The Munich-based healthtech startup Deepeye Medical has developed an innovative diagnostic solution to prevent blindness. To further expand its AI-based software, the startup now has 2.5 million euros in fresh capital available. The funding comes from YZR Capital, Bayern Kapital and ARVE Capital as well as two smaller research and development grants.
In 2021, Manuel Opitz, an entrepreneur in health technology, and Ratko Petrovic, a software developer in several healthtech startups, founded Deepeye Medical together with a group of leading ophthalmologists. With its platform, the startup specializes in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the central area of the eye’s retina. The algorithm analyzes a retinal image based on three-dimensional eye tomography. Doctors should then receive an individually tailored treatment recommendation for each patient, thereby maximizing the success prospects of the therapy.
Since its founding, the AI platform has been in use with major preclinical partners such as Novartis, Bayer and Roche. It is also being used by other entrepreneurs and physicians to gain comprehensive new insights from existing therapy data. In 2024, the clinical product is expected to launch on the market. In June of this year, Deepeye Medical already secured the title at the national pitch competition Startup Champs.
“Prevent one million additional people from going blind”
Ratko Petrovic, co-founder of Deepeye Medical, says:
“We are currently developing our product so that in 2024 we can enable patient-focused therapy decision support with just one click. Our vision is to prevent one million additional people from going blind by 2030 by providing ophthalmologists with AI-based, optimally evaluated information that complements their clinical judgment.”
Monika Steger, CEO of Bayern Kapital, comments on the funding as follows:
“The investment in Deepeye Medical is an investment in the future of vision and in patients’ quality of life. Deepeye Medical shows great potential to become an irreplaceable part of successful retinal treatment with its AI. We look forward to working together and advancing eye health worldwide with this innovation.”
