Brain Backups Pitch Deck (2014): 18-Slide Series A Deck

Brain Backups is developing AptaMark, a non-invasive, high-resolution brain imaging platform designed to provide objective diagnostics for Parkinson's Disease (PD). The deck identifies a significant gap in current PD diagnostics, which suffer from high false positive (24%) and false negative (20%) rates. By utilizing gold nanoparticles and D2-specific ligands, Brain Backups claims to achieve 1-micron resolution, significantly surpassing current MRI and CT capabilities. The company seeks $2.5 million for optimization and research deployment, with a long-term goal of an exit after proving safet…

Key takeaways

• Current Parkinson's diagnostics are imprecise, with a 24% false positive rate and 20% false negative rate (Slide 3).
• The AptaMark solution offers 1-micron resolution, which the deck claims is 100x better than MRI (Slide 4, Slide 7).
• The company targets a $26B US healthcare cost market related to Parkinson's, with $3B specifically in PD treatment (Slide 5).
• Competitive analysis positions AptaMark at a $2,800 cost point with >90% aimed accuracy, compared to $5,000 for DaTscan (Slide 6).
• Revenue projections assume a 5% market share by Year 4, generating approximately $4M in initial diagnostic revenue (Slide 8).
• The initial funding ask is $2.5M for optimization, research deployment, and FDA 510K validation (Slide 11, Slide 12).
• The development timeline targets profitability by 2015 following the first deployment in research labs (Slide 15).
• The team includes individuals associated with Harvard, MIT, and Mount Sinai, though specific roles and bios are not detailed (Slide 10).

Frequently asked questions

What is the core technology behind Brain Backups?

The core technology is AptaMark, a high-resolution brain imaging platform. According to Slide 17, it uses gold nanoparticles with attached D2-specific ligands. These aptamers are chemically synthesized, small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, and designed to bind to specific neurons without triggering them, allowing for non-destructive, 1-micron resolution imaging.

How does Brain Backups plan to generate revenue in the short term?

The company plans to generate 'research revenue' before full clinical approval. Slide 11 and Slide 15 indicate that the first deployment of AptaMark will be in research laboratories. Slide 14 notes that even with an 80% production profit margin, the product is intended to be more cost-effective than current destructive research methods.

What are the primary financial requirements stated in the deck?

Brain Backups is asking for $2.5 million for 'further optimization & research deployment.' Slide 12 provides a breakdown of this spend, including $1.1 million for personnel and marketing, $500,000 for in vivo validation (FDA 510K), and $400,000 for laboratory and office space.

What is the exit strategy for investors?

The deck explicitly states an 'Exit after proven safety & efficacy' on Slide 11. The development timeline on Slide 15 further clarifies this, suggesting an exit via a 'Full partnership with therapeutic partner' following human testing and the development of further AptaMark products for both research and diagnostic use.

How does AptaMark compare to existing Parkinson's diagnostic tools?

Slide 6 compares AptaMark to CT, MRI, and DaTscan. While DaTscan costs $5,000 with ~84% accuracy and 1mm resolution, AptaMark aims for >90% accuracy and 1-micron resolution at a cost of $2,800. Unlike most current methods, AptaMark is described as both objective and capable of early (preclinical) detection.

Brain Backups pitch deck: the facts

Company

Brain Backups

Year

2014 (based…

Stage

Series A

Slides

18

Sector

Medical Diagnostics / Neurotechnology

Deck type

Investment Pitch

Brain Backups pitch deck PDF

The full Brain Backups deck is embedded on this page and can be read slide by slide in the browser — no download or account required. Each slide is covered in the breakdown above.

What the Brain Backups pitch deck was used for

This is the Brain Backups pitch deck hosted on Slideshare, dated February 2015 but presenting a 2014-era Series A raise for $2.5M to develop AptaMark, a high‑resolution brain imaging contrast agent for objective Parkinson’s Disease diagnostics. The deck positions Brain Backups as a neurotechnology company creating aptamer-based contrast agents capable of imaging dopamine D2 receptors at single‑cell, 1‑micron resolution in the substantia nigra. It outlines a path from research‑only revenue (selling contrast agents for preclinical and research use) toward regulated clinical diagnostic applications for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. It also frames a longer‑term vision of whole‑brain, non‑invasive connectome mapping using ultra‑high‑definition contrast agents and existing MRI hardware.

