AI-native wearables and tools that leverage the company’s proprietary intelligence layer. This includes potential hardware in various form factors — such as glasses, pendants, watches, and rings — all powered by a shared operating system layer called NeoOS and supported by the NeoCore SDK, which will allow developers and businesses to build applications on top of the intelligence platform. The Times of India
What sets NeoSapien apart is not just its technology but its vision for wearable AI. By focusing on ambient intelligence — where technology fades into the background to enhance human capability — the company is pushing wearables into a new category of proactive AI companions. This shift has captured the imagination of investors and tech enthusiasts, particularly as the global market seeks more intuitive, personalized digital experiences. The Times of India
Dhananjay Yadav’s leadership is a critical component of this journey. His ability to attract funding, build a strong founding team with his brother Aryan, and articulate a compelling vision for the future of AI wearables positions NeoSapien as a promising contender in the global tech landscape. As the company grows and continues to innovate, it has the potential to transform how users interact with AI in everyday life — turning the concept of wearable devices into truly intelligent personal assistants. Entrepreneur
In summary, NeoSapien’s story is one of ambition, innovation, and strategic execution. From raising seed capital to advancing its first product, the company is on a trajectory that could shape the next generation of wearable technology, setting new standards for intelligent, user-centric AI experiences
