Pristem raises CHF 14m to help make digital radiology more accessible
29.08.2018
Medical equipment maker Pristem closed a CHF 14 million fundraising round. The aim is to put its innovative medical imaging solution into large-scale production and roll it out internationally, in order to address a key global health issue.
 © Alain Herzog
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Pristem, a Venture Kick stage 2 winner, will industrialize a new radiology solution based on advanced technologies that have been developed in Switzerland and are protected by several patents. The solution’s main aim is to make radiology more accessible, both technically and financially.
According to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of the world’s population still have no access to this vital diagnostic technology. Meanwhile, countries that are already well equipped with radiology systems have seen costs rise to very high levels and need to bring healthcare costs in general under control.
The funds raised by Pristem will enable it to take the crucial step of starting industrialization and production of its prototype. Its “all-in-one” system - which will be commercialized within 2 years - will be high-tech, user-friendly, economical and highly robust, making leading-edge radiology accessible even in remote areas and difficult environments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Pristem’s solution is the result of a collaboration started in 2012, involving prestigious research centers under the leadership of EPFL’s EssentialTech program.
"The Venture Kick program helped Pristem get started by providing initial financing that helped us develop the business strategy needed to convince future clients and investors", says Bertrand Klaiber, CEO and founder of Pristem. "The Kickers Camps were extremely helpful in preparing us to face potential investors. We learned how to deal with setbacks, accept knocks and bounce back until we found investors sharing our vision."
The fund-raising, supported by Glosya Sàrl, brought in CHF 14 million from two Swiss investors – including the lead investor that will contribute extensive experience in the medical service sector – and two African investors, one of which runs a major medical imaging group providing valuable insights into the final customer needs.
According to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of the world’s population still have no access to this vital diagnostic technology. Meanwhile, countries that are already well equipped with radiology systems have seen costs rise to very high levels and need to bring healthcare costs in general under control.
The funds raised by Pristem will enable it to take the crucial step of starting industrialization and production of its prototype. Its “all-in-one” system - which will be commercialized within 2 years - will be high-tech, user-friendly, economical and highly robust, making leading-edge radiology accessible even in remote areas and difficult environments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Pristem’s solution is the result of a collaboration started in 2012, involving prestigious research centers under the leadership of EPFL’s EssentialTech program.
"The Venture Kick program helped Pristem get started by providing initial financing that helped us develop the business strategy needed to convince future clients and investors", says Bertrand Klaiber, CEO and founder of Pristem. "The Kickers Camps were extremely helpful in preparing us to face potential investors. We learned how to deal with setbacks, accept knocks and bounce back until we found investors sharing our vision."
The fund-raising, supported by Glosya Sàrl, brought in CHF 14 million from two Swiss investors – including the lead investor that will contribute extensive experience in the medical service sector – and two African investors, one of which runs a major medical imaging group providing valuable insights into the final customer needs.