1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a pivotal funding initiative within the European Innovation Council (EIC), aimed at supporting innovative companies, particularly in the DeepTech and startup sectors. This program is designed to support high-risk, high-potential SMEs and startups in Europe by providing them with both financial resources and strategic guidance.

The EIC Accelerator offers a dual funding mechanism: a grant component and an equity investment. The grant can reach up to €2.5 million, providing essential non-dilutive funding for projects at various stages of development. This grant is particularly beneficial for companies seeking to validate their technologies and cover initial development costs without sacrificing equity.

In addition to grants, the program also provides equity investments aimed at fostering company growth. Until 2024, the equity investment can amount to €15 million; since 2025, it has been capped at €10 million. This funding approach allows companies to scale their operations effectively while also attracting additional private sector investment, thereby enhancing their financial stability and growth potential.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European DeepTech ecosystem by bridging funding gaps often encountered by innovative startups. It aims to enhance the competitiveness of European businesses on a global scale, particularly in sectors characterized by high technological barriers and significant development costs. The program fosters innovation, promotes job creation, and supports the transition toward a sustainable economy by backing projects that have the potential to solve pressing societal challenges.

In addition to financial support, the EIC Accelerator provides mentorship, access to a network of investors, and opportunities for collaboration with other innovators. This comprehensive support system is crucial for startups looking to scale their technologies and secure further investment from private sectors.

AORTYX SL and the AORTYX Project

Company Overview: AORTYX SL is a Spanish medical technology company focused on developing advanced solutions for vascular repair. The company specializes in innovative technologies aimed at treating cardiovascular conditions, contributing significantly to the field of vascular medicine.

Project Overview: The AORTYX project, which received funding under the EIC Accelerator program, centers on the development of a revolutionary vascular repair patch specifically designed to treat aortic dissections. Aortic dissections are serious medical conditions that require immediate intervention, as they can lead to life-threatening complications.

Technology Background: The AORTYX patch leverages cutting-edge biomaterials that mimic the natural properties of vascular tissue. The technology is based on a unique combination of biocompatibility and mechanical strength, allowing the patch to integrate seamlessly with the body's vascular system. This innovative approach not only enhances the healing process but also reduces the risk of complications associated with traditional surgical methods.

The patch is designed to be minimally invasive, potentially offering a safer and more efficient alternative to existing surgical interventions. By utilizing the AORTYX patch, medical professionals can provide patients with a more effective treatment option that minimizes recovery time and improves overall outcomes.

The EIC Accelerator funding has enabled AORTYX SL to advance its research and development efforts, moving closer to clinical trials and eventual commercialization of the AORTYX patch. This project exemplifies the potential of the EIC Accelerator to support groundbreaking innovations that address critical healthcare challenges.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program stands as a vital resource for innovative companies like AORTYX SL, providing the financial backing and strategic support necessary to bring transformative technologies to market. The dual funding model, comprising both grants and equity investments, empowers startups to scale effectively while securing additional private sector funding. Through initiatives like the AORTYX project, the EIC Accelerator not only contributes to the advancement of the European DeepTech landscape but also plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare solutions for patients in need.

2 The Funding Rounds

AORTYX SL: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award (Spain, October 2021)

Financing Raised

Aortyx SL, a Spanish medtech startup focused on endovascular devices for aortic dissections, has secured several funding rounds since its inception. Key public sources indicate the company raised notable private capital and received grants prior to and following its EIC Accelerator success.

• In early 2020, Aortyx completed a €650,000 seed capital increase led by Genesis Ventures among a total of 71 investors.
• In April 2021 (shortly before the EIC Accelerator cut-off), Aortyx closed an additional €1.6 million financing round to initiate clinical trials.

Previously (2019), the company also received significant non-dilutive grant funding:

€550,000 from various European and national programs such as Horizon 2020 EU Program, EIT Health Headstart, CDTI Neotec program in Spain, Doctorat Industrial program of Generalitat de Catalunya, and an ENISA loan.

Funding Rounds: Timing & Amounts

Date	Round Type	Amount	Lead Investor	Purpose
Early 2020	Seed/Angel	€650,000	Genesis Ventures	Preclinical development
April 2021	Series A	€1.6 million	Not specified	Initiate clinical trials
Pre-2020	Grants/Loans	~€550,000	Public institutions	Product development

Grants/loans are non-equity financing.

The company's stage as of mid-2023 is reported as Series A (€1M–<€5M range). The April 2021 round fits within this bracket.

Investor Information

Genesis Ventures was specifically identified as the lead investor in the seed round; that round included participation from over seventy individual or institutional investors. Details on all other specific investors are limited in public sources following subsequent rounds.

