Novostia, which specializes in the development of a disruptive heart valve prosthesis, has completed a CHF 5.6 million funding round to further accelerate its development efforts and advance its clinical evidence base. Alongside the investment, the company announced leadership changes, appointing Soad El Ghazouani as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Based at Biopôle in Lausanne, Novostia is a medtech startup developing an innovative artificial heart valve, aiming to improve the quality of life of millions of patients worldwide suffering from aortic and mitral valve disease, while reducing overall healthcare costs. The proprietary TRIFLO valve is currently being investigated in an ongoing PILATUS clinical trial. Early results from the study will be presented at the EACTS (European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery) on October 9-12, 2024, in Lisboa, Portugal.
The additional CHF 5.6 million will be instrumental in accelerating the company's ongoing development efforts, advancing clinical studies, and preparing for the Series B financing round.
Coinciding with the latest financing round, Novostia’s Board of Directors appointed Soad El Ghazouani as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, succeeding Mr. Alain Barbal who will join the Board of Directors. With over 25 years of global experience, more specifically in the development and marketing of breakthrough innovations in the cardiovascular field, Soad brings an extensive experience and a proven ability in leading innovative companies through rapid development and growth phases. She recently co-founded and served as CEO of T-Heart. Prior to this, Soad held several executive and senior management positions in various Medtech companies, ranging from start-ups to multination corporations. Soad holds an MBA in international business and a biomedical engineering degree.
“I am honored to join Novostia at such a pivotal time for our company. The company groundbreaking TRIFLO Heart Valve has already demonstrated immense potential to transform patient care, and I am eager to guide our talented team as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and deliver exceptional values to patients, employees and shareholders.”
“We are immensely grateful to our investors and partners for their unwavering support,” said Alexander Valkenberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “The successful fundraising and the arrival of Soad come at a pivotal moment for Novostia, we remain committed to our mission of improving patient outcomes and are confident that these developments will drive us closer to that goal.”
(Press release/RAN)
The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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