Bordeaux-based medtech startup DESKi, specializing in AI-powered diagnostic tools, has secured $6 million in seed funding to support its expansion into the US and global markets.
- Founded in 2023 by Bertrand and Olivier Moal, DESKi develops AI-based diagnostic tools for cardiac imaging aimed at addressing challenges in cardiovascular disease diagnosis within resource-limited healthcare settings.
- Its main product, HeartFocus, is an AI-guided cardiac imaging software that enables healthcare professionals with limited training to perform diagnostic-quality ultrasounds.
- The system offers real-time guidance to ensure accurate image capture across various ultrasound devices, including handheld, portable, and cart-based equipment.
- HeartFocus supports a range of users, from nurses to primary care physicians, who conduct exams that specialists review remotely. This model reduces reliance on specialized echocardiographers and expands access to early detection in diverse environments such as rural clinics and home care.
- The software incorporates an FDA-approved Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP) to facilitate continuous updates. It also integrates with electronic medical records using standard protocols like DICOM to maintain secure data transfer.
Details of the deal
- The seed round was led by Racine², an impact-focused fund managed by Serena and Makesense, with participation from BNP Paribas Développement, Épopée Gestion, Good Only Ventures, Better Angle, and NACO, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional fund advised by M Capital.
“With Heartfocus, DESKi is tackling one of the most urgent challenges in healthcare: how to make life-saving diagnostics available far beyond the walls of a hospita. We are proud to lead this round and support the company’s evolution from clinical validation to real-world impact," claims Léa Zaslavsky, Partner at Racine².
- DESKi will use the $6 million to launch HeartFocus in the US and globally, enhance the AI software through FDA-approved updates, conduct further clinical validation, expand the team, and strengthen healthcare partnerships to broaden access to AI-driven cardiac diagnostics.
“This funding moves us one step closer to a world where early heart disease detection is possible at any point of care. It allows us to continue improving HeartFocus and ensures that more providers can access the tools they need to deliver life-saving diagnoses," CEO and co-founder of DESKi, Dr. Bertrand Moal, commented.
