Detechgene successfully closes second seed financing round

The Cologne-based life science start-up Detechgene has successfully completed its second seed financing round, raising a total of 3.2 million euros. With the fresh capital, the company is consistently pursuing its vision of making laboratory diagnostics available everywhere.

The round is led by early-stage investor neoteq ventures, which specializes in technology-driven start-ups. Other investors include NRW.BANK, Aquarius Invest, Meerkat Holding, Campus Capital and several strategic business angels. In addition to capital, they all contribute networks and industry expertise.

Making early diagnostics possible everywhere

At the heart of Detechgene is a portable, pocket-sized diagnostic device that can identify pathogens such as viruses, bacteria or fungi within 30 minutes. The technology thus combines the reliability of PCR tests with the simplicity of conventional rapid tests. The aim is to enable diagnoses without specialized laboratories and thus independent of location, from doctors' surgeries in rural regions to healthcare systems in countries with weak infrastructure.

We are very grateful for the trust placed in us by our investors. Together, we are shaping the future of diagnostics - faster, more decentralized and more user-friendly than ever before.

Dr. Reza Esmaillie, CEO and co-founder Detechgene

Broad support from investors

For lead investor neoteq ventures, the investment underlines the importance of technological depth. In addition to the technology, the implementation strength of the team was particularly convincing.

Detechgene addresses a global challenge with a solution that is fast, mobile and precise - without compromising the standards of laboratory diagnostics.

B.J. Park, Managing Partner

Aquarius Invest also sees the start-up on a promising path."Detechgene brings molecular diagnostics to where it is needed, quickly, precisely and mobile. The team has shown that it delivers both technological excellence and scaling expertise," says Managing Director Dr. Christoph Labisch.

NRW.BANK strengthens NRW as a life science location

NRW.BANK is also playing an important role, contributing over EUR 600,000. The development bank has been supporting the start-up since 2021 through programs such as NRW.SeedCon and NRW.SeedCap."Start-ups in the healthcare sector not only need scientific excellence, but also reliable financing," explains Johanna Antonie Tjaden-Schulte, Member of the Board of Managing Directors. The aim of the investment is to ensure that Detechgene's innovation finds its way out of the laboratory and into healthcare, thereby strengthening North Rhine-Westphalia as a life science location.

Relevance for the healthcare system

In view of the growing challenges facing healthcare systems worldwide, the need for flexible and decentralized diagnostic solutions is increasing. This is precisely where Detechgene comes in with its PCR to Go approach. Reliable results are delivered in real time, exactly where they are needed. The start-up not only aims to improve patient care, but also to reduce supply costs in the long term and interrupt chains of infection more effectively.