Heart Failure Innovation: Brightflow SAS Lands €16.5M in Funding

Brightflow SAS, a trailblazer in the development of long-term percutaneous mechanical circulatory support for end-stage heart failure, has secured €16.5 million in a Series A equity funding round. This significant investment will advance Brightflow’s mission to create the first fully percutaneous right ventricular (RV) mechanical circulatory support device aimed at treating patients with severe RV dysfunction.

RV dysfunction affects approximately three million patients across Europe and the United States, often presenting in conjunction with left ventricular dysfunction. This condition severely impacts patient outcomes, with median survival rates dropping to just two to three years. Traditional mechanical surgical support for RV dysfunction has been limited due to high peri-operative mortality rates, ranging from 30 to 50%. Brightflow’s innovative approach focuses on minimizing risks associated with traditional procedures through its less invasive technology.

Sophie Humbert, CEO of Brightflow, emphasized the significance of this funding in demonstrating the company's technological prowess and commitment to developing a safer, more effective solution for patients with severe RV dysfunction. She stated, "This financing is testament to the strength of our technology and to our promise to create the first long-term blood pump that can be delivered safely and effectively without open-heart surgery."

The Series A round was led by new investors including  VIVES Partners (Belgium), Majycc Innovation Santé - UI Investissement (France), BNP Paribas Development (France), and a group of international business angels. Existing investors GO Capital and Karista also participated in the round, reflecting ongoing confidence in Brightflow's potential.

Philippe Durieux, Managing Partner at VIVES Partners, praised Brightflow’s team and its approach, stating, “Brightflow has a world-class founding medical team led by highly qualified executive and technical colleagues. The company has all the assets required to transform Brightflow’s innovative approach into an effective product addressing a highly unmet medical need.”

David Moreau, Investment Director at BNP Paribas Development, shared his enthusiasm for Brightflow's future, stating, “As long-term investors, we are honored to be part of the syndicate poised to support Brightflow in reaching its milestone of first in-human implantations. We are confident that the highly skilled team, led by experienced medtech leaders Sophie Humbert (CEO) and Lars Bredenbreuker (CTO), will successfully transition the innovative percutaneous approach, originally developed by Professor Pascal Lim, into a market-ready commercial product.”

The proceeds from this funding round will be strategically allocated to drive Brightflow’s key initiatives through early 2026. The primary focus will be on advancing the development of their groundbreaking percutaneous right ventricular (RV) support device, alongside initiating compassionate implantations to begin real-world trials. This infusion of capital is anticipated to be crucial in transitioning Brightflow’s technology from development to market readiness.

The successful commercialization of Brightflow’s innovative device could lead to a major transformation in the treatment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, a condition that often presents significant challenges. By providing a less invasive option compared to traditional surgical methods, Brightflow’s device offers the potential to dramatically improve patient outcomes. This breakthrough could not only enhance survival rates but also offer a new, hope-filled avenue for those struggling with this severe form of heart failure. The shift towards a minimally invasive approach could redefine the standard of care, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems.