1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a key initiative aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the European Union, particularly those involved in deep technology and innovative sectors. This program is designed to provide financial assistance and strategic guidance to companies that are developing groundbreaking technologies and solutions, which have the potential to address significant societal challenges and market needs.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a unique blended finance model that combines both grants and equity investments. This funding structure is particularly beneficial for startups that require substantial capital to scale their operations and bring their innovations to market.

Purpose and Impact

The primary purpose of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation and competitiveness within the European DeepTech ecosystem. By providing financial support and mentorship, the program aims to bridge the funding gap that many startups face, particularly in their early stages. The EIC Accelerator not only assists companies in developing their technologies but also positions them to secure additional funding from private investors by demonstrating the viability and market potential of their innovations.

The program plays a pivotal role in nurturing the startup ecosystem by enabling companies to scale effectively, thereby contributing to job creation, economic growth, and advancements in technology across Europe.

Case Study: Escala Medical LTD and Project APYX

Escala Medical LTD, an EIC Accelerator winner based in Israel, has developed an innovative solution known as Project APYX, which aims to address the pressing issue of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). This medical condition affects millions of women worldwide and often requires surgical intervention for repair. Escala Medical's approach introduces the first non-surgical repair method for this condition, representing a significant advancement in women's health.

Technology Overview

The technology behind Project APYX is grounded in the principles of minimally invasive medical interventions. The non-surgical approach offers a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, which can involve significant risks and complications. The innovation aims to provide a solution that not only restores anatomical integrity but also enhances the quality of life for affected individuals.

The project's focus is on developing a device or procedure that utilizes advanced materials and techniques to support pelvic organs without the need for invasive surgery. This could involve the use of bio-compatible materials designed to integrate with the body effectively, as well as precise delivery mechanisms that minimize patient discomfort and recovery time.

Background and Significance

The significance of Project APYX extends beyond its technical innovation; it addresses a critical gap in the treatment options available for Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Traditional surgical approaches can carry substantial risks, including complications, prolonged recovery times, and the need for follow-up surgeries. By offering a non-surgical alternative, Escala Medical aims to empower women with a safer option that aligns with modern medical practices emphasizing less invasive treatments.

The EIC Accelerator's support, including the blended finance model, is integral to Escala Medical's ability to bring Project APYX to market. The funding will facilitate further research, clinical trials, and eventual commercialization of the technology, ensuring that it reaches the patients who need it most. The project's success could not only improve the lives of countless women but also pave the way for similar innovations in other areas of women's health and beyond.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program serves as a catalyst for innovation in Europe, exemplified by the achievements of companies like Escala Medical LTD. The program's commitment to supporting groundbreaking projects like APYX underscores its role in transforming the startup landscape and addressing critical health challenges through advanced technology.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Escala Medical Ltd: EIC Accelerator Funding and Financial History

Escala Medical Ltd., an Israeli medical technology company focused on developing non-surgical solutions for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), received significant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in 2023. This funding represents a major milestone in the company's financial history and growth trajectory.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Escala Medical was selected as one of 51 companies to receive funding in the March 22, 2023 EIC Accelerator cut-off round. The company was awarded €5.5 million (approximately US$6 million) in a combination of grant and equity investment from the European Innovation Council. This funding was part of a larger €261 million funding package distributed among the successful applicants in that particular round.

The March 2023 EIC Accelerator call was notably competitive, with 551 proposals submitted and only 51 companies ultimately receiving funding, representing a 9% success rate at the final stage (Step 3). Companies from 17 countries were selected, with Israel accounting for 9% of the successful applicants.

Company Background and Previous Financing

Founded in 2014 and based in M.P. Misgav, Israel, Escala Medical develops non-surgical, incision-free, mesh-free repair devices for women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The company's innovative approach addresses a significant market need, as POP affects approximately 50% of women worldwide.

Prior to the EIC Accelerator funding, Escala Medical had raised approximately $6 million in total funding. One of its investors is The Trendlines Group, though complete information about all previous funding rounds is not fully disclosed in the available data.

Product Development and Market Status

By June 2023, when the EIC funding was announced, Escala Medical had already achieved FDA clearance for its prolapse repair device. The company's technology is commercially available in the United States, marking a significant milestone in its development journey.

According to Dr. Edit Goldberg, CEO of Escala Medical, the EIC investment enables the company to expand its operations and fulfill its mission of transforming POP treatment for women worldwide. The company's device provides a solution that allows for early-stage treatment of POP and can significantly improve the quality of life for millions of women globally.

Patent Portfolio

Escala Medical has filed at least three patents related to its technology, with one granted on June 20, 2023. The patents are related to gynecology, vagina, women's health, sexual health, and pelvic treatments.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of October 2023, the EIC funding was helping Escala Medical expand its operations following FDA clearance of its device. The company's innovative approach to POP treatment—offering a procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia in just 5-8 minutes—positions it well in addressing both early-stage and advanced POP cases.

The EIC Accelerator funding represents not only financial support but also validation of Escala Medical's technology and approach to addressing the widespread and debilitating condition of pelvic organ prolapse.

Sources: - European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator March 2023 Cut-Off Results

• Strata.team - EIC Accelerator winners and statistics March 2023
• PRNewswire - Escala Medical Awarded €5.5 Million EIC Funding
• CB Insights - Escala Medical Company Profile
• Trendlines - Escala Medical awarded €5.5 million EIC funding
• BioWorld MedTech - Financings

3 The Press Releases

Escala Medical LTD, an Israeli company, was awarded €5.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator in March 2023. This grant and equity investment are part of the EIC's efforts to support innovative technologies in Europe. The funding will help Escala Medical LTD advance its non-surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition affecting many women worldwide.

Technology Advancements

Escala Medical LTD is at the forefront of revolutionizing POP treatment with its innovative, non-surgical approach. The company's focus on developing cutting-edge medical solutions positions it as a leader in addressing significant health challenges in women's health. The EIC funding will be instrumental in furthering the development and commercialization of this technology.

Partnerships and Funding

The EIC Accelerator funding is a significant milestone for Escala Medical LTD, providing both grants and equity investments. This blended financing model supports companies like Escala Medical LTD in bringing their groundbreaking innovations to market, potentially leading to future partnerships and collaborations within the healthcare sector.

Team Updates

There is no specific information available about team updates following the EIC funding. However, such funding often enables companies to expand their teams and accelerate product development.

Patents

Details about specific patents held by Escala Medical LTD are not publicly disclosed in the context of the EIC funding. However, the company's focus on innovative medical solutions suggests ongoing research and development efforts, which may include patent filings.

Press Releases and Updates

Escala Medical LTD's website and social media do not provide specific press releases or updates beyond the announcement of receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The company's primary focus, as reported, remains on advancing its POP treatment technology.

Website and Social Media Updates

Escala Medical LTD's website primarily highlights its innovative approach to treating pelvic organ prolapse. While there are no recent press releases beyond the EIC funding announcement, the company's participation in such prestigious funding programs underscores its commitment to medical innovation.

Sources: - Escala Medical Awarded €5.5 Million EIC Funding to Revolutionize Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

• Escala Medical LTD, apyx, The first non-surgical repair...
• EIC Accelerator-March 22 2023 Cut-Off
• Escala Medical LTD

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Escala Medical LTD

Escala Medical LTD, based in Israel, is a pioneering firm in the field of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment. The company has made significant advancements, particularly after receiving the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding in March 2023.

Current Capabilities

Escala Medical has developed a revolutionary, incision-free repair system for POP, which shifts the treatment from a hospital setting to a clinical office setting. This minimally invasive approach significantly reduces patient discomfort and recovery time, offering a new treatment alternative for millions of women worldwide. The procedure can be performed in as little as 5 to 8 minutes under local anesthesia.

