Paris, France, June 3rd, 2009-PrimaDiag, an innovative start-up developing tools to automate biological processes for diagnostics and research, announces today that it has closed its second business angel-financed round, amounting to EUR 365,000 (USD 520,000). Angels included Sibessor and Investessor. This second round was entirely coordinated by PrimaDiag and follows an earlier round of EUR 96,000 (USD 137,000) at the end of 2008.
The new funding will enable PrimaDiag to continue the development of new applications on its proprietary robotic platform, consolidate existing achievements and move to more production-oriented activities. PrimaDiag is based in the Biocitech life science park just outside Paris. It is specialized in the development, manufacture and sales of robotic platforms for biological sample handling, reading and data analysis. PrimaDiag’s products include a range of instruments and modules to enable the automation of biological processes that meet the needs of laboratories carrying our research, analysis and production.
PrimaDiag is the first French manufacturer to offer automation of biological processes at a budget price, thus allowing medium-size laboratories to use automation thanks to a low-cost modular, flexible, expandable and robust approach. Its PrimaRWS(R) workstations enable the automation of a number of biological processes using a simple Cartesian robotic base and a set of dedicated tools. Several partnerships with laboratories are already underway. Details of these will be revealed in due course. PrimaDiag expects that it will bring to market robotic platforms it has developed for two of its partners by the end of 2009.
“I am really pleased at the confidence shown in PrimaDiag by these new investors,” said Guillaume Lhermite, CEO at PrimaDiag. “These additional funds will be extremely helpful in negotiating new deals with partners in the industry.”
“This fundraising is in line with long term plans for the company and we expect to raise further funds next year,” said Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, Jean-Claude Hildeilfinger.
“Success in raising new finance is typical of the dynamism of companies resident in Biocitech,” said Jacques Lhomel, president of Biocitech. “I am delighted that PrimaDiag has been able to consolidate its financial position and so continue its growth here at Biocitech.”
About PrimaDiag SAS
PrimaDiag is focused on the development, manufacturing and sales of robotic platforms that provide biological sample handling, reading and data analysis. It is dedicated to serving medium-size research and diagnostic laboratories. Eighty percent of medium and small size labs are not automated and are looking for affordable solutions. PrimaDiag’s business model is based upon specific development targeting an application addressing a clearly identified market using our basic platform for a partner or customer. The new application is then added to PrimaDiag’s product portfolio and can be sold to other customers.
For further information: www.primadiag.com/Joomla/index.php
About Biocitech
The Biocitech technology park for life sciences offers a world-class environment and services for the development of biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and fine chemical companies.
Biocitech is on the outskirts of Paris, only 20 minutes from the city center and Charles de Gaulle airport. It is privately-owned and provides secure premises and comprehensive facilities based on the latest technology. It has received regulatory approval for conformity to environmental protection standards. Companies can use one or many of the services offered. These include offices, laboratories and a range of technical and scientific services - all designed to let entrepreneurs concentrate their time and resources on their core business.
Companies already established at Biocitech represent a wide variety of complementary disciplines and many are working on collaborative projects.
Along with other organizations in the Ile-de-France region around Paris, Biocitech plays a key role in the Medicen Paris Region network. This is a healthcare and new therapy cluster designated by the French government as internationally competitive and hence qualified for special privileges.
For further information: www.biocitech.com
