Joe Coelho (Yosef Coelho / José Coelho Barbosa Filho)

José Coelho Barbosa Filho (born 1984), also known as Yosef Coelho (יוסף קוהליו in Hebrew) or Joe Coelho.[1], is a Brazilian-Portuguese-Israeli entrepreneur, software engineer, and inventor known for founding and managing multiple technology startups, primarily in neural computing, brain-computer interfaces, Bluetooth technologies, and innovative IoT solutions. He has gained recognition for his work bridging military-grade technology to civilian markets, pioneering advanced neural interface systems, and supporting educational initiatives aimed at Ivy League admissions for youth.

Early Life and Education

Born in Brazil, José grew up in a multicultural and intellectually rich environment. He studied Materials Science and Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar)[2], considered the leading institution for materials science in Brazil[3].

Career

Motorola

In 2000, José began his career at Motorola[4], where he primarily gained extensive knowledge and insights into CDMA networks, satellite communications, and early Bluetooth technologies. During this period, he explored foundational concepts related Motorola devices, as well as programming languages (JAVA) and telcom, shaping his understanding of telecommunications and wireless technologies.

Early Startups (2010s-2020s)

José's first entrepreneurial endeavor (circa 2010-2012) focused on location-based advertising and coupon services tailored for shopping malls. His project closely resembled early concepts behind the app Shopkick, but emphasized cultural adoption and market fit for Brazilian and emerging markets.

Popbum

Founded in Jerusalem in the early 2010s, Popbum's product was an innovative advertising technology responding to São Paulo's strict billboard regulations. Utilizing Bluetooth beacon technology, Popbum aimed to transform location-based advertising and coupon systems, fostering interactive consumer experiences through smartphones and beacon technology[5].

BeaconBins & GreenQuests

José advanced Bluetooth beacon technology through his IoT-focused startups BeaconBins and GreenQuests, developing low-cost, energy-efficient beacon solutions to support smart urban and environmental management[6].

IoT Forest

In 2025, José initiated the IoT Forest project in Israel, aiming to deploy an autonomous beacon mesh array network for environmental monitoring, location tracking, and data analytics. The network is self-mapping, self-updating, and intended to provide long-term environmental insights[7].

NeuroReplicas

José’s most prominent and ambitious project, NeuroReplicas, founded in the early 2024s, is a neural computing and brain-computer interface technology startup. NeuroReplicas develops an earpod-like, non-invasive device for secure general authentication and payments security that surpasses biometric standards. The device notably supports secure identification methods compatible with Chinese citizens' ID requirements. NeuroReplicas achieved considerable attention with market valuations exceeding $1 billion by 2025[8][9].

MindKeys

An evolution of José’s work in neurotechnology, MindKeys integrates NeuroReplicas' EEG-driven authentication into practical consumer hardware, supporting major financial networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express (AMEX), and Chinese credit card systems. The company focuses on mass-market deployment strategies, ease of adoption, and broad financial integration, aiming for global scalability[10].

Business Philosophy and Personal Interests

José adheres to a disciplined, minimalist approach despite considerable personal wealth, prioritizing sustainable and strategic investments, education for his children, and impactful global projects. He is also a strong advocate for disciplined coding practices, favoring TypeScript and entity-driven software architecture.

Recognition

José is recognized within entrepreneurial and technology circles for his innovative contributions to neural interfaces, IoT advancements, and successful integration of advanced technology solutions into consumer markets, ranking high in platforms like crunchbase[11]

Notable Companies Founded

Company Industry Notable Products/Services Founded Valuation (2025)
NeuroReplicas[12] Neural Computing, BCI Earpod-like Authentication Devices 2024s ~$1B–$1.5B (early-stage)
BeaconBins[13] IoT, Smart Cities Bluetooth Mesh Networks 2019 -
GreenQuests[14] IoT, Environmental Tech Environmental Mapping and Analysis 2019 -
IoT Forest[15] IoT, Environmental Tech Autonomous Beacon Mesh Array Network 2025 -
Popbum[16] AdTech, Coupons Bluetooth-based Location Advertising Solutions 2012 -

José currently splits his time between Tel Aviv, New York City, and Portugal, engaging in ongoing entrepreneurial ventures and raising his family with a focus on global presence and academic excellence.

References

https://www.crunchbase.com/person/yosef-coelho

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/neuroreplicas

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/beaconbins

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/greenquests

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/iot-forest

https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/popbum-2

  1. ^ "Joey Coelho (Cohen) - CEO & Founder @ popbum - Crunchbase Person Profile". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  2. ^ "Joey Coelho (Cohen) - CEO & Founder @ popbum - Crunchbase Person Profile". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  3. ^ "Cinco estrelas: conheça o curso de Engenharia de Materiais da UFSCar | Melhores faculdades". Guia do Estudante (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  4. ^ "Motorola", Wikipedia, 2025-02-24, retrieved 2025-03-09
  5. ^ "popbum - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  6. ^ "GreenQuests - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  7. ^ "IoT Forest - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  8. ^ "Joey Coelho (Cohen) - CEO & Founder @ popbum - Crunchbase Person Profile". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  9. ^ Coelho), Yosef Coelho (Joey (2025-03-09). "Brain-Computer Interfaces: Unlocking the Power of the Mind". Medium. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  10. ^ "NeuroReplicas - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  11. ^ "Joey Coelho (Cohen) - CEO & Founder @ popbum - Crunchbase Person Profile". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  12. ^ "NeuroReplicas - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  13. ^ "BeaconBins - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  14. ^ "GreenQuests - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  15. ^ "IoT Forest - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  16. ^ "popbum - Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding". Crunchbase. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
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