Round

Series A

Industry

Neurotechnology / Medical Imaging

Year: 2014 (raise described as 2014-era in a deck posted February 2015).

Raising: $2.5 million Series A sought to optimize and validate AptaMark as an objective diagnostic for Parkinson’s Disease and to advance it from research contrast agent use toward clinical diagnostics.

Use of funds as presented: Further optimization and validation of AptaMark contrast agents, development of imaging methods, and computer systems for measuring AptaMark ligands and their associated particles in in‑vitro and in‑vivo systems, as well as progressing toward regulated clinical diagnostic applications.

What the Brain Backups deck got right

• Compelling, well-quantified clinical need in Parkinson’s diagnostics. The deck presents a **clear, high-impact clinical problem**: Parkinson’s Disease diagnostics are imprecise, with cited false-negative and false-positive rates and millions affected, framing a substantial unmet need for objective, early detection.
• Strong technical differentiation and first-in-class diagnostic ambition. AptaMark is positioned as a **first objective diagnostic for PD** with single-cell, 1‑micron resolution, directly imaging dopamine D2 receptors in the substantia nigra, which offers a strong, technically differentiated value proposition versus MRI and existing dopamine transporter imaging.
• Non-invasive, ultra-high-definition imaging built on existing hardware. The company emphasizes **nondestructive, non‑invasive, ultra‑high‑definition** imaging using existing GE MRI hardware, which could lower deployment barriers compared with entirely new hardware platforms.
• Platform potential across multiple neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric indications. The broader AptaMark platform story encompasses a **library of DNA aptamer-based contrast agents** for multiple neurological targets, opening potential expansion into Alzheimer’s and addiction biomarkers and positioning the company as a platform rather than a single-product play.
• Clear competitive positioning against established imaging agents. The deck explicitly contrasts AptaMark with DaTscan and emerging contrast agents, highlighting superior specificity and resolution, which helps investors understand where the product fits in the competitive landscape.
• Ambitious but coherent vision linking connectome mapping to near-term PD use case. Public materials portray Brain Backups as a **developmental-stage startup focused on connectome mapping**, which aligns long-term vision (whole-brain mapping) with near-term applications (PD diagnostics) in a way that can appeal to both scientific and commercial stakeholders.

What could have been stronger

• No verifiable prior funding or investor traction disclosed. The deck clearly states a $2.5M raise and outlines technical goals for AptaMark, but provides no externally verifiable information on prior funding, existing investors, or committed capital, making it difficult for an investor to gauge financial momentum or validation beyond the research concept.
• Lack of independently validated data or regulatory path clarity. Although the deck claims 1‑micron resolution (1000× better than today’s best MRIs) and first-in-class objective PD diagnostics, it does not present independently validated preclinical or clinical data, published studies, or regulatory engagement, leaving efficacy and feasibility reliant on internal claims.
• Limited evidence of clinical adoption and economic model. The presentation compares AptaMark favorably to DaTscan and other agents but lacks a quantified cost, reimbursement, or workflow analysis showing why clinicians and payers would adopt AptaMark over established dopamine transporter imaging standards.
• Ambitious long‑term vision with insufficient milestone breakdown. The broader vision (whole-brain connectome mapping in vivo) is ambitious relative to 2014‑era imaging and contrast-agent capabilities, and the deck does not break down realistic milestones, timelines, or technical risk mitigation between the near‑term PD diagnostic and the long‑term connectome goals.

How an investor would read this deck

What draws attention

• Scientific validity and reproducibility of AptaMark’s 1‑micron, single‑cell resolution claims versus current MRI and SPECT capabilities, including in‑vivo performance, signal-to-noise, and practical imaging times.
• Regulatory pathway for an aptamer-based contrast agent for Parkinson’s diagnostics (e.g., FDA or EMA classification, required preclinical toxicology, clinical trial design, and potential hurdles compared with small-molecule agents like DaTscan).
• Evidence of market demand for an objective PD diagnostic among neurologists and movement-disorder specialists, including how AptaMark would fit into current dopaminergic imaging guidelines.
• IP position around aptamer-based contrast agents targeting dopamine receptors and other neurological targets, and whether there is freedom-to-operate against existing neuroimaging and aptamer patents.
• Team’s expertise and track record in MRI/SPECT contrast chemistry, neurobiology, and regulatory affairs, which are critical for translating a research-stage imaging concept into a clinical diagnostic business.

