TL;DR: FineHeart Raises €83M for Advanced Heart Failure Innovation
French MedTech startup FineHeart secured €83 million in a blend of Series C investments (€35M) and EU grants (€48M), driving advancements in severe heart failure treatment. Their flagship innovation, the FlowMaker®, is the first fully implantable cardiac output booster designed for minimally invasive procedures while maintaining natural heart function.
• Enables synchronized support with natural heart contractions.
• Operates without external power sources, improving patient quality of life.
• Supported by Europe’s IPCEI Tech4Cure program to scale active implantable medical devices (AIMDs).
FineHeart showcases an impactful funding strategy with lessons to leverage intellectual property and public-private partnerships. For insights on maximizing startup funding in Europe, explore the complete funding playbook.
Check out other fresh news that you might like:
AI News: 5 Lessons and Tips for Startup Success in Personalized Search Engines by 2026
Startup News: Key Lessons and Examples from Europe’s Hardware Renaissance at CES 2026
Startup News: How to Update HubSpot Records with Zapier MCP – Benefits, Mistakes, and Guide for 2026
French MedTech FineHeart Secures €83 Million to Revolutionize Advanced Heart Failure Treatment
FineHeart, a French clinical-stage MedTech startup headquartered in Bordeaux and Tours, has successfully raised a record €83 million through a combination of private capital and European Union grants. As an entrepreneur deeply entrenched in the startup ecosystem, I can’t help but reflect on the significance of this funding. This financing not only pushes the boundaries of cardiovascular innovation but also solidifies Europe’s role in fostering transformative health technologies. Here’s a breakdown of what it means for the startup world and the MedTech sector.
What Is FineHeart and Why Does It Matter?
FineHeart was founded in 2010 by Arnaud Mascarell, along with renowned cardiac surgeons and electro-physiologists. The company specializes in advanced solutions for heart failure, a condition impacting hundreds of thousands of people every year. Among their groundbreaking innovations is the FlowMaker®, the world’s first fully implantable cardiac output accelerator. Designed to synchronize with natural heart contractions, the device offers a minimally invasive solution for patients suffering from severe heart conditions. With over 160 international patents across 27 families, FineHeart has laid a foundation that is as intellectual property-rich as it is patient-focused.
As someone involved in governance and funding initiatives, what stands out is that FineHeart isn’t just solving a healthcare problem, they’re doing it in a way that redefines the European MedTech landscape.
How Was the €83 Million Raised?
The financing included two crucial components:
- €35 million raised from a Series C funding round spearheaded by private investors like Groupe Pasteur Mutualité and Groupe Etchart, among others.
- €48 million in non-dilutive grants provided by the European Union under the IPCEI Tech4Cure program. These grants are part of the EU’s strategic initiative to promote innovations in Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMDs).
This multi-channel funding approach combines the agility of private capital with the stability and scalability offered by public grants. More startups should take a leaf out of FineHeart’s book and explore similar blended funding models.
What Sets FlowMaker® Apart in Advanced Heart Failure Treatment?
FlowMaker® isn’t simply an incremental improvement, it’s a revolutionary hybrid between a pacemaker and a cardiac assist device. Let’s unpack its standout features:
- Fully implantable: Unlike existing solutions, FlowMaker® operates entirely inside the heart, eliminating the need for external power sources or bulky hardware.
- Synchronized Functionality: The device seamlessly aligns with natural heart contractions for optimal support.
- Preserves physiological blood flow: By avoiding an aortic bypass, the natural mechanics of the heart remain intact.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Implanting the device takes approximately 90 minutes and leverages a beating-heart technique familiar to most cardiac surgeons.
- Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) System: Power is wirelessly transmitted, reducing infection risk and improving patient quality of life.
These features not only address the technical challenges of long-term implants but also meaningfully improve patients’ daily lives. It’s a prime example of MedTech engineering meeting patient-centric design, something we, as innovators and entrepreneurs, should all aim for.
Why the IPCEI Tech4Cure Program Is a Game Changer
The €48 million grant from IPCEI Tech4Cure isn’t just money; it represents a strategic alignment between FineHeart’s vision and Europe’s ambition to lead in healthcare innovation. The Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) supports groundbreaking technologies with the potential for industrial-scale impact and cross-border collaboration. FineHeart’s designation as the lead partner underlines its leadership in pioneering Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMDs).
Countries like France, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Italy are part of this initiative, pushing MedTech innovation beyond national borders. It’s a model I would love to see replicated in other industries like AI or sustainable energy systems.
Lessons for Startups: How You Can Secure Strategic Funding
FineHeart’s funding success isn’t accidental, it’s strategic. Here’s what founders should take away:
- Leverage intellectual property: Like FineHeart’s 160+ patents, building a strong IP portfolio can provide defensibility and attract high-value investors.
