Skleo Health secures 3 million euros seed
The health tech start-up Skleo Health has successfully completed a seed financing round of 3 million euros. The aim is to scale a low-threshold, AI-supported screening system for eye diseases across Germany. The round was led by Sanoptis, one of the largest providers of ophthalmologic care services in Europe, together with Antler and various angel investors.
Prevention instead of reaction
Skleo Health brings certified eye screenings into everyday life. Locations are to be pharmacies, opticians, companies or retail stores, thereby significantly supporting early detection. A screening takes six minutes and is based on a two-stage process:
- Analysis by a CE-certified AI,
- medical validation by a specialist.
The result is earlier detection, better treatment and less strain on the healthcare system. The startup could make a difference, particularly with regard to common and often preventable diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or AMD.
We are replacing late diagnosis with early prevention - for millions of people.
Dr. Steffen E. Künzel, co-founder and ophthalmologist
Scaling with partners, platform with impact
Since its foundation in March 2024, Skleo Health has already
- Covered 50 cities
- Screened 11,000 people
- 3,000 relevant findings detected
Skleo works with Mister Spex, large pharmacy chains and well-known employers The rollout with one of Germany's largest retailers will follow shortly. The goal: 30,000 screenings per month.
At the same time, an open platform is being created that connects patients with ophthalmologists - a direct added value for the overburdened healthcare system. The partnership with Sanoptis ensures high-quality further treatment via an established medical network.
Medicine, technology & entrepreneurship
Skleo Health was founded as part of an Antler Founder Residency Program in Berlin. The founding team combines medical excellence with entrepreneurial experience:
- Dr. Steffen E. Künzel - ophthalmologist & scientist (including Charité Berlin)
- Fabien Vogl - engineer & healthcare strategist (Air Liquide, MBA)
- Dr. Alex Hein - Mathematician, Economist & Ex-BCG Consultant
Skleo Health is one of the most precise and pragmatic health tech start-ups we have ever supported.
Alan Poensgen, Partner at Antler
Skleo Health certainly has an honorable and good approach, but the very necessity of its offering says a lot about the state of the German healthcare system. Anyone who has tried to get an appointment with a specialist recently, and with statutory health insurance, knows what I'm talking about.
And even if we wish the start-up all the best and every success, there is still a desire for a much broader range of specialists.
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