Advancements in Foetal Surgery: KOVE Medical’s €1.7 Million Investment to Minimize Preterm Birth Risks

Zurich-based MedTech startup KOVE Medical secures €1.7 million to develop implantable medical device

KOVE Medical, a Zurich-based MedTech startup, has successfully closed a funding round of €1.7 million (CHF 1.6 million) to further develop an implantable medical device aimed at reducing the risk of preterm birth following foetal surgery. The fresh capital injection will support the company as it moves forward towards First-in-Human studies.

The funding round was supported by a syndicate of angel investors, showcasing confidence in KOVE Medical’s innovative approach to addressing health issues at the beginning of life.

CEO and co-founder Yannick Devaud expressed gratitude towards the team and investors, emphasizing the company’s commitment to tackling healthcare challenges from an early stage.

This investment comes at a time of continued growth and support for European medical device companies in 2026. Several notable rounds have been observed, including significant funding for companies such as FineHeart, Neurent Medical, Xeltis, SamanTree Medical, and MedVasc.

In Switzerland, Xsensio also secured funding to advance its wearable biochemical monitoring technology, providing a notable comparison to KOVE Medical within the same country.

The total disclosed MedTech financing for 2026 rounds up to approximately €194 million, indicating a strong interest and investment in the sector.

KOVE Medical highlighted the significance of the funding round, expressing appreciation for the support and trust from their syndicate of visionary angel investors.

Founded in 2020 by Yannick Devaud and Kurt Ruffieux, KOVE Medical originated from research conducted at the University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich.

The startup’s focus lies in addressing complications associated with fetoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat serious conditions affecting babies before birth. These conditions include spina bifida, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

One of the main challenges of fetoscopy is the risk of membrane rupture, leading to preterm birth. KOVE Medical is developing an implantable device designed to close the opening created during the procedure, stabilizing the membrane and potentially reducing the risk of preterm birth.

The device is intended to be compatible with existing entry ports used in fetoscopic procedures, allowing for quick and efficient placement without the need for additional punctures. The long-term goal is to provide surgeons with a solution to close the amniotic membrane post-procedure, ultimately expanding the use of foetal surgery.

The innovative approach taken by KOVE Medical aims to overcome limitations in current foetal surgery practices, offering a promising solution to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.