The co-founder of Coinbase Fred Ehrsam is venturing into neuroscience innovation with his startup "Nudge," which aims to revolutionize brain technology to improve lives.

Just one year after its launch, the company has unveiled its first product, the Nudge Zero, a non-invasive ultrasound neuromodulation device.

From Crypto to Neuroscience: Fred Ehrsam’s New Mission

Ehrsam, who co-founded Coinbase with Brian Armstrong in 2012, has since shifted his focus from cryptocurrency to neuroscience. After leaving Coinbase base in 2017, Ehrsan launched his own startup company, Nudge in 2024 with his friend Quintin Frerichs. The startup aims to develop cutting-edge brain interface technology, starting with its non-invasive ultrasound devices.

Like the name suggests, the Nudge Zero device uses ultrasound waves to modulate brain activity without the need of any "invasive procedures" like surgery. This protection was specially tailored to help patients fighting neurological sickness such as epilepsy or even chronic pains.

But beyond its medical applications, it could also be used to treat psychological illnesses such as depression and mental health. But Ehrsam revealed that during these nascent stages of the product, the company would be putting their focus on addressing acute medical conditions first before taking the next steps to tackle psychological sickness.

In a social media post, Ehrsam revealed how he envisioned the product to look like just an ordinary headphone-like device that can improve the daily life of its consumers with just a press of the button.

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"Just a push of a button, these headphones can help users fall asleep, improve concentration, break bad habits, or improve their mood. We believe this technology has the potential to improve people's daily lives more than any other technology."

Nudge plans to miniaturize its technology into wearable devices that are as ubiquitous as headphones. This ambitious approach combines advanced imaging techniques and personalized stimulation to make brain interfaces accessible for everyday use.

Moving away from crypto into neuroscience

Prior to founding Nudge, Ehrsam co-founded Paradigm in 2018 alongside Matt Huang. The venture capital firm focuses on cryptocurrency investments and manages funds worth billions. Despite stepping back from his managing role, Ehrsam remains a general partner at Paradigm.

At a tender age of 36, Ehrsam has a net worth of $2.1 billion, according to Forbes. Since leaving Paradigm, Ehrsam has redirected his efforts from crypto to neuroscience.

In a recent post on X, Ehrsam explained how improving the human experience is the most important thing to work on, and it should be the primary goal of technology. He adds that with Nudge, he aims to create transformative brain-computer interfaces that benefit humanity.

With Nudge leading the charge, the intersection of brain science and innovation promises exciting possibilities for the future.