KOVE Medical secures €1.7M for foetal
Zurich-based KOVE Medical has raised €1.7 million from angel investors to develop an implantable device aimed at reducing preterm birth risk after foetal
Zurich-based MedTech startup KOVE Medical has secured €1.7 million in funding. The round, backed by a syndicate of angel investors, will advance development of an implantable device designed to reduce preterm birth risk following foetal surgery.
According to the company, this capital is a crucial step forward. It will support the startup's progression toward First-in-Human studies. CEO and co-founder Yannick Devaud stated, “Thanks for the team and our strong Angel investors team. Let’s go tackle health issues at the beginning of life!”
This 2026 financing occurs within a broader trend of European MedTech investment. EU-Startups reports several other significant rounds this year.
| Company | Country | Focus | Amount Raised |
|---|---|---|---|
| FineHeart | France | Implantable cardiac devices | €83 million |
| Neurent Medical | Ireland | Minimally invasive treatments | €62.5 million |
| Xeltis | Dutch-US | Vascular implants | €20.5 million |
| SamanTree Medical | Belgium | Surgical imaging | €20 million |
| Xsensio | Switzerland | Wearable biochemical monitoring | €6 million |
| MedVasc | Sweden | Catheter development | €2.2 million |
These disclosed rounds total approximately €194 million. KOVE's raise places it among these active European device developers.
The Problem in Foetal Surgery
KOVE Medical, founded in 2020 by Yannick Devaud and Kurt Ruffieux, addresses a key complication of fetoscopy. This minimally invasive surgery allows treatment of serious conditions before birth, such as spina bifida or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
The procedure requires instruments to pass through the uterine wall and amniotic sac. The resulting opening can weaken the foetal membrane. Amniotic fluid may leak. This can lead to premature membrane rupture and, consequently, preterm birth.
This risk represents a major limitation. It restricts the use of fetoscopy and hinders development of more complex prenatal interventions.
KOVE's Proposed Solution
The startup is developing an implantable device intended to seal the opening after surgery. The implant is placed from inside the amniotic cavity. It is designed to stabilise the membrane at the puncture site.
Company claims state the device is compatible with existing fetoscopy entry ports. Surgeons would not need an additional puncture for closure. KOVE also says device positioning takes less than five minutes.
The longer-term objective is to give surgeons a reliable closure method. This could reduce a risk that currently restricts broader use of foetal surgery.
Path Forward
The fresh capital will fuel the company's next development phase. The focus is on advancing toward First-in-Human clinical studies. KOVE Medical emerged from research with the University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich.
The company expressed gratitude for the investor support. In its announcement, KOVE said, “This is a crucial step forward for our company, and we are incredibly grateful for the strong support and trust from our syndicate of visionary angel investors.”
