Mission
Metafora are an innovative digital cytomics company, using an AI-powered single-cell analysis platform to reach new frontiers is discovery, development and diagnosis.
The Value Proposition
Metafora are bringing new reagents and new software to improve the effectiveness of flow cytometry, focussing on novel applications in understanding cell metabolism. Metafora’s two leading projects are METAflow, an AI-based software suite enabling automated single-cell analyses, and METAglut1™, an approved in vitro diagnostic medical device for Glut1 deficiency syndrome currently available for clinical use.
Our Analysis
Impact & Milestones
In 2023 Metafora will launch their first CE-marked IVD test for Glut1 deficiency syndrome, aimed at earlier diagnosis in this uncommon yet impactful condition. Ten beta users are signed up for the platform with >200 at various stages in the pipeline. Metafora have recently secured 2.5m EUR from the EIC accelerator program.
Why Alt. Club & Metafora?
Metafora are having important impact in a less visible area of diagnostics, one which we at Alt. Club felt that our network would be interested to learn more about. We value Metafora’s technology and advanced analytics platform which makes them a leader in the flow cytometry space.
Risks & Challenges
The indications Metafora are targeting have established diagnostic pathways. Metafora will require proof of better value or effectiveness to capture market share in these conditions. Users also have several options for flow cytometry software, including open source options, which mean that traction, sales, and margins may be challenging in the absence of an easily recognisable consistent competitive advantage.
Please contact us for more more detailed due diligence
Leadership Team
Vincent Petit, DVM, PhD
CEO / Co-Founder
Vincent is Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the National Veterinary School of Alfort (France), which he completed by a PhD in cell biology and microbiology from the Pasteur Institute and the Paris University. After working on anti-viral host factors, he joined the CNRS (Montpellier, France) as a translational research officer. Vincent has authored 8 original scientific publications and is the co-inventor on 5 patents.
Romain Kaspereit
CFO / General Manager
Romain holds 10 years of experience in corporate finance and M&A. Before joining Metafora, he was the CFO of Laser, an international CRO (London), and was working in the M&A practice of Grant Thornton (Paris). Romain holds an MBA from Oxford University, a MSc from Bordeaux Management school and a Master degree in Biochemistry from the Paris University.
Luc D’Auriol, PhD
Chair of the strategic advisory board
Luc is the co-founder of two IPOed biotech companies: Genset, listed on Nasdaq and Euronext before its acquisition by Serono in 2001; and METabolic EXplorer (France) listed on Euronext. He also co-founded Genopole® Evry (the leading French biotechnology park).Luc has also served as expert reviewer for FP6 calls of the European Commission, and was a member of the Jury for the Altran Foundation for Innovation Award. He is the author of 60 scientific publications and 4 patents.
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- Vincent Petit, CEO