Bearmind raises CHF 1.3 million in seed round

The EPFL spinoff announced today that it closed a seed round. The Venture Kick winner and Venture Leader alum is developing built-in helmet sensors and software for the prevention of brain injury and performance monitoring in contact sports.

Bearmind developed a head-impact monitoring system and risk-assessment method that helps sports teams and their staff proactively manage the risk of brain injuries. Aside from helping to decrease the risk of injuries, the technology can also help decrease insurance costs while optimizing the players' performance. In pursuit of clinical validation, the technology is being tested in collaboration with the Swiss National Hockey League.

The startup announced today that it secured CHF 1.3 million in a seed round that was led by H.Hentsch Asset Management and included participation from AVANTECA Partners AG, NP Consulting, Swisspreneur, and several business angels.

"We are thrilled to have such a strong group of investors who support our mission to protect athletes from the lifelong trauma of brain injuries," the startup said in its announcement.

The startup was co-founded by Mathieu Falbriard (CEO), Tom Bertrand (COO), and Benoît Mariani (Member of the Board) in 2021. It will be continuing its scientific and clinical research efforts along with the EPFL, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and will continue its product development with professional hockey teams.

Bearmind has received support from EPFL Startup, Wyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering, FIT - Fondation pour l'Innovation Technologique, Innosuisse, Etat de Vaud, and ThinkSport.

In 2021, the startup was awarded CHF 10,000 by Venture Kick to develop its technology. In 2022, the startup participated in the Venture Leaders Medtech program, joining the Swiss National Startup Team's investor roadshow in Boston. 

"The Venture Leaders Medtech program is an excellent opportunity to meet and build relationships with startups from the Swiss ecosystem, test your pitch with US investors, and create new opportunities for your company," the founders said of the program.

Last year, Bearmind was also the winner of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Public Voting in the medtech vertical.


Bearmind CEO and co-founder Mathieu Falbriard ahead of the Venture Leaders Medtech roadshow in 2022