Target Information

Eindhoven, February 27th, 2025 – hema.to, a Munich-based digital medtech company, has successfully secured €3.6 million in funding. This round was led by LUMO Labs and supported by Bayern Kapital, numerous US angel investors, and previous investors. Hema.to specializes in automating the analysis of complex blood data through AI-powered cytometry, significantly enhancing the efficiency of lab analyses by reducing the time taken from approximately 20 minutes to just 1 minute. This innovation aims to eliminate human subjectivity in detecting conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma, achieving a remarkable reduction of 90% in false negatives related to secondary pathologies.

Leveraging a comprehensive database of over 600,000 files from more than 20 leading centers, hema.to's AI models are CE-marked for clinical-grade performance. With a new end-to-end solution undergoing certification, the company is positioned to assist labs and hospitals across Europe in the diagnosis of blood cancers effectively.

Industry Overview in Europe

The digital health industry in Europe is experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in technology that enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. With increasing demands for efficient healthcare solutions, particularly in laboratory diagnostics, companies like hema.to are emerging to address significant gaps in the market. The healthcare landscape is witnessing surging sample volumes alongside personnel shortages, leading to a strain on clinical laboratories. Laboratories often face the challenge of processing high-dimensional blood data under time constraints.

This scenario has accentuated the need for innovative solutions that can streamline processes and improve diagnostic accuracy. The burden of workload fatigue among cytometry teams contributes to risks of missed or delayed diagnoses—a concern of critical importance where life-threatening conditions are involved. Therefore, the integration of AI technologies into diagnostic practices not only reinforces the capabilities of clinical laboratories but also enhances the overall quality of care for patients.

Moreover, the field of blood cancer diagnostics is rapidly evolving, with growing recognition of the importance of early and accurate diagnoses. As the market continues to expand, driven by an increasing prevalence of immune disorders across Europe, the potential for technological solutions like hema.to's AI platform becomes increasingly apparent. The demand for precision diagnostics is set to escalate, creating inviting opportunities for innovative companies within this sector.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The recent funding round aims to bolster hema.to's product-market fit, primarily within the blood cancer diagnostics segment. The resources will be allocated toward refining their already CE-certified solutions, obtaining additional European certifications, and facilitating clinical studies. Furthermore, the funding will support hema.to’s expansion into diagnosing a broader spectrum of immune disorders and scaling its commercial deployment across Europe.

Hema.to's approach reflects a commitment to addressing the urgent diagnostic needs in clinical laboratories, promising to alleviate the mounting pressure faced by healthcare professionals. As the company progresses to enhance its offerings, the investment serves as a transformative step toward revolutionizing blood diagnostics in Europe.

Investor Information

LUMO Labs, a reputable investor in emerging technologies in Digital Health and Medtech, leads this investment round with the goal of elevating healthcare quality amid growing demands on public healthcare systems. Founding Partner Sven Bakkes emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions that can relieve strain on healthcare professionals while enriching patient outcomes. The firm’s belief in hema.to's potential is underscored by the startup's ability to harness AI to expedite disease detection compared to human analysts, ultimately enabling clinicians to provide timely interventions for patients.

Additionally, Bayern Kapital, another key investor, has recognized the transformative potential of hema.to’s AI-supported analysis platform. Managing Director Monika Steger points out that early, accurate diagnostics can drastically improve patient prognosis, drawing attention to the multi-billion dollar global market opportunity for diagnostic innovations. The combination of support from these investors places hema.to in a significant position to drive its mission forward.

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From an expert perspective, the investment in hema.to represents a highly strategic opportunity within the digital health landscape, particularly in the realm of diagnostic technologies. The company’s proactive approach to transforming blood analysis aligns with the growing demand for efficient, reliable medical solutions in clinical settings. Given the alarming statistics surrounding the prevalence of immune diseases and the current healthcare strains, hema.to’s AI technology is not just timely but crucial.

Furthermore, hema.to’s ability to refine the diagnostic process through automation stands to significantly alleviate the burden on clinical staff, which is particularly vital in the context of labor shortages. With the potential to dramatically reduce the turnaround time for critical analyses, the platform could save countless lives through early intervention.

As hema.to continues to innovate and expand its applications, it will likely capitalize on the burgeoning market for digital health solutions across Europe and beyond. Such scalability and relevance within a booming industry make hema.to an attractive investment for stakeholders looking to make a positive impact while realizing substantial returns.

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