Retinal imaging specialist EarlySight raises CHF 3.1 million to accelerate global growth

Geneva-based EarlySight has raised an additional CHF 3.1 million, bringing its seed financing round to CHF 6.1 million, to launch its next-generation product and advance U.S. approval.

EPFL spin-off EarlySight has announced an extension of its seed financing round with an additional CHF 3.1 million, raising the total to CHF 6.1 million. The funding, which remains open for further top-ups until October, will enable the company to launch its second-generation product, progress toward U.S. regulatory approval, and strengthen commercial collaborations.

Founded in 2019, EarlySight develops ophthalmic imaging technology capable of visualizing structures at the cellular level. Its Cellularis Discovery platform offers ten times the precision of conventional tools, combined with AI-driven biomarker analysis software, to enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of retinal diseases. EarlySight is already trusted by institutions such as LMU Munich, the Swiss Visio Network, and Lucerne Cantonal Hospital, with a validated dataset of over 18,000 retinal images collected from 1,000 patients.

Expanding clinical and commercial impact

The company addresses a global ophthalmology market valued at USD 6 billion, driven by aging demographics and demand for precision diagnostics. EarlySight reports a seven-digit order book with leading hospitals and is engaged in strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. Its technology enables disease detection up to 18 months earlier, a critical advantage in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, where timely intervention can prevent irreversible vision loss.

New investors and board members

The round was supported by existing backers Verve Ventures, Nina Capital, NovaCapital, and CADFEM International AG, with Zurich Cantonal Bank (ZKB) joining the syndicate as a new investor. EarlySight also receives support from the Fondation Genevoise pour l’Innovation Technologique (FONGIT).

Governance has been strengthened with the election of Peter Aggersbjerg as Vice-Chairman and Andy Weymann as Independent Director, both bringing decades of experience in MedTech leadership, clinical strategy, and regulatory affairs.

“This funding round is a stepping stone for EarlySight to become the new standard in retinal imaging,” said CEO Timothé Laforest. “We are more convinced than ever that our technology will improve the lives of millions affected by vision loss.”