Fred Ehrsam, the billionaire co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, is pivoting from digital assets to brain science. His neuroscience startup, Nudge, unveiled its first product on Monday: the Nudge Zero, a non-invasive ultrasound neuromodulation device designed to interact with the brain without surgery.
From Crypto to Neurosciences: Ehrsam's Next Act
Thirteen years ago, Ehrsam and Brian Armstrong founded Coinbase in a two-bedroom apartment. Today, both are billionaires, but Ehrsam has quietly channeled his fortune into neuroscience. According to Forbes, the 36-year-old is now worth $2.1 billion. In 2024, he founded Nudge, and this week the company revealed its first commercial device. “We believe improving the human experience is the most important thing to work on,” Ehrsam said. “Building technologies to interface with the brain is the most direct way.”
Nudge Zero: Non-Invasive Ultrasound Neuromodulation
The Nudge Zero uses ultrasound waves to alter cell membrane activity in the brain, a technique known as non-invasive ultrasound neuromodulation. Unlike Elon Musk's Neuralink, which requires surgical implantation, Nudge Zero operates externally and causes no permanent changes or damage. The device can be used for both medical and therapeutic applications.
Medical First, Then Enhancement
Ehrsam explained that Nudge Zero will initially be deployed for acute medical conditions such as epilepsy, pain management, and other neurological disorders. Over time, a miniaturized version — similar to a pair of headphones — could be introduced to improve mood, cognition, and daily well-being for healthy users. “We will first use the device to attempt to treat acute medical conditions in the coming months,” Ehrsam said. “With the eventual goal of creating a headphone-like miniaturized version … to enhance mood, cognition, and daily life for healthy people.”
Ehrsam's Crypto Pedigree and New Focus
Before launching Nudge, Ehrsam co-founded Paradigm in 2018 with Sequoia veteran Matt Huang. Paradigm is a crypto-focused venture capital firm managing three funds, the most recent closing at $850 million in June 2023. Ehrsam stepped down as managing partner in 2023 but remains as a general partner. However, his primary focus has clearly shifted to neuroscience. “The human experience is the most important thing to improve, and technology should aim for that,” he stated.
Industry Implications
Ehrsam's move signals a growing trend of crypto entrepreneurs branching into deep tech. While ultrasound neuromodulation is not entirely new, Nudge Zero combines medical-grade precision with consumer-friendly design. As brain-computer interfaces become a battleground for tech giants, Ehrsam's entry could accelerate innovation and bring more capital into the field. The Nudge Zero represents a bridge between two worlds: the disruptive ethos of crypto and the transformative potential of neurotechnology.