- Think European: Collaborate with EU funding programs like Horizon Europe or IPCEI. These offer significant funding without the equity dilution of traditional VC rounds.
- Blend funding sources: Combining private capital with public grants reduces operational risk while increasing scalability.
- Engage industry leaders: Build your advisory board or mentor network with experts who can provide credibility and open doors.
- Unite around purpose: Investors today are drawn to vision-driven startups tackling big challenges like health and sustainability.
Conclusion: What It Means for Entrepreneurs
FineHeart’s achievement goes beyond a headline, it signals a shift in where innovation and capital intersect, especially in MedTech. As a founder, aim to align your mission with strategic funding opportunities like IPCEI. And take inspiration from FineHeart’s relentless focus on solving real problems with technical rigor and patient empathy.
For more insights on structuring your funding strategy, check out resources on EU-Startups or explore success stories like FineHeart’s official website.
Stay informed, stay strategic. And let FineHeart be your reminder that extraordinary success comes at the intersection of vision, innovation, and resourcefulness.
FAQ on FineHeart’s €83 Million Fundraising and Heart Failure Innovations
What technology is FineHeart using to fight advanced heart failure?
FineHeart has developed FlowMaker®, the world’s first fully implantable cardiac output accelerator. This device is synchronized with natural heart contractions, avoids invasive aortic bypass procedures, and uses transcutaneous energy transfer for wireless power supply. FlowMaker® focuses on delivering physiological cardiac support for patients with severe heart conditions while minimizing surgical risks. Learn more about FineHeart's innovative solutions on Europe’s Top MedTech Startups
How did FineHeart raise €83 million in funding?
The €83 million was raised through a strategic blend of private Series C capital and non-dilutive EU public grants. The €35 million private funding round was led by Groupe Pasteur Mutualité and Groupe Etchart, while €48 million came from the IPCEI Tech4Cure European initiative supporting groundbreaking medical devices. Read Startup Lessons on European Funding Models
What makes FlowMaker® a revolutionary device?
FlowMaker® combines the features of a pacemaker and a cardiac assist device. It's fully implantable, operates in sync with the natural heart rhythms, eliminates external power requirements, and uses minimally invasive techniques for implantation. By focusing on preserving natural blood flow, it dramatically reduces complications for heart failure patients. Learn more about Essential Health Innovation Trends
Why is European Union funding important for FineHeart’s growth?
FineHeart’s participation in the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) Tech4Cure initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to medical innovation. The grant facilitates industrial-scale production and clinical research, emphasizing Europe’s strategic healthcare ambitions. Explore Europe’s Female Founder Ecosystems to understand regional opportunities.
How can startups replicate FineHeart’s funding model?
FineHeart’s strategy offers key lessons: focus on intellectual property (holding 160+ patents), blend private capital with public grants, and align with EU funding programs like IPCEI. Startups should also prioritize solving significant challenges, as vision-driven innovation attracts investors. Read Key Funding Lessons for Startups
Who are FineHeart’s key partners and supporters?
FineHeart has attracted backing from Groupe Pasteur Mutualité, Groupe Etchart, FH Founders, and regional supporters like Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Centre-Val de Loire. The European Innovation Council (EIC) through its EIB fund played a significant role in funding growth efforts as well. Get insights on building strong funding connections
Why does FlowMaker® stand out in the MedTech industry?
FlowMaker® addresses gaps in advanced heart failure treatment by integrating synchronized cardiac support, minimizing infection risks through wireless energy systems, and using familiar yet innovative surgical techniques. Its design is both patient-centric and technologically advanced. Check out MedTech Innovations in 2025
How can FineHeart’s success inspire other startups?
FineHeart demonstrates the importance of combining a strong intellectual property portfolio, private and public partnership, and patient-first innovation. Their relentless focus on creating actionable solutions for real medical challenges sets an ideal framework for other entrepreneurs. See Female Founder Mindset Lessons
What challenges does FlowMaker® seek to overcome in heart treatment?
FlowMaker® aims to improve outcomes for patients suffering from advanced heart failure cases where conventional treatments like LVADs fall short. Its minimally invasive implantation process and efficient power design reduce risks and improve recovery rates significantly. Learn what other breakthroughs are changing healthcare in HealthTech Spotlight
What lessons can healthcare entrepreneurs learn from FineHeart?
Healthcare innovators can draw inspiration from FineHeart’s strategic approach to funding, innovation, and regional collaboration. Building a market-defining product, leveraging IP, and securing non-dilutive grants are critical components of their success. Explore scaling strategies for startups
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.