Aortyx, the Barcelona-based medtech company, has received 13.8M EUR funding to bring their bioresorbable aortic patch to first-in-human tests within two years.
The company has developed a solution to treat aortic dissection that is both minimally invasive and provides long-lasting results. Aortyx has engineered a steerable catheter that snakes through the aorta and deploys a bioresorbable patch that also serves as scaffolding to encourage new tissue regrowth. Currently, the technology has been tested with successful outcomes in animals and cadavers. The funding round’s goal is to reach first-in-human testing within two years.
The founding team is made up of three researchers from the IQS School of Engineering in Barcelona, Jordi Martorell, Noemí Balà, Salvador Borrós, and the Head of vascular surgery at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Vicenç Riambau. The product has generated keen interest, as demonstrated by the support from the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, investment from a key aortic device manufacturer, and academic publications in peer-reviewed journals.
“We are changing the paradigm of aortic dissection and other focal disease treatment, by leveraging our combined knowledge in fluid dynamics, biomechanics, vascular biology, and minimally invasive surgery.” – Jordi Martorell, CEO and co-founder of Aortyx
To continue developing the product, Aortyx has raised 13.8M EUR in funding from Ship2B Ventures, through its BSocial Impact Fund (supported by Banco Sabadell, the EIF, and AXIS), and Clave Capital, through Clave Innohealth (supported by CDTI-Innvierte). They are joined by Nara Capital, the EIC fund, CDTI Innvierte, angel investors, and one of the top five aortic device manufacturers in the world.
“We are backing Aortyx as it potentially represents a revolution in cardiovascular medicine. They are developing a solution that is not only disruptive and technically brilliant, but driven by a clear social purpose: to save lives where today there are barely any options. Led by an exceptional team and a bold vision, they have the potential to forever change how we treat aortic dissections.” – Jordi Ferrer, Investment Director at Ship2B Ventures
“We are extremely excited to join Aortyx. A company born from a vision that will change the paradigm of how aortic dissections are addressed. The technology is the result of years of research at IQS and Hospital Clínic, which have been able to transfer this technology and advance the development of the product for patients with the ultimate goal of saving lives.” – Sergio San Agustín, Investment Director at Clave Capital and Board Member at Aortyx
Aortyx was developed because the founders were looking to apply their biomechanical engineering skills to a problem that can yield the highest impact on improving medical care. They focused on aortic dissection, a condition whose treatments, such as open surgery or endovascular stents, are either invasive and dangerous or simply ineffective. Alternatives include reducing blood pressure, which is not a long-term solution, and simply delays the onset of symptom escalation. The treatment of choice for more than one quarter of those suffering from aortic dissection is doing nothing. Aortyx is already on the way to developing a comprehensive and effective long-term solution that respects the nature of the most important artery of the body.
About Aortyx
Aortyx – the ultimate solution for aortic diseases, is a pioneering medical technology company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of vascular diseases. Founded in 2018 by researchers from the IQS School of Engineering and the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Aortyx specializes in developing next-generation endovascular devices that promote tissue regeneration by mimicking the biomechanical environment of the aorta. Their innovative bioresorbable platform facilitates cell migration and proliferation, offering a groundbreaking approach to vascular repair. With a strong commitment to advancing healthcare, Aortyx aims to provide safer and more effective solutions for patients suffering from aortic conditions.
About Ship2B Ventures
Ship2B Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in startups with high social and environmental impact. Through investing in startups, the Barcelona-based venture capital firm aims to provide solutions to improve the quality of life of vulnerable groups and fight climate change. Currently, the Ship2B’s team has participated in more than 50 operations.
Ship2B Ventures manages BSocial Impact Fund, with 55 million euros and supported by the European Investment Fund, Banco Sabadell and AXIS (venture capital subsidiary of the ICO Group).
About Clave Capital
Clave Capital is an independent alternative asset management firm specializing in innovative projects and industrial SMEs. With offices in Madrid, Valencia, and Pamplona, the firm has extensive expertise in generating business value from scientific research outcomes. It has over 20 years of experience investing in, building, and supporting technology projects from their early stages. Currently, it manages more than €100 million directed toward technology transfer projects in areas such as health, nutrition, agrifood, and industrial technologies.
With this operation, the Clave Innohealth fund reaches its tenth investment since its launch in 2022. A €50 million financial vehicle aimed at promoting and supporting innovative projects in the field of technology transfer within the health sector (medtech, digital health, health-nutrition, and biotech), all of which demonstrate high growth potential.
