DESKi Secures $6M Seed Funding to Launch AI-Driven Heart Scan Technology Globally

DESKi, a healthtech company based in Bordeaux, France, has secured a $6 million seed round to advance the global market launch of HeartFocus, its FDA-approved AI-powered cardiac imaging software. The funding round, led by Racine²—an impact-focused fund managed by Serena and Makesense—includes contributions from BNP Paribas Développement, Épopée Gestion, Good Only Ventures, Better Angle, and NACO, the regional fund of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These investors not only provide capital but also align with DESKi’s vision of democratizing access to early, AI-enabled cardiac care. HeartFocus received FDA clearance in 2023, along with a Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP). This plan expedites updates and expansions to the software, ensuring it stays cutting-edge and adaptable. Clinical trials have demonstrated that even first-time users, guided by HeartFocus AI, can capture diagnostic-quality heart scans. This capability addresses a critical issue in healthcare: the lack of trained specialists in echocardiography, which limits the accessibility of crucial heart disease diagnostics. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, and the shortage of trained professionals exacerbates the problem. HeartFocus aims to bridge this gap with its user-friendly AI guidance, enabling any healthcare provider to perform cardiac ultrasounds after minimal training. This makes early heart disease detection feasible in various settings, including primary care, rural clinics, and underserved areas. The software’s real-time feedback and intuitive interface significantly reduce the time and expertise required for accurate heart scans, potentially saving lives through timely interventions. Dr. Bertrand Moal, CEO and co-founder of DESKi, emphasized the significance of the funding: "This move brings us closer to a world where early heart disease detection is attainable at any point of care. It will allow us to enhance HeartFocus and ensure that more providers can access the life-saving tools needed for effective diagnoses." HeartFocus was created by Bertrand and his brother Olivier in 2023, leveraging their combined expertise in medicine and engineering. Bertrand holds a PhD in biomechanical engineering and is a Medical Doctor, while Olivier is a graduate of Berkeley and EPFL with a background in engineering. Their mission, encapsulated by the slogan "No heart can wait," aims to facilitate the timely detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially in overburdened healthcare systems. In 2024, HeartFocus received the prestigious France 2030 Award from the French Ministry of Health, further validating its potential impact. The company is also collaborating with multiple apps and SDK providers in the U.S. and Europe to integrate HeartFocus into existing healthcare platforms, expanding its reach and usability. Industry insiders have shown strong support for HeartFocus. Léa Zaslavsky, Partner at Racine², stated, "With HeartFocus, DESKi is addressing one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare: providing life-saving diagnostics beyond hospital walls. We are proud to lead this funding round and support the transition from clinical validation to real-world impact." Similarly, Sophie Pierrin Lepinard, Director of Partnerships at BNPParibas Développement, highlighted the cost-effective and rapid deployment of HeartFocus, noting that it "improves the patient journey and transforms how cardiovascular disease is detected and managed." Camille Le Roux Larsabal, VC Partner at Épopée Gestion, added, "Épopée is honored to support this milestone and contribute to the international expansion of a high-impact ultrasound solution." The collective endorsement from these investors underscores the potential of HeartFocus to revolutionize cardiac imaging and improve patient outcomes globally. HeartFocus represents the latest product from DESKi, a company dedicated to developing innovative AI products in collaboration with medical practitioners and researchers. DESKi’s commitment to using technology to address critical health issues reflects its broader mission of enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality. Serena and Racine2, key investors in the round, have a strong track record in supporting impactful startups. Serena, with over €1 billion under management, focuses on AI, SaaS, Climate Tech, Deep Tech, and Impact, having invested in numerous successful ventures like Dataiku and Malt. Racine2, a €85 million impact fund, backs companies that generate positive societal and environmental changes, focusing on areas such as physical activity, sustainable lifestyles, and health preservation. In summary, the $6 million seed round for DESKi's HeartFocus marks a significant step towards making advanced cardiac imaging accessible to a broader range of healthcare providers. By leveraging AI to guide users through complex procedures, HeartFocus addresses the shortage of trained specialists and improves early detection of heart diseases. The backing from leading health and impact investors not only secures the company’s financial future but also paves the way for a transformative impact on cardiovascular healthcare worldwide.