Advancements Since EIC Funding

Following the EIC funding, Escala Medical has continued to expand its operations, with a focus on launching its Apyx device in the U.S. The €5.5 million funding has been instrumental in supporting these efforts, enabling the company to advance its technology and prepare for a broader market presence.

Technology Improvements

The company's technology has been refined to provide a safe and easy-to-perform solution for POP repair. The device uses an incision-free vaginal approach, allowing for the fixation of the vaginal apex to the sacrospinous ligament, which is crucial for long-term success in prolapse repair. This approach addresses a significant gap in current treatment options, providing relief for early-stage patients who often lack effective alternatives.

Market Demonstration

Escala Medical's device has received FDA clearance and is commercially available in the United States. This milestone marks a significant step in demonstrating the technology to customers and clinicians, offering a new tool for addressing POP more effectively.

New Patents, Studies, and Clinical Trials

While specific details about new patents, scientific studies, or clinical trials since the EIC funding are not readily available, the company's focus on expanding its technology and market reach suggests ongoing research and development efforts.

Conclusion

Escala Medical LTD has made substantial progress in revolutionizing POP treatment with its innovative, incision-free device. The EIC funding has been pivotal in advancing the company's goals, enabling it to expand operations and prepare for broader market engagement. As the company continues to innovate and demonstrate its technology, it is likely to further improve the lives of millions of women worldwide affected by POP.

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Sources: - Escala Medical Secures €5.5M EIC Funding to Advance Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

• Escala raising funds for US launch of Apyx device for pelvic organ prolapse
• Escala Medical - ExitValley
• Escala Medical - The Trendlines Group
• Escala Medical awarded €5.5 million EIC funding to revolutionize pelvic organ prolapse treatment

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Overview of Escala Medical LTD and Its Partnerships

Escala Medical LTD, an Israeli company, received €5.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in June 2023, marking a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment. This funding follows Escala's FDA clearance for its incision-free, mesh-free repair device, which is now commercially available in the United States.

Partnerships and Customers

Escala Medical has established a strategic partnership with Wellesta to launch their innovative product for pelvic prolapse in women across Asia. This collaboration underscores Escala's efforts to address significant unmet needs in women's health globally.

New Partners and Customers

As of now, Wellesta is a notable partner for Escala Medical in the Asian market. There is no information available about new customers specifically associated with Escala Medical since the EIC funding. However, the partnership with Wellesta suggests a growing presence in Asian markets, which could attract new customers.

Nature of New Relationships

The partnership with Wellesta aims to provide innovative healthcare solutions, particularly for women suffering from pelvic prolapse. This collaboration will help Escala Medical expand its reach and offer its groundbreaking device to a broader audience, enhancing patient outcomes in Asia.

Positioning in the Market

Escala Medical's new relationships, particularly the partnership with Wellesta, position the company as a leader in non-surgical POP treatment solutions. This positioning is crucial in the competitive medical device market, where large international companies dominate. Escala's innovative technology and strategic partnerships like the one with Wellesta will help differentiate it from competitors.

Impact on Technology Advancements and Scaling

The EIC funding and partnerships like the one with Wellesta will enable Escala Medical to advance its technology further and scale its operations more effectively. The funding will support the expansion of Escala's operations globally, allowing it to reach more patients and clinicians, while the partnership will facilitate market access and commercialization in new regions.

Conclusion

Escala Medical LTD is poised to make significant strides in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse with its innovative device and strategic partnerships. The company's recent funding and collaboration with Wellesta highlight its potential for growth and technological advancement in the healthcare sector.

Sources

• Escala Medical Awarded €5.5 Million EIC Funding to Revolutionize Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment
• Wellesta | Value Added Partner for Healthcare
• Escala Medical - Startup Nation Finder
• Escala Medical Secures €5.5M EIC Funding to Advance Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment
• Escala Medical awarded €5.5 million EIC funding to revolutionize pelvic organ prolapse treatment
• Escala Medical - ExitValley

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Escala Medical LTD: Growth and Team Development

Escala Medical LTD, an Israeli company, is focusing on developing innovative solutions for women's health, particularly in treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The company made significant strides after receiving €5.5 million from the European Innovation Council in March 2023, marking a pivotal moment in their growth.

