Robeaut Raises $28M for Revolutionary Neurosurgical Microrobots
Deal News | Jan 14, 2025 | Cherry Ventures GmbH
Robeaut, a Paris-based startup, has successfully secured $28 million in a Series A funding round to advance its innovative microrobotic technology for neurosurgery. The funding, co-led by Plural, Cherry Ventures, and Kindred Ventures, among others, aims to propel the development of a self-propelled 1.8mm microrobot, the size of a grain of rice, designed to navigate within the human brain. Initially targeting tissue sample collection, Robeaut envisions the robot as a versatile tool capable of delivering drugs directly to hard-to-treat brain tumors or aiding in the implantation of electrodes for neurological conditions. The immediate objective is to attain FDA approval for human trials aimed for 2026, expanding operations in the U.S. Robeaut was co-founded in 2017 by CEO Bertrand Duplat, driven by personal experience and a vision inspired by the movie Fantastic Voyage. The startup boasts over 50 patents and has tested its technology on animal and human cadavers, with plans to revolutionize brain surgery and pharmaceutical approaches. Co-founder Joana Cartocci oversees operations, supported by a team of global researchers. The microrobot's capabilities surpass traditional neurosurgical tools by minimizing brain impact and improving tumor tissue sampling accuracy.
Sectors
- Medical Devices
- Venture Capital
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
Geography
- France – Robeaut, the main company in the article, is based in Paris, France.
- United States – Robeaut aims to gain FDA approval and expand its operations in the U.S.
- Germany – Brainlab, a strategic investor, is a Munich-based company, contributing to the geographical relevance.
- United Kingdom – Plural, a London-based firm, is one of the co-leads in the funding round.
Industry
- Medical Devices – The article centers around Robeaut's development of microrobotic devices for neurosurgery, making it relevant to this industry.
- Venture Capital – The article discusses a major funding round led by venture capital firms, highlighting their role in Robeaut's technological advancement.
- Biotechnology – Robeaut's technology involves microrobots for medical applications, linking it to the biotechnology sector.
- Pharmaceuticals – The potential use of microrobots in drug delivery and treatment of neurological disorders aligns with the pharmaceutical industry.
Financials
- $28,000,000 – The total amount raised by Robeaut in its Series A funding round.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robeaut | Target Company | Company | A Paris-based startup developing microrobots for neurosurgery. |
| Cherry Ventures GmbH | Investor | Company | A VC firm co-leading the Series A funding round for Robeaut. |
| Plural | Investor | Company | A London-based venture capital firm co-leading Robeaut's funding round. |
| Kindred Ventures | Investor | Company | A co-leader in Robeaut's Series A funding round. |
| Brainlab | Strategic Investor | Company | A Munich-based company involved in medical software and devices. |
| Bertrand Duplat | Co-founder and CEO | Person | Veteran roboticist and CEO of Robeaut, inspired by personal experiences. |
| Joana Cartocci | Co-founder and COO | Person | Robeaut's Chief Operations Officer with a background in managing advanced technology projects. |
| LocalGlobe | Investor | Company | Participant in Robeaut's funding round. |
| Think.Health | Investor | Company | Participant in Robeaut's funding round. |
| APEX Ventures | Investor | Company | Previous investor in Robeaut, participating in the current funding round. |