For millions battling chronic migraine, the reality goes far beyond “just a headache.” The condition can cripple daily life, pull people out of their careers, and disrupt relationships. Now, Dutch medtech startup Salvia BioElectronics is stepping in with a bold solution—one that blends cutting-edge bioelectronics with patient empowerment.
The company just closed a $60 million Series B funding round, bringing its total backing to over $90 million. Led by Innovation Industries and joined by Invest-NL, EIC Fund, and previous investors like Inkef and Dolby Family Ventures, the oversubscribed round aims to bring Salvia’s breakthrough therapy to market faster.
At the heart of Salvia’s innovation is the MySalvia Therapy—a neuromodulation system that uses ultra-thin, flexible implants to target the nerves responsible for migraines. These devices are placed just beneath the skin at the forehead and back of the head, then activated on demand by the patient through a wearable controller. It’s minimally invasive, discreet, and designed specifically to fit the anatomy of the head and neck.
While big names like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott already dominate the broader neurostimulation market, Salvia is carving out a distinct niche. Unlike their general-purpose systems, Salvia’s technology is tailor-made for migraine sufferers—giving them direct control over their treatment, with no need for bulky equipment or ongoing drug regimens.
Moving Beyond Medication: A New Hope for Migraine Patients
Founded in 2017 by a trio of medical device veterans—Hubert Martens, Daniel Schobben, and Wim Pollet—Salvia is on a mission to give people their lives back. Martens, who previously held senior roles at Philips and Medtronic, says chronic migraine is more than a medical condition—it’s a thief of freedom. And with current medications often falling short, the stakes are high.
In fact, most chronic migraine patients abandon drug therapies within the first year due to side effects or limited effectiveness. That’s why Salvia’s solution stands out. MySalvia Therapy allows users to respond to migraine symptoms immediately, without waiting for pills to kick in. Early clinical data from the ongoing RECLAIM study is already showing promising signs of reduced migraine frequency and severity.
Salvia’s system has earned the FDA Breakthrough Device designation, a mark given to technologies that may offer significant improvements over existing options. The funding will now support final clinical development stages, as well as regulatory approvals in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
A Unique Edge in a Crowded Market
Despite growing competition from startups like Cefaly and Neurolief, which offer external, noninvasive migraine relief devices, Salvia’s implantable approach stands apart. Its flexibility, anatomical fit, and user-activated design give it a technological and clinical edge—especially for patients who’ve found little relief elsewhere.
What also sets the company apart is its patient-first design philosophy. Every element, from the implant shape to the controller interface, has been engineered to maximize comfort, control, and ease of use.
With operations expanding across the U.S., EU, and Australia, Salvia is already preparing for commercial launch. And beyond migraine, the company is eyeing other neurological pain conditions, including cluster headaches, as future opportunities for its platform.
Investors say they’re backing more than a product—they’re backing a shift in how we treat neurological disorders.
“In Salvia, we see a company that’s not just building devices, but restoring lives,” said Caaj Greebe, Partner at Innovation Industries. “Their approach is bold, personal, and based on strong clinical foundations. We’re proud to support their journey toward global impact.”
