What: Hephaistos-Pharma, a biotech startup developing treatments to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.
Why: Emerging next-generation immunotherapies have the potential to increase patient cure rates.
Funding: €4.5 million Seed Round + €5.8 million non-dilutive funding from the EIC accelerator, Bpifrance iNov, and France 2030 clinical grant.
Who: Co- founders Martine Caroff & Frédéric Caroff
Investors: Elaia, Xista Science Ventures, Fondation Fournier-Majoie, Noshaq, Angels Santé & Femmes Business Angels.
What's next: The new funding will finance the industrialization of drug production and regulatory toxicity studies to submit a marketing authorization application in Europe.
What: VoltR, a producer of reconditioned lithium batteries.
Why: To industrialize lithium battery reconditioning in Europe.
Funding: €4 million
Who: Co- founders Maxime Bleskine, Alban Regnier, François Mallet, Thibaud Maufront
Investors: C4 Ventures, Exergon, Pays de la Loire Participations & Anjou Amorçage.
What's next: With the funds raised, VoltR will continue the initial stages of the company's development, including optimizing reconditioning processes, Research & Development, and recruiting new talents. Fundraising for its Series A round is underway and the company expects it to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024.
What: Klineo, a digital health startup that uses an AI-based platform that connects doctors and patients directly with relevant clinical trials.
Why: More patients are willing to participate in trials of experimental treatments, but often don't know about them.
Funding: €2 million
Who: Co- founders Thomas Peyresblanques & Dr Arnaud Bayle
Investors: Bpifrance & various Business Angels
What's next: Currently, the platform notably covers clinical trials in breast cancer, skin cancer & lymphoma. The new funding will go towards enabling it to cover all cancers in France by the end of 2024.
What: Edonia, a B2B ingredient supplier in the field of protein materials.
Why: To produce healthy, high-protein alternatives to meat using ingredients based on microalgae (spirulina, chlorella).
Funding: €2 million
Who: Co- founders Hugo Valentin & Florent Malbranche
Investors: Asterion Ventures, Bpifrance & various Business Angels including Alexis Angot (Ynsect), Laurent Cardinali (Danone, Mondelez), Hugo Dupuis (Umiami), Samuel Nahon (Terroirs d’Avenir), Anne Cabotin (Symrise)
What's next: The fresh cash will enable the company to industrialize its technology and extend its R&D.
