Disruption in the field of incontinence: MedTech startup inContAlert raises EUR 1.5 million

September 6, 2023

• High-Tech Gründerfonds, Bayern Kapital, Carma Fund, and renowned business angels from Germany and the UK are participating in the pre-seed financing round.
• The MedTech startup is developing a sensor to measure the bladder filling level for incontinence patients.
• The medical device is expected to be approved in early 2024.

Bayreuth, 06.09.2023: The MedTech startup inContAlert, headquartered in Bayreuth, has successfully closed its pre-seed financing round of EUR 1.5 million in total. The round is led by High-Tech Gründerfonds and Carma Fund, accompanied by Bayern Kapital and renowned business angels from the medical technology domain, such as Prof. Dr. Thomas Gottwald, former CEO of Fresenius Biotech and Ovesco AG, Dr. Jörg Stein, former executive at Siemens Healthineers, the British Nialls Foundation, the software entrepreneur Richard Reiber, and the MedTech expert Marcus Irsfeld.

In Germany alone, a staggering 2.2 million individuals could benefit from the groundbreaking technology of inContAlert. The startup develops a sensor-based solution to improve the quality of life of those dealing with incontinence. Positioned non-invasively two finger-widths above the pubic bone, the sensor continuously gathers data related to bladder activity. After data collection, this information is analyzed via advanced machine learning and deep learning algorithms. A key component of the solution is a dedicated mobile application, designed to act as the interface and companion for users. The application provides insights into optimal timings for bladder voiding and also delivers timely notifications when a predefined bladder filling level is reached.

inContAlert’s technology primarily serves patients dealing neurogenic bladder disorders, which include conditions like spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, bladder cancer, or Parkinson’s disease. Looking ahead, this technology could also help children struggling with bedwetting issues. Through its emphasis on on-demand emptying, the reliance on aids like diapers or catheters can potentially be minimized, lowering the risk of harm to the urinary tract as well as kidneys.

The allocated investment will be directed toward conducting studies, obtaining the CE mark as a medical device, and preparing for market entry.

In contrast to traditional methods of managing incontinence, our technology takes a proactive stance. inContAlert provides an alert preventively, allowing individuals to take action before it’s too late. This approach empowers individuals to regain control over their bladder functions. The encouraging feedback received from patients and medical experts drives ongoing efforts and underscores the demand for innovative solutions in modern and respectful urinary bladder management.

Dr. Jannik Lockl, CEO & Co-Founder of inContAlert

The technology underpinning inContAlert is truly fascinating. It reflects the immense commitment, passion, and “out-of-the-box” thinking that the team has dedicated to its creation. The team meets all pivotal prerequisites for establishing a successful enterprise. Their blend of scholarly ingenuity and entrepreneurial pragmatism is exceptional.

Prof. Dr. Thomas Gottwald, chairman of the advisory board

inContAlert directly confronts the taboo topic of incontinence. Their technology has the potential to provide daily support to a wide range of patients, helping to improve their quality of life by bringing it closer to what we take as granted. Patients and caregivers regain control over voiding management, contributing to a notable enhancement in the overall quality of care within the healthcare system.

Jakob Lilienweiss, Investment Analyst at High-Tech Gründerfonds

In addition to the positive impacts on the quality of care for incontinence patients, the economic effects achieved through efficient use of medical aids, allocation of personnel, and the prevention of follow-up diseases underscore the overarching value of inContAlert. We are confident that this technology will revolutionize the incontinence market.

Markus Mrachacz, Managing Partner at Bayern Kapital

The accomplished founders of inContAlert come with a rich blend of educational backgrounds, collectively encompassing a comprehensive range of crucial skills within the team. Their shared dedication is centered around the transformation of the incontinence market, fueled by a profound motivation and unwavering commitment. The inContAlert team distinguishes itself through remarkable ingenuity, a trait that has not only defined their previous accomplishments but also serves as a driving force for their prospective success.

Christian Leikert, Managing Partner at Carma Fund

About inContAlert GmbH
The inContAlert GmbH was founded in September 2022 within the ecosystem of the University of Bayreuth. The MedTech startup’s sensor system empowers patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction to manage their bladder on a needs-based basis. Following its initiation in 2017 by Dr. Jannik Lockl and Tristan Zürl, Nicolas Ruhland and Pascal Fechner joined as co-founders during the subsequent stages. The team achieved significant milestones, winning the Medical Valley Award in 2019 and securing the coveted “EXIST-Forschungstransfer” startup grant from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action in 2021. At present, the startup employs a workforce of 13 individuals across its locations in Bayreuth and Trautskirchen (Middle Franconia). inContAlert – Regain Control Again.

Media contact

inContAlert GmbH
Dr. Jannik Lockl, CEO
Phone: +49 176 70320421
Mail: jannik.lockl@incontalert.de

About Bayern Kapital GmbH
Bayern Kapital GmbH has been serving as Bavaria’s venture capital and growth investor for start-ups with innovative technologies since 1995. Leveraging an investment volume of approximately 700 million euros, Bayern Kapital finances innovative Bavarian entrepreneurs and technology companies from the seed stage to the expansion phase. The organization’s primary focus spans startups across all technology domains, including Life Science, Biotechnology, Medical Technology, Software & IT, Materials & New Materials, Nanotechnology, and Environmental Technology. Bayern Kapital has thus far supported over 300 Bavarian high-tech companies, contributing to the creation of over 8,000 sustainable jobs within the region. The active portfolio currently encompasses more than 80 companies. www.bayernkapital.de

About the Carma Fund
CARMA FUND is a venture capital fund initiated by Ascenion and Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Germany, specializing in supporting early-stage developments in the fields of Life Sciences and Healthcare. CARMA FUND I is tailored to the specific timetabel and requirements of emerging companies and projects within this domain. The company is based in Munich and Frankfurt am Main. The fund launched with a first closing in June 2022 and has since been managing €50 million. https://www.carma-fund.com/

About High-Tech Gründerfonds
The seed investor High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) finances technology startups with growth potential and has supported more than 700 startups since 2005. With the launch of its fourth fund, HTGF manages around 1.4 billion euros. The team of experienced investment managers and start-up experts supports the young companies with know-how, entrepreneurial spirit and passion. The focus lies in high-tech startups within the domains of digital tech, industrial tech, life sciences, chemicals and related fields. External investors have injected around 5 billion euros into the HTGF portfolio through over 2,000 follow-on financing rounds. Additionally, the fund has successfully divested its shares in over 170 companies.

Among the fund’s investors in the public-private partnership are the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, KfW Capital, and 45 companies from various industries. https://www.htgf.de/de/

Media contact
High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH
Tobias Jacob, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
Phone: +49 228–82300–121
Mail: t.jacob@htgf.de