Valuation

No explicit company valuation figures have been disclosed for any funding rounds publicly available to date. However:

Based on typical biotech Series A benchmarks in Europe (~€2–15 million per round), valuations at this stage often reach several million euros but may vary due to sector risk profiles.

Exit Events: IPOs or Acquisitions

As of April 23, 2025:

• There is no record or public announcement of an IPO (initial public offering) or acquisition/buyout involving Aortyx SL.
• The company remains privately held with ongoing product development targeting market entry around or after late 2024.

Summary Table

Funding Event	Date	Amount
Seed Round	Early 2020	€650k
Series A	Apr. 2021	€1.6M
Grants/Loans	Pre–early'20s	-~€550k

Additional equity or non-equity financings after these dates have not been captured by publicly accessible databases as of early/mid–April 2025.

Exit Status

There is no evidence that Aortyx has pursued or completed any exit event such as an IPO or buyout/acquisition by another firm up through Q2 of 2025.

---

Sources

• Aortyx closes €1.6 million financing round to initiate clinical trials - Zurich Dealroom
• AORTYX SL at Barcelona & Catalonia Startup Hub
• Aortyx obtains a €650K capital increase - Startups Real

3 The Press Releases

AORTYX SL, a Spanish startup and EIC Accelerator winner since October 6, 2021, has made significant progress and announcements related to their innovative solution for treating aortic dissections. The company has developed a novel bioresorbable vascular patch designed to be implanted via a minimally invasive endovascular procedure. This patch adheres to the tear in the aorta wall caused by dissection, stops pathological blood flow between vessel layers, and promotes natural tissue repair and regeneration.

Technology Advancements

• The core technology is an adhesive patch with a proprietary cyanoacrylate-based formulation that polymerizes upon contact with blood components. It mimics the viscoelastic mechanical properties of the natural aorta, avoiding device failure due to mechanical mismatch.
• The patch features an electrospun bilayer microstructure promoting differential endothelial and smooth muscle cell colonization for full integration into native vascular tissue.
• It is bioabsorbable (bioresorbable), supporting vessel healing while eventually being absorbed by the body.
• A dual steerable catheter system delivers the patch precisely at the entry tear site within the aorta during endovascular intervention.

Partnerships & Collaborations

• AORTYX collaborates closely with The Electrospinning Company in developing and industrializing their endovascular device technology. This partnership helped optimize production processes significantly reducing manufacturing time while supporting preclinical trials.
• They have engaged over 30 leading vascular surgeons worldwide (including 18 of top 20) for testing and feedback on their prototypes during development stages.

Funding & Investments

• Aortyx closed an investment round raising €2.4 million led by investors including NARA Capital and Medex Partners via Capital Cell platform. These funds support scaling up manufacturing under industrial conditions as well as preparations for first-in-human clinical trials expected within 12 months post-funding closure.
• Prior financial support was obtained from European Commission programs such as EIC Accelerator funding itself, EITHealth, Spanish Ministry of Science & Innovation, CDTI (Centre for Industrial Technological Development), Enisa loans plus foundations like FIPSE and CaixaResearch Validate program from Fundación la Caixa .

Business Developments & Market Outlook

• Their business plan projects delivering over 12,860 patches annually by 2030 treating both Acute Dissections (AD) and Aortic Aneurysms (AA), expecting significant mortality reduction versus current invasive treatments along with socio-economic benefits globally .
• Market research shows potential expansion beyond dissections into broader vascular disease applications worth approximately $1.3 billion market opportunity globally across aneurysm treatment segments as well .

Patents & Intellectual Property

The company holds patents pending or advanced stage patent applications covering their bioresorbable adhesive patches designed specifically for this application of minimally invasive arterial repair .

Team Updates & Public Outreach

Jordi Martorell serves as co-founder CEO driving product commercialization strategies aiming first at Spain then Latin America markets while also raising public awareness about aortic diseases through initiatives like Think Aorta campaign supported by the startup's outreach efforts.

---

Summary: Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021, AORTYX SL has advanced its biomimetic adhesive patch technology through prototype finalization validated extensively by top surgeons worldwide; secured substantial private investment (€2.4M); partnered strategically with specialized manufacturers; progressed towards regulatory approval preparing first-in-human trials; holds key intellectual property rights; expanded market potential estimates significantly; all positioning it strongly in transforming treatment paradigms for life-threatening aortic diseases using minimally invasive methods.

---

Sources: - Biotech Spain - Articles tagged "aortyx"

• Startupshub Catalonia - AORTYX
• PMC Article on Adhesive Bioresorbable Patch
• CORDIS Report on Revolutionary Vascular Repair Patch
• Life Science Market Research Memo August 2024
• The Electrospinning Company Case Study
• NARA Capital Investment Announcement April 2025

4 The Technology Advancements

Aortyx SL: Advancements and Developments

Aortyx SL, a Barcelona-based medical device startup, has been at the forefront of aortic disease management since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company is dedicated to developing innovative biomaterials and cutting-edge technologies for treating vascular diseases, particularly focusing on aortic dissections.