Risks that stand out

• Scientific and technical risk that AptaMark may not achieve the claimed 1‑micron, single‑cell resolution or diagnostic accuracy in human in‑vivo applications, undermining the core value proposition.
• Regulatory risk that an aptamer-based contrast agent for neuroimaging could face unforeseen safety, toxicity, or classification issues, extending timelines and increasing capital requirements relative to the planned Series A.
• Market risk that clinicians may continue to rely on established PD diagnostic pathways (clinical examination, DaTscan, MRI) and guidelines, limiting uptake of a new contrast agent unless it demonstrates clear, guideline‑changing benefits.
• Financing risk due to the absence of publicly documented prior funding or investor support, implying that significant capital may still be required beyond this $2.5M raise to reach commercialization.
• Execution risk tied to the ambitious long‑term goal of whole-brain connectome mapping, which may distract from near‑term PD diagnostic milestones or require capabilities beyond a small developmental-stage startup.

Questions this deck invites

• What in‑vitro and in‑vivo data currently exist demonstrating AptaMark’s specificity to dopamine D2 receptors, sensitivity for early PD, and ability to differentiate PD subtypes compared with DaTscan and MRI?
• What is the detailed regulatory strategy and timeline (including preclinical, Phase I/II/III studies) for bringing AptaMark from a research contrast agent to a clinically approved diagnostic for Parkinson’s Disease?
• How does the company plan to price AptaMark and the associated imaging procedures, and what evidence supports reimbursement by insurers or adoption in major hospital systems?
• What intellectual property (patents, licenses) does Brain Backups hold or control around AptaMark, aptamer-based neuroimaging agents, and connectome imaging, and how defensible is this position against competitors?
• What are the key technical risks (e.g., aptamer stability, off-target binding, imaging hardware integration) and how will the $2.5M Series A be allocated to de-risk them within the next 18–24 months?

What founders can take from the Brain Backups deck

• Deep-tech medical imaging pitches benefit from clearly articulated **clinical use cases** like early, objective PD diagnosis, which help make complex contrast-agent science understandable and relevant to investors and clinicians.
• Explicitly stating **resolution and performance metrics** (e.g., 1‑micron resolution, single-cell imaging, 1000× better than MRI) can create a strong differentiation narrative, but these claims need supporting data and benchmarking to be credible.
• Comparing a novel solution to **specific incumbents** (such as DaTscan and other contrast agents) helps position the product within existing clinical workflows and standards, highlighting where the new technology adds value.
• A dual-track story that starts with **research-only revenue** (selling contrast agents to labs) and moves toward **regulated clinical diagnostics** can make a long development path more investable by showing nearer-term monetization.
• Ambitious long-term visions like **whole-brain connectome mapping** can be compelling, but investors will look for concrete intermediate milestones, validated data, and risk mitigation steps that tie the vision back to achievable near-term goals.
• For highly technical pitches, external **validation and documentation** (published data, guidelines alignment, regulatory strategy) are critical; without them, even sophisticated imaging claims remain speculative in investors’ eyes.

Brain Backups pitch deck: common questions

What does Brain Backups do?

Brain Backups is a neurotechnology startup developing **AptaMark**, a DNA-aptamer-based contrast agent platform to image the brain at single-cell, 1‑micron resolution, initially focused on providing an early, objective diagnostic for Parkinson’s Disease by targeting dopamine D2 receptors in the substantia nigra.

How much was Brain Backups raising in this pitch deck, and for what purpose?

According to the Slideshare deck, Brain Backups was seeking **$2.5 million** in funding in this pitch to optimize and validate AptaMark as an objective Parkinson’s diagnostic and to advance it from research-only contrast agents toward clinical diagnostic use.

What is AptaMark and how is it supposed to work?

The deck describes AptaMark as a **dopamine D2 receptor–targeted aptamer contrast agent** with 1‑micron resolution, enabling early detection of Parkinson’s, direct tracking of neurodegeneration at the source, differentiation among PD subtypes, and non‑destructive, non‑invasive imaging using existing GE MRI hardware.

Who are the competitors mentioned in the Brain Backups deck?

