Utrecht-based Vitestro has raised €20 million to bring its robotic blood collection device to market.
Founded in 2017, Vitestro aims to improve the blood collection experience for patients and address the healthcare workforce shortage, where demand for skilled laboratory professionals is growing at a higher rate than any other profession. .
The startup’s device uses infrared light to locate veins and ultrasound to create images of blood vessels. An AI-based robotic needle then uses this information to determine the correct puncture location with sub-millimeter accuracy.
Since 2023, Vitestro has been collaborating with hospitals and medical centers in the Netherlands to conduct the world’s largest clinical trial of an autonomous blood collection device.
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After completing the study, the company plans to receive official EU certification for its device later this year. Vitestro then plans to implement the system in several hospitals and laboratories that have already placed orders.
With the new funding, the company plans to accelerate commercialization in Europe, begin expansion in the United States, grow its team, and develop additional product features.
Existing and new investors supported the round, including Sonder Capita, NYBC Ventures, Invest-NL, and European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund).
“Our technology represents a major step forward in healthcare innovation,” Brian Joseph, commercial director and co-founder of Vitestro, said in a statement.
As medical needs constantly evolve, the use of robotics is playing a vital role in areas such as surgery and rehabilitation. Autonomous blood collection is still largely uncharted territory, but it is also an area with great potential.
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