Current Capabilities

Aortyx has developed a bioresorbable adhesive patch, AX-GEN01, designed to mimic the mechanical properties of the aorta. This patch is delivered endovascularly and adheres to the primary entry tear of an aortic dissection, promoting natural repair and avoiding the need for open-heart surgery. The company's technology aims to address significant unmet needs in current treatments for aortic dissections, which often involve rigid grafted stents and carry high risks of post-operative complications.

Advancements and Improvements

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, Aortyx has made significant advancements in its technology. Key developments include:

• Manufacturing Process: The company has iterated on the manufacturing of polymeric filaments and optimized the conditions for producing these materials. Additionally, they have improved the adhesive application method using a pulverizer, ensuring reproducibility and stability.
• Clinical Trials Preparation: Aortyx is focused on completing the final manufacturing steps and obtaining regulatory approval to begin first-in-human trials. This process involves rigorous testing and validation by leading vascular surgeons worldwide.
• Market Expansion: Aortyx has identified a larger addressable market than initially expected, with potential applications beyond aortic dissections, such as aneurysms. This expansion could open up a market of about $1.3 billion.

Technology Demonstration and Clinical Trials

Aortyx has successfully tested its device with over 30 key opinion leaders in vascular surgery, including 18 of the top 20 vascular surgeons worldwide. Their feedback has been instrumental in refining the design and improving the device's potential. While the company is preparing for first-in-human trials, there is no public information on current clinical trials or pilots with customers.

New Patents, Studies, and Publications

Since the funding, Aortyx has not publicly disclosed new patents or scientific studies beyond the development and testing of its bioresorbable adhesive patch. However, the company's work on the AX-GEN01 patch has been documented in research publications highlighting its potential for treating aortic dissections.

Conclusion

Aortyx SL has demonstrated significant progress in developing and refining its vascular repair patch technology. With a focus on advancing through clinical trials and expanding its market reach, the company is poised to play a crucial role in the management of aortic diseases.

Sources: - Revolutionary vascular repair patch to treat aortic dissections

• The Memo: Aortyx Leading a New Era in Aortic Disease Management
• Revolutionary vascular repair patch to treat aortic dissections
• EIC Accelerator winners and success rate (October 2021 call)
• In Vivo Efficacy of an Adhesive Bioresorbable Patch to Treat Aortic Dissections
• 21 start-ups reach EIT Health Catapult Final

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021, AORTYX SL, a Spanish medtech company specializing in innovative vascular implants for aortic diseases, has developed notable relationships and partnerships that strengthen its market position and technological advancement.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

• AORTYX has engaged extensively with leading vascular surgeons globally to validate its technology. Over 30 key opinion leaders have tested their biomimetic endovascular patches, including 18 of the top 20 vascular surgeons worldwide. This collaboration has provided invaluable feedback to refine their design and enhance clinical relevance.
• The company was recognized within life sciences ecosystems such as Catalonia Bio & HealthTech through awards like the Àlex Casta Awards, where it received consultancy services from GENESIS Biomed. This highlights an ongoing relationship with regional innovation hubs and support organizations fostering growth and networking.

Customers and Clinical Relationships:

While specific customer names are not publicly listed, AORTYX is advancing towards first-in-human clinical trials after completing prototype development. Their focus on regulatory approval indicates imminent engagement with clinical institutions for trial implementation.

Nature of New Relationships:

• The primary new relationships revolve around collaboration with expert clinicians to ensure product efficacy and acceptance in surgical practice.
• Partnerships with regional innovation entities provide strategic advisory services, potential investor connections, and ecosystem integration.

Market Positioning Through Relationships:

• By involving top global surgeons early on for device testing, AORTYX positions itself as a clinically validated innovator poised to disrupt traditional aortic dissection treatments.
• Support from biohealth clusters enhances visibility among investors and accelerates go-to-market strategies within Europe’s competitive medtech landscape.

Contribution Toward Technology Advancement & Scaling:

• Expert clinician involvement ensures continuous iteration based on real-world surgical insights improving safety profiles—critical for regulatory success.
• Collaborations with manufacturing experts (e.g., polymer extrusion techniques) enable scale-up of production under industrial conditions necessary for commercialization.

Overall, these strategic partnerships reinforce AORTYX SL’s capability to bring next-generation biomimetic endovascular patches from concept through clinical validation toward commercial launch while scaling manufacturing processes efficiently. Such alliances significantly bolster their competitive edge by aligning cutting-edge technology development closely with market needs in cardiovascular care.

