Precision, applied to the human brain
Throughout the 20th century, the Wild family was closely associated with precision instruments for surveying, microscopy and photography. These technologies helped scientists, engineers and explorers observe and measure the world with greater accuracy.
Today, the family’s interests have moved into a different field of discovery: the human brain.
We invest in technologies across precision medicine, robotics and artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on ageing, neurodegeneration, neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A track record in medical innovation
For more than 15 years, Daniela von Siebenthal has identified and supported companies developing new approaches to medical treatment and technology.
Medina Medical
Medina Medical was a California-based medical technology company developing minimally invasive treatments for cerebral aneurysms and other vascular conditions of the brain.
Its principal technology, the Medina Embolization Device, was a self-expanding three-dimensional mesh implant delivered through a microcatheter. Once positioned inside an aneurysm, the device reduced blood flow into the weakened area and helped prevent rupture.
Medina Medical was acquired by Medtronic in 2015 for $150M in cash, with additional future milestone payments of more than $50M.
KB Medical
KB Medical was a Swiss medical robotics company developing robotic assistance for spinal, orthopaedic and neurosurgery.
Its AQrate system combined a seven-axis robotic arm with an active steering handle and force sensors. This gave the system a sense of resistance and allowed it to follow the surgeon’s movements while compensating for gravity.
Globus Medical acquired KB Medical in 2017 and integrated its technology into the ExcelsiusGPS robotic platform.
Current investment focus
The family’s investments today are concentrated on technologies addressing ageing, neurodegeneration and disorders of the brain.
These include:
Alzheimer’s disease and early diagnosis
A Swiss technology using machine learning to identify the epigenetic signature of Alzheimer’s disease in blood plasma. The technology is being developed to provide non-invasive diagnosis and to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
Deep brain stimulation
A Swiss medical device company developing advanced deep brain stimulation systems using microelectromechanical systems. Its technology is designed to provide more precise stimulation for neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Eye tracking and neurological assessment
A Swiss medical technology company combining high-