Phantom Neuro, a rising neurotech startup based in Austin, just closed a $19 million Series A round to supercharge the development of its AI-powered prosthetics. The round was led by industry heavyweight Ottobock, a global leader in prosthetics, and included returning backers like Breakout Ventures and Draper Associates, as well as new investors such as Actual VC and METIS Innovative. This latest round brings the company’s total funding to $28 million—marking a pivotal moment in its mission to redefine assistive technology.
This fresh capital injection is set to push Phantom Neuro’s flagship platform, Phantom X, through critical milestones. The company plans to expand preclinical trials, navigate regulatory approvals, and kick off first-in-human trials. But Phantom isn’t stopping at prosthetics—their tech roadmap extends to a broader suite of robotic and assistive devices. Ottobock’s deep market reach and board involvement are expected to boost Phantom’s commercial momentum globally.
A Mission Rooted in Real Experience
The inspiration behind Phantom Neuro is deeply personal. Co-founder Dr. Connor Glass had initially planned a military career, but recurring injuries rerouted his path. A chance experience witnessing brain surgery sparked a deep interest in neuroscience, eventually leading him to become a neurosurgeon. Along the way, he noticed something troubling—despite major advances in robotics, many amputees still struggled with outdated prosthetic solutions lacking real control.
Determined to change that, Glass launched Phantom Neuro in 2020. Spun out of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the company aims to bridge the gap between advanced neurotech and real-world patient impact—helping amputees regain not just movement, but independence.
Making Prosthetics Feel Natural—Without Brain Surgery
What truly sets Phantom X apart is its minimally invasive approach. Instead of requiring risky brain implants, it uses a wafer-thin sensor inserted just beneath the skin. Placed over muscle, the device captures electrical activity from nearby nerves. These signals, which naturally occur when someone thinks about moving, are then interpreted by AI to control a robotic limb with precision.
The result is a near-seamless user experience—allowing for smooth, lifelike motion without the complications of brain surgery. With a reported 94% accuracy across 11 essential hand and wrist movements, Phantom X blends simplicity with high-performance control. The platform’s intelligent software translates neural intent into action, creating an experience that closely mimics how real limbs move.
Bringing Breakthrough Tech to the Real World
Phantom Neuro’s innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The company has received two prestigious FDA recognitions: the Breakthrough Device designation and inclusion in the Targeted Acceleration Pathway (TAP). These approvals validate its potential to transform patient care—and could fast-track its path to market.
Backed by Ottobock’s resources and regulatory momentum, Phantom Neuro is uniquely positioned to deliver meaningful solutions to a growing market at the intersection of AI, robotics, and healthcare.
Dr. Connor Glass believes this partnership is more than strategic—it’s a vision in motion. Ottobock’s history in mobility innovation aligns perfectly with Phantom’s goal of turning advanced neurotech into practical, life-changing tools.
As Ottobock’s CEO Oliver Jakobi put it, Phantom Neuro’s breakthrough interface technology represents the future of assistive care—where devices feel less mechanical and more human.
If Phantom continues to scale successfully, it could reshape what’s possible in prosthetics—not just by restoring lost capabilities, but by enhancing how people move, live, and connect with the world around them.
