zeit Secures $2M Seed Funding for Stroke Detection Wearable
Zeit Medical Secures $2 Million Seed Funding for Stroke Early Detection System
Zeit Medical, the developer of an innovative early warning system for strokes occurring during sleep, has successfully completed a $2 million seed funding round. This investment follows the company’s recent completion of the Y Combinator Summer 2021 program.
The company’s technology centers around a brain-monitoring headband designed to potentially save lives. It aims to alert individuals to the possibility of a stroke several hours before conventional detection methods would identify it. The newly acquired funds will be instrumental in accelerating the path towards the device’s commercial launch.
How the Device Works
Zeit Medical’s device is a comfortable, soft headband incorporating a lightweight electroencephalogram (EEG). This headband functions in conjunction with a smartphone application to analyze brain activity patterns.
A sophisticated machine learning model, refined through the expertise of human specialists, is employed to identify indicators of an impending stroke. This proactive approach offers a significant advantage in timely intervention.
Positive User Engagement
Recent usage studies have demonstrated a high rate of adherence, with users wearing the headband 90% of the time. This included individuals utilizing CPAP machines.
Notably, feedback regarding the headband’s fit and comfort was overwhelmingly positive. Consistent use is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of stroke mitigation efforts, and a comfortable design is paramount to achieving this.
Expanding Applications and Research
“We are actively focused on finalizing the product and preparing for upcoming clinical trials,” stated Orestis Vardoulis, co-founder and CEO of Zeit Medical. “Simultaneously, we are exploring the potential of our AI technology within hospital settings.”
Vardoulis highlighted the applicability of the technology to intensive care unit patients requiring close monitoring for ischemia. The model developed by Zeit Medical could potentially provide early warnings for various conditions currently requiring expert diagnosis or dedicated monitoring systems.
The company is engaging with leading academic medical centers to assess the feasibility of utilizing their technology for monitoring patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage via EEG.
Strong Community Interest and Regulatory Pathway
The stroke survivor community has expressed considerable interest in the device, as evidenced by positive feedback received following previous coverage. Many individuals have indicated the potential benefit this technology could offer them.
While a device release is anticipated, Zeit Medical is currently focused on obtaining FDA clearance. The company has already received “Breakthrough designation,” which expedites the review process. However, widespread availability is still projected to be one to two years away.
Despite this timeframe, this represents a remarkably swift development cycle for a medical device, attracting significant investor confidence.
Investment Details
The $2 million seed round was jointly led by SeedtoB and Digilife. Additional investors included Y Combinator, Gaingels, Northsouth Ventures, Tamar Capital, Axial, Citta Capital, and angel investors Greg Badros, Theodore Rekatsinas, and others within the medical field.
Future Outlook
The funding will be allocated to expanding operations, strengthening the team, and supporting the necessary studies for FDA review and approval. Zeit Medical anticipates that, with favorable outcomes, their device could become a standard preventative measure for individuals at risk of stroke as early as 2023.
