Plural invests in Paris-based neurosurgical microrobot developer Robeauté

Venture capital firm Plural, founded by Estonian entrepreneurs Sten Tamkivi and Taavet Hinrikus, has led a €27.2M round for Paris-based neurosurgical microrobot startup Robeauté. Other lead investors included Berlin-based Cherry Ventures and San Francisco-based Kindred Ventures. London-based LocalGlobe, Think.Health, Vienna-based APEX Ventures, and German medical technology company Brainlab also participated in the round.

Founded in 2017 by Bertrand Duplat and Joana Cartocci, Robeauté develops microrobots that can provide access to the brain for personalized, precision medicine. About the size of a grain of rice, the microrobots are able to navigate curved paths through the extracellular matrix of the brain. They can safely access multiple areas to deliver targeted treatments, collect samples or implant sensors with precision. The microrobots incorporate advanced technology, including a tiny motor, a propeller, and a guidance system that allows surgeons to track their real-time movement. The company is currently conducting animal studies, focusing on biopsy applications.

Robeauté will use the investment to further develop its microrobot technology, begin human trials in 2026, and establish operations in the US as it seeks FDA approval.

Founded in 2022 by Sten Tamkivi, Taavet Hinrikus, Ian Hogarth, and Khaled Helioui, Plural focuses on leading early-stage rounds between €1M and €10M. In 2023, a new partner, AI-driven biotech HelixNano founder, and VC investor Carina Namih joined Plural. The fund has its own rule that requires all of Plural's partners to make personal co-investments in the deals they lead.