Participated · Convertible Note · Jan 2023

Comphya develops CaverSTIM, an implantable neurostimulation system composed of a rechargeable implantable pulse generator and an electrode array to stimulate cavernous nerves and restore erectile function. The system is operated by clinician and patient controllers to tailor therapy and allow patient activation. Comphya is a 2017 spin-off from EPFL and is clinical-stage, with first-in-human data from Australia showing strong safety and efficacy signals and no reported infections or adverse events. The company reports a U.S. pilot study underway at Johns Hopkins following FDA IDE approval, and plans a pivotal U.S. clinical trial in 2026. Comphya aims to expand its Australian trial by recruiting additional patients and to fund the pivotal trial via a forthcoming Series B. Recent leadership updates include the appointment of Pim van Wesel as CEO in May 2025 to guide clinical growth and strategic execution. Comphya develops CaverSTIM, an implantable neurostimulation system composed of an implantable pulse generator and electrode arrays to activate nerves responsible for penile erection. The IPG is implanted subcutaneously in the lower abdomen and is remotely operated by clinician and patient controllers to tailor therapy and allow on‑demand activation. The company plans to use the newly raised funds to secure the start of pilot clinical trials in Q1 2023, which will assess safety and preliminary efficacy. Comphya is led by CEO Rodrigo Fraga‑Silva. The device targets patients who are non‑responsive to oral drugs and aims to restore erectile function via targeted neurostimulation. The company is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Comphya develops CaverSTIM, an implantable neuroprosthetic device that stimulates the cavernosal nerve via external wireless controllers to restore natural penile erection for patients non-responsive to oral drugs. The technology targets spinal cord injury and post-prostatectomy patients who currently rely on intrapenile injections or penile implants. The company positions its solution as a physiological, less painful, and superior alternative to existing therapies. Comphya has participated in Venture Kick and Venture Leaders programs and was listed among the TOP100 Swiss startups. The recent bridge financing will fund the execution of pilot clinical trials planned to start in Q2 2021. Those pilot trials are intended to assess safety and preliminary efficacy and provide key clinical proof to advance the go-to-market process. Comphya is an EPFL spin-off developing a novel implantable neurostimulator intended to treat erectile dysfunction in patients who do not respond to oral drugs. The company’s core product is an implantable neurostimulator designed to offer a unique and superior treatment for an underserved market. Comphya announced a $3 million seed fundraising to complete product development and to fund a pilot clinical trial. The startup expects first clinical results in 2020. The seed round was led by investiere and joined by Zürcher Kantonalbank, the NEST pension fund and private investors. The company also appointed Steve Swinson as Chairman of the Board; he has held senior executive positions at GE and Medtronic.

Participated · Seed · Jan 2023

StarStream is a reusable device that mounts on a toilet and directly analyzes urine samples, linking AI‑driven digital health analysis to a mobile app that notifies clinicians when issues are detected. The platform is described by CEO Alex Arevalos as "the world's first FDA‑registered service" and was developed as Starling Medical's second urinalysis product after an earlier catheter device. Starling completed a clinical trial with Stanford University to validate its prediction models and has been working on the technology for the past year. The company plans to expand detection to dozens of additional health disorders detectable in urine, including preeclampsia, diabetes‑related renal disease, and other conditions to reduce hospitalizations. Financially, Starling closed an initial $3.4M investment round and plans to use proceeds to hire engineers, build the device and software, and support hospital reimbursement workflows. The Houston‑based team has 10 employees and will roll the device out first with a Texas private clinic serving 200,000 urological patients. Starling Medical is developing an at-home urine diagnostic remote patient monitoring (RPM) platform that integrates into a user's bathroom routine. The system uses mass spectrometry–based sensors to monitor changes in a patient's urine over time. The company says its RPM service aims to lower hospitalization rates for chronic conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections and diabetes. Starling emphasizes noninvasive, routine monitoring to inform care and early intervention. The announcement highlights backing from Y Combinator (YC W22) and thanks multiple institutional supporters and investors. The post focused on product and supporters rather than providing financial or operating metrics.