In the deck, Brain Backups cites DaTscan (an iodine‑123 SPECT dopamine transporter imaging agent) as a key incumbent, arguing that AptaMark offers approximately 1‑micron resolution (about 1000× better than standard MRI), subtype-specific dopamine receptor targeting, and potentially better diagnostic specificity using the same imaging hardware, while competing contrast agents lack AptaMark’s molecular specificity and often rely on expensive small-molecule chemistry.

Did Brain Backups successfully close this Series A round?

Publicly available materials (company website and an interview profile) describe Brain Backups as a **developmental-stage startup** working on nondestructive, non‑invasive, ultra‑high‑definition brain imaging and contrast agents for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and addiction biomarkers. However, no credible funding announcements, investor listings, or regulatory filings could be found that confirm the outcome of the Series A raise or later financing, so the ultimate funding status remains unknown.

Sources

Funding and outcome facts on this page were researched on 2026-08-22 from the pages below.

• Have not you got your brain backup, yet? - Brainhacker – Russell Hanson - ThePercept
• Brain Backups Pitch Deck | PPTX - Slideshare
• Brain Backups
• [PDF] Brain Backups - Russell W. Hanson
• Brain Backup – Apps on Google Play
• NeuroVault: an open data repository for brain maps
• EANM/SNMMI guideline for Dopaminergic Imaging in Parkinsonian...
• Companion for using Version 14 of TheBrain for Windows and macOS.

Brain Backups pitch deck slides

What each slide of the Brain Backups pitch deck says

Slide 1

#8-\ Brai Backups Objective Diagnostics for Parkinson’s Disease

Slide 2

info@BrainBackups.com yy: \ Our Name - Brain Backups & =~ High-Resolution Brain Imaging Platform Tove ag Nondestructive, noninvasive, whole brain in vivo imaging at the connectome level x. ov pg? wv Current methods for whole brain imaging - EEL ® Current methods of whole brain in vivo imaging do not provide adequate resolution. N eg 4 0 eo Methods providing adequate resolution have incomplete coverage, or require - destructive slicing of the brain. AptaMark First Target: An Early & Accurate Parkinson’s Disease Diagnostic

Slide 3

. Variation within PD info@BrainBackups.col PD Diagnosis Today - 10 Million people suffer from Parkinson's today - 14th Leading Cause of Death (US) PARKINSON''S DISEASE - 60,000 people diagnosed each year (US) - Diagnostics are imprecise .5MILLION BrPsovs 20% false negatives 24% false positives 15% complex forms Different treatments Few imaging solutions NEWLY DIE FROM DIAGNOSED THE DISEASE y EACH YEAR y EACH YEAR Seurce Packinson's Acton Netwock,National Cestesfos Hoalth Statsics

Slide 4

info@BrainBackups.com The Solution - AptaMark @) Accurate & Objective Dopamine D2R test AptaMark » First Objective Diagnostic for PD * Enables early detection * Tracks degradation directly at source + Differentiates amongst PD subtypes / * Non destructive/non invasive * 1 micron resolution Normal AptaMark will be the first contrast agent with a single cell resolution, allowing neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra and other relevant areas can be tracked objectively.

Slide 5

info@BrainBackups.com 4 \ The Opportunity & PD diagnosis and mid-treatment imaging demand will | op continue to grow. =! e 34 drugs in development eo Aging population eo $26B in US Healthcare Costs n e $3B in PD specific treatment “Large potential market for neurotechnology” - NeuroTech Business Report 3 ALY

Slide 6

info@BrainBackups.com Competitive Analysis = Cost Accuracy Early Objectivity Resolution Detection Movement $100 Low Clinical Yes N/A Software CT $700 = Moderate Clinical No 1mm DaTscan $5,000 ~84% Clinical | No STN 5200 Aim osor% i

Slide 7

info@BrainBackups.com The Competitors Visual Clarity DaTscan is a SPECT iodine-123 contrast agent that images dopamine transporter and allows clinicians to distinguish essential tremor from PD. AptaMark permits imaging at 1 micron resolution, 100X better than MRI; offers specificity to subtypes of dopamine receptors; uses same GE imaging hardware provides better diagnosis. New contrast agents are being developed every year. All lack the specificity of AptaMark and many rely on expensive small molecule chemistry & approvals process and often less precise methods. &g Neroprobes [EF covioen Navidea™ BIOPHARMACEUTICALS

Slide text above is read directly from the Brain Backups deck PDF embedded on this page.

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