VivArt-X successfully completed a follow-on round of funding with the impact-focused Borski Fund. Previous investors Brabant Startup Fund, TU/e Participations B.V., BOM and a group of informal investors also participated in this round. VivArt-X won a Gerard & Anton Award last year. VivArt-X addresses an important medical question: improving reconstructive surgery for breast cancer.
Borski is known for her commitment to women entrepreneurs and addressing the gender funding gap. By participating in this funding round, Borski aims to provide equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs and reduce important issues such as the women’s health gap. “We are incredibly grateful for Borski’s support and for sharing the same vision,” said Dan Jing Wu, CEO of VivArt-X. “This investment allows us to accelerate our mission and improve women’s healthcare through innovation and technology.” The amount invested was not disclosed.
According to McKinsey research, closing the women’s health gap could add 1.7% to global GDP, representing an economic potential of $1 billion. Sie Ventures FemTech market research shows that only 4% of health research and innovation is focused on improving women’s health. By getting more women into decision-making positions in investments, Borski aims to reduce this gender gap across the board.
Breast Cancer
This investment encourages innovation and technological advances in women’s health care. One in seven women suffer from breast cancer and may require breast reconstruction as a result. These surgeries often lead to complications that further worsen their health. VivArt-X allows the cells needed for transplantation to regenerate and grow better, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for women.
Investing in women’s health companies also has proven positive returns on investment, according to Borski, with about $3 in economic growth for every dollar invested. According to the European Investment Bank, women-owned companies generate twice as much revenue per dollar invested than their male counterparts while receiving just 1% of VC funding in 2021.
Simone Brummelhuis of Borski talks about the triple impact of the Borski Fund: “Mobilizing capital from female investors, among other things, closing the funding gap for female founders, and addressing the women’s health gap. Our fund is unique in its unwavering commitment to supporting women on all fronts and creating new opportunities.”