HEKA - Where Tech meets Brain Science
Heka is the first tech fund dedicated to the Brain.
Unlocking solutions for neurological and psychiatric challenges
Neurological and psychiatric disorders impact nearly 40% of the global population, representing one of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare today. These conditions have profound impacts on individuals, families, and societies, highlighting an urgent need for effective solutions.
At HEKA, we bridge the gap between scientific discovery and technology by identifying and supporting startups at the forefront of BrainTech innovation. By focusing on solutions rooted in scientific rigor—such as digital therapies, neuroimaging advancements, and AI-powered tools—we aim to create real-world impacts, improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals affected by cognitive and psychiatric conditions.
Science at the core of Heka’s vision
Heka is the first European fund exclusively dedicated to BrainTech, with science at the heart of its approach. Through a unique partnership with the FondaMental Foundation, all startups in our portfolio undergo rigorous clinical evaluation to ensure the scientific reliability and relevance of their innovations.
This process not only validates the solutions but also ensures they address critical challenges in mental health and neuroscience. By grounding our work in evidence-based science, Heka bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact.
A strategic gateway to the U.S.
With a dual presence in Europe and the United States, Newfund Heka serves as a vital bridge for startups aiming to access the U.S. market. This Road to the USA strategy facilitates critical milestones such as FDA certification and successful commercialization in one of the world’s largest healthcare ecosystems. The U.S. plays a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of BrainTech innovations, and Heka’s global perspective ensures that our startups are equipped to thrive on both sides of the Atlantic.
Interested in investing in HEKA?
Building a Portfolio of BrainTech Pioneers
HEKA’s portfolio reflects its commitment to groundbreaking innovation. As of December 2024, it includes promising companies such as :
- Reev, enhancing mobility post-stroke with AI-driven orthotics;
- Soihtu DTx, creating immersive digital therapies for depression;
- Inside Therapeutics, pioneering RNA delivery systems to cross the blood-brain barrier;
- Nurea, enabling predictive 3D vascular modeling to prevent strokes.
- Raidium, advancing precision medicine in radiology with foundation models for enhanced diagnostics.
These ventures exemplify HEKA's focus on scalable, high-impact solutions that redefine diagnostics, therapy, and patient outcomes in BrainTech. Through active support, HEKA fosters these startups to become leaders in addressing global health challenges.
Engaging the BrainTech Community
The Heka team also organizes major events for the community, such as "Mental Health : startups at the heart of successes and advances" held at PariSanté Campus in December 2024, the BrainTech Alliance launch, scheduled in Palo Alto in February in collaboration with Nexus Neurotech or the Mind Mixer series. These events bring together founders, researchers, and partners to exchange insights, foster collaborations, and tackle key challenges in the sector.
In addition, we publish a monthly newsletter that keeps the ecosystem updated with the latest news, including regular updates on our portfolio companies and in-depth studies on sub-sectors we are actively exploring:
- Study: Brain and nutrition - the new challenges for innovation
- Study: Brain-Computer Interface - An Investor Perspective
- Study: Psychedelics - An Investor Perspective
- Study: The SleepTech Industry: an Investor Perspective
- Study: Skills enhancement startups: an investor point of view
- Study: Exploring Opportunities in the Nordic Countries
Interested in BrainTech content? Join the HEKA newsletter.
HEKA is an impact fund built on purpose to increase positive externalities in the Brain Capital area
and an ESG sustainable investing product classified as "Article 9" under the European SFDR regulations.
This comes with strong commitments
Sustainable Development Goal - SDG 3.4: Good Health and well-being
Over 80% of invested companies’s revenues will contribute to Good Health and well-being, as defined within United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:
“By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.”
The three main non-communicable diseases are dementia, stroke and depression.
Delivering social impact
✔ Thorough ESG assessment through a dedicated scoring tool.
✔ Principal Adverse Impacts and Do No Significant Harm principles
of the OECD and the UN
✔ Discussion with target companies around relevant KPIs and
post-closing ESG commitments.
✔ Collection of extra-financial data, KPIs monitoring, SFDR reporting.
✔ Responsible shareholder practices and support to our founders on
ESG & Impact areas.