Target Information

In 2024, Dr. Valerie Vandeweerd (CEO) and Simeon Devos (CTO) established the start-up Monsana. With Valerie's background as a former gynecologist and her experience in clinical trials at Johnson & Johnson, she witnessed firsthand the difficulties in matching patients with appropriate studies. This challenge became particularly apparent when a family member required access to experimental treatment. "It was a pivotal moment when all the pain points converged: as a physician, from the pharmaceutical perspective, and as a patient’s family member, we experienced the complexity of matching patients to suitable clinical trials," she recalls.

Motivated by this negative experience, Valerie and Simeon decided to combine their expertise to develop an AI assistant aimed at enhancing patient recruitment for clinical trials. While Valerie possesses a strong medical background, Simeon brings significant expertise in data science. He stated, "To date, most screenings are still performed manually. However, there is a shortage of personnel for this task, which results in high costs for hospitals. With our AI assistant, we offer a solution that is both efficient and cost-effective."

Industry Overview in Belgium

Belgium boasts a robust healthcare sector that is characterized by its advanced pharmaceutical industry and reputable research institutions. This environment fosters innovation and contributes significantly to the development of clinical trials, making it a hub for therapeutic advancements in Europe. Despite being a leading nation in biomedical research, challenges persist in patient recruitment for clinical studies, which is often hindered by administrative burdens and inefficiencies in current processes.

As the demand for new therapies grows, the need for efficient patient recruitment methods becomes increasingly critical. AI-driven solutions in this sector can enhance the identification and matching of potential trial participants, thereby accelerating the research and development process. The current landscape highlights a significant gap that companies like Monsana aim to fill by leveraging technology to streamline recruitment efforts.

Furthermore, the integration of AI in healthcare in Belgium is on the rise, supported by favorable regulations and increased investment in health technology startups. As hospitals and pharmaceutical companies seek innovative ways to improve their operations, tools that can automate complex matching processes are poised to gain traction, leading to increased efficiency and better patient outcomes.

In light of this, companies that provide AI-based solutions are positioned to play a vital role in overcoming existing barriers. By adopting advanced technologies, the healthcare industry can effectively address patient recruitment challenges while ensuring that promising treatments are accessible to those who need them.

Rationale Behind the Deal

Monsana's recent funding of €500,000 from Seeder Fund, LRM, and private investors is a strategic move to further develop its software platform and enhance its direct collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations. The funding will enable Monsana to continue addressing crucial, yet often overlooked aspects of building trust in medical AI. The company's innovative approach not only improves operational efficiencies but also significantly benefits patients by providing easier access to clinical trials, which aligns with the current healthcare demand for better recruitment practices.

This investment underscores the confidence in Monsana’s potential to transform patient recruitment processes through their AI-driven platform, ultimately aimed at making clinical trials more accessible across Europe.

Investor Information

The investment was made by Seeder Fund, alongside LRM and other private investors, who recognized the transformative potential of Monsana’s technology in the healthcare sector. Isabelle Tennstedt, managing partner at Seeder Fund, emphasized the founders' ambition to radically improve healthcare and their profound scientific and technical expertise as decisive factors in their support for the company. Dries Bauters, investment manager at LRM, praised Monsana for significantly enhancing the efficiency of clinical studies, benefiting not only patients but also healthcare facilities and pharmaceutical firms.

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From an investment perspective, Monsana showcases a compelling opportunity given its innovative application of AI in clinical trial recruitment. The founders’ extensive experience in both medicine and data science provides a strong foundation for the development of their technology. The validation from successful pilot projects in Belgian hospitals demonstrates the platform's capability to increase recruitment efficiency while also improving patient access to clinical studies.

Furthermore, the current healthcare landscape in Belgium, combined with the growing acceptance of AI-driven solutions, positions Monsana favorably for expansion into neighboring countries. As pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek efficient patient recruitment methods, Monsana's tool is not only timely but also essential.

The investment from reputable funds like Seeder Fund and LRM indicates a robust belief in Monsana’s long-term success. Should the company maintain its focus on innovation and operational excellence, it could emerge as a leader in its field, paving the way for significant returns on investment while positively impacting patient care.

In conclusion, the prospects for Monsana are bright, and the ongoing development of their AI platform could lead to substantial advancements in how clinical trials are conducted, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved in the healthcare ecosystem.

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