Sources

• 21 start-ups reach EIT Health Catapult Final
• Aortyx winner of Àlex Casta Awards
• AORTYX SL at Barcelona & Catalonia Startup Hub
• Investment Spanish startups reaches €1.7 million - includes info on Aortyx investments

-Aortyx profile at Sachs Associates HTIF Forum detailing technology approach -The Memo article on Aortyx's tech advances & surgeon feedback -Periodic Reporting document about manufacturing advances & product pipeline expansion

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

AORTYX SL, a Barcelona-based medical device startup founded in 2018, has shown notable team growth and development since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding following their Step 2 proposal submission on October 6, 2021. The company specializes in innovative endovascular solutions aimed at treating aortic diseases through biomimetic and bioresorbable patches.

Team Size and Growth:

• As of recent information around early to mid-2024, Aortyx's team size is nearly 20 employees, which represents growth from earlier reports that indicated about 7 employees shortly after its founding.
• This increase reflects a significant scaling effort as the company advances product development and prepares for clinical trials and market launch stages.

Hiring Status and Key Positions:

• While specific current hiring campaigns are not explicitly detailed in available sources, Aortyx is actively raising a €12 million Series A funding round intended to accelerate development activities such as regulatory approvals and first-in-human trials. Such fundraising efforts typically coincide with planned hiring to support expansion.
• Given the nature of their work—biomaterials innovation combined with cardiovascular surgery expertise—it's reasonable to infer that recent hires likely include specialists in biomedical engineering, regulatory affairs, clinical research professionals, and possibly expanded commercial/marketing roles aligned with product commercialization plans.

Impact of New Team Members:

• The addition of new interdisciplinary experts enhances Aortyx’s capacity to refine their bioresorbable patch technology designed for safer treatment alternatives compared to rigid stents.
• Growing the team supports advancing complex technical milestones such as successful animal testing completion (noted by mid-2021) toward human trial readiness.
• Expanded staff enables scaling operations for industrialization processes essential before market entry.

Management Stability:

Jordi Martorell continues as CEO leading both the startup efforts at Aortyx alongside his academic role. There are no publicly reported major changes or shifts in management or founding members since receiving EIC Accelerator support.

Overall, since obtaining EIC Accelerator funding post-Oct 2021 submission date:

• AORTYX SL has grown from an early-stage small R&D team (~7 members) toward a more robust group nearing ~20 people.
• This growth underpins critical steps like progressing from prototype-ready status through preclinical validation into human trials.
• Team expansions focus primarily on scientific/clinical expertise enabling them to scale operations effectively while preparing for broader market introduction.

This strategic scaling aligns well with their mission to revolutionize treatment paradigms for life-threatening aortic diseases by providing innovative regenerative endovascular devices.

---

Sources: Aortyx profile - EuroQuity
Aortyx overview - Gust
Aortyx insights - Lifescience Market Research
AORTYX info - Catalonia Startup Hub
EIC Investment Catalog PDF (Catalonia)

7 The Media Features and Publications

Aortyx SL: Innovations in Aortic Disease Treatment

Aortyx SL, a company based in Spain, has been making significant strides in the medical technology sector since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions for aortic diseases, particularly aortic dissections.

Media Features

Aortyx has been featured in various media outlets for its groundbreaking approach to treating aortic dissections using endovascular patches. These patches are designed to mimic the mechanical properties of arteries, promoting regeneration and minimizing complications associated with traditional treatments.

Publications

Publications have highlighted Aortyx's pioneering role in addressing the limitations of current aortic dissection treatments. The company's bioresorbable adhesive patches are noted for their potential to significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with this condition.

Content from Publications

Aortyx has been recognized for its innovative technology and market potential. The company has developed a minimally invasive device to deliver these patches, which are specifically designed for aortic dissections—a condition with high mortality rates and limited effective treatments. Market research indicates a substantial addressable market for Aortyx's technology, extending beyond aortic dissections to other vascular diseases.

Podcasts and Interviews

Jordi Martorell, the founder of Aortyx, has participated in several interviews and presentations. These include appearances at the LSI Europe '24 Emerging Medtech Summit, where Martorell discussed the company's progress and future plans.

Conference and Fair Visits

Aortyx has been actively involved in medical technology conferences. The company presented its technology at the LSI Europe '24 Emerging Medtech Summit in Sintra, Portugal, and is scheduled to participate in upcoming events such as LSI USA '25 and LSI Asia '25.

Involvement in Events

Aortyx is expanding its presence in the medical technology sector by engaging with investors and industry leaders through conferences like LSI Europe. The company is raising a €12 million Series A round to accelerate its development and commercialization efforts.

Sources:

• Aortyx: aortic dissection treatment - CaixaResearch
• The Memo: Aortyx Leading a New Era in Aortic Disease Management
• Jordi Martorell, Aortyx - The Ultimate Solution for Aortic Diseases
• Aortyx | EU-Startups