Current Team Size and Headcount

As of the latest available information, specific details about Escala Medical's current headcount or team size are not publicly disclosed. However, the company is led by Dr. Edit Goldberg, an experienced executive in the medical device field, alongside a team of proven leaders and advisors, including Prof. Douglas Scherr and Dr. Roger Goldberg, both renowned surgeons in urology and urogynecology.

Hiring and Team Growth

While there is no explicit information on whether Escala Medical is currently hiring, the funding received from the European Innovation Council is expected to support the expansion of operations. This includes the planned U.S. launch of their Apyx device, which suggests potential for growth in both team size and capabilities.

Key Positions and New Team Members

Although specific recent hires are not detailed, the company's focus on launching new devices and expanding into the U.S. market likely necessitates strategic additions across various departments, such as regulatory affairs, marketing, and clinical trials management. These new team members would play crucial roles in scaling the company's operations, particularly in navigating U.S. regulatory processes and establishing a strong market presence.

Impact on Future Growth

The addition of new team members would be instrumental in helping Escala Medical achieve its goals of introducing the Apyx device to the U.S. market. This expansion would not only enhance the company's global reach but also contribute to the development of innovative treatments for pelvic organ prolapse, addressing a significant unmet need in women's healthcare.

Changes in Management or Founding Team

There are no reported changes in the management or founding team of Escala Medical since receiving the EIC funding. Dr. Edit Goldberg continues to lead the company, with the support of its esteemed advisory board including Prof. Douglas Scherr and Dr. Roger Goldberg.

Sources

• Escala Medical - Startup Nation Finder
• Escala raising funds for US launch of Apyx device for pelvic organ prolapse
• Escala Medical - ExitValley

7 The Media Features and Publications

Escala Medical LTD: Overview and Media Presence

Escala Medical LTD, based in Israel, is a pioneering company in the women's healthcare sector, specializing in non-surgical solutions for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Founded in 2014, the company aims to revolutionize POP treatment by providing an incision-free repair system that can be performed in a doctor's office, significantly improving patient outcomes and accessibility.

Media Features and Publications

Escala Medical has garnered attention from various publications for its innovative approach to treating POP. Notably, the company received a €5.5 million grant and equity investment from the European Innovation Council (EIC) in June 2023, which has been covered by outlets like BioWorld and PR Newswire. These reports highlight Escala's technology as a breakthrough in offering non-surgical alternatives for POP, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide.

Content from Publications

Publications have emphasized Escala's mission to transform the treatment of POP by shifting care from hospitals to outpatient settings. This approach not only reduces recovery time and costs but also increases accessibility for patients. The company's technology involves a transvaginal procedure that mirrors surgical repair without the need for incisions or mesh, providing a more comfortable and efficient treatment option.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no specific information available about podcasts or interviews featuring the team from Escala Medical. However, the company's progress and funding achievements have been reported in various news articles.

Conference and Fair Visits, Presentations, or Participations

While specific details about Escala Medical's participation in conferences or fairs are not readily available, the company's innovative solutions and significant funding successes suggest likely involvement in industry events focused on women's healthcare and medical technology.

Involvement in Events

Escala Medical's participation in events is likely centered around showcasing its innovative POP treatment solutions and engaging with potential partners and investors. The company's receipt of the EIC funding in March 2023 underscores its potential for future presentations and collaborations within the healthcare industry.

Sources

• Escala Medical - ExitValley
• Escala Medical - The Trendlines Group
• Escala Medical - CB Insights
• Escala Medical Awarded €5.5 Million EIC Funding
• Escala raising funds for US launch of Apyx device