AI wearable startup Nirva has raised $25 million in pre-Series A funding to launch a jewelry-inspired AI pendant that continuously listens to its wearer’s voice while filtering out surrounding conversations. The investment brings the company’s total funding to $33 million, following an $8 million round earlier this year backed by investors including Lightspeed and South Park Commons.
The funding, announced on October 22, 2026, supports the planned launch of Nirva’s first wearable device, which will cost $249. The company expects to begin accepting orders in November and ship its first devices before the end of the year.
Nirva Develops AI Pendant With Voice Recognition
Founded in 2025 by former Meta Reality Labs employees Wei Lyu and Jason Chen, alongside fashion entrepreneur Hanying Hu, Nirva combines wearable technology with jewelry design. Its first device weighs approximately eight grams, can be worn as a pendant or bracelet, and offers up to three days of battery life.
Unlike conventional AI recording devices, Nirva is designed to capture only the wearer’s speech. During setup, users record short voice samples that help the system identify their voice and filter out conversations involving other people nearby.
CEO Wei Lyu told TechCrunch that the device operates continuously rather than waiting for users to activate recording. The company says audio recordings and transcripts are deleted by default after processing, although the device analyzes speech characteristics before discarding them.
AI App Analyzes Emotions and Communication Patterns
Nirva’s companion application examines speech patterns to generate personalized observations about users’ daily activities, communication habits, and emotional responses. The software analyzes characteristics including voice tone, pitch, volume, and speaking speed to identify potential emotional patterns.
The application also organizes information about people users interact with, places they visit, and activities mentioned during conversations. It can then generate reminders, suggest follow-up actions, and identify recurring behavioral patterns.
Lyu described an example in which the application reminded her to thank her mother after recognizing that she had forgotten to do so. She said Nirva is intended to support personal reflection and self-awareness rather than primarily functioning as a meeting transcription or productivity tool.
Nirva Plans November Launch at $249
Nirva will offer its first device in four finishes: silver, brushed silver, black, and gold. The company also plans to develop additional wearable products following the initial launch.
The startup enters a market that includes Amazon’s Bee, Taya, Friend, and other AI-powered companion devices. Apple has also introduced voice intelligence features for its wearable products, while Ambi is developing software and hardware for continuous AI assistance.
Nirva has not disclosed a valuation for its latest funding round or detailed commercial availability beyond its planned November orders. The company expects to begin deliveries to early customers by the end of 2026.
Featured image credits: Magnific.com
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