Paris-based Robeauté, a medtech startup focused on neurosurgical microrobots, has raised $28M (approximately €27.28M) in funding led by Plural, Cherry Ventures, and Kindred Ventures.
Additional investors include LocalGlobe, Think.Health, and APEX Ventures, with strategic investment from Brainlab.
Ian Hogarth, partner at Plural, says, “Robeauté’s technology doesn’t just have the potential to transform neurosurgery — it could also fundamentally change how drug companies find the best solutions for patients. Gathering patient brain data will teach us more about diseases that are often incurable, enabling more personalised treatment.”
“I strongly believe that Robeauté’s miniature robots could transform brain treatments in the same way the endoscope has transformed gastrointestinal medicine, for a part of our body that is so vital to our quality of life.”
Therapeutic microrobots
Neurological disorders are challenging to diagnose early, hindering effective intervention. Current neurosurgical techniques rely on rigid tools that limit access and targeting, while pharmaceutical treatments struggle with the blood-brain barrier.
Robeauté’s microrobots, about the size of a grain of rice, offer a potential solution. These small, modular devices can navigate curved routes through the brain, enabling precise targeting, delivering molecules, implanting electrodes, and collecting data to improve the treatment and understanding of neurological conditions.
Founder Bertrand Duplat, with 30 years of experience in robotics, including roles at McGill University and the European Space Agency, founded the 3D software company Virtools (sold to Dassault Systèmes). He later co-founded Robeauté with operations specialist Joana Cartocci after his mother was diagnosed with glioblastoma.
Over the past eight years, the team has developed over 50 patents and unique expertise, creating a microrobot with a tiny engine, propeller, and tracking device for precise brain movement monitoring.
The technology is currently being tested in animal studies as a biopsy tool. It is planned for future use in treatment and real-time monitoring through partnerships with industrial and research labs.
Capital utilisation
The strategic investment from Brainlab supports Robeauté’s focus on neurology and neurosurgery. The funds will assist the company’s entry into the US market, where it will seek FDA approval before working with European regulatory authorities.
The proceeds will also support technology development, human trials starting in 2026, and the setup of US operations in preparation for FDA approval and market launch.
Bertrand Duplat, co-founder and CEO of Robeauté, says, “There is unexplored potential for microrobots in medicine. Current neurosurgery techniques are invasive and can be fatal, whilst it is difficult for treatment to pass the blood-brain barrier and get to its intended target.”
“We’re creating microrobots that will bring unparalleled access to the brain with personalised, precision medicine that can transform treatments and patient outcomes. Over the past eight years, we’ve built a world-class team of experts, filed over 50 patents and commenced animal trials.”
“This new funding from some of Europe’s leading investors will take us to the next level as part of our mission to empower neurosurgeons or neurospecialists with the tools to make a difference.”
Joana Cartocci, co-founder and COO of Robeauté adds, “We’re building the microrobots that will enable a radical paradigm shift in how we approach neurosurgery and dialogue with the brain. We like to think of our microrobot as a brain gardener, that can tend to the pathological organ from within, with a standard carrier that can be adapted to fit a variety of extensions.”
“Our first application is advanced biopsy but from there the potential is boundless, unlocked through providing safe access and unprecedented site-specific data. We’re proud of our European roots and everything we have achieved here so far.”
“We look forward to the next stage in our company’s growth as we expand to the US and work closely with the regulatory authorities to bring the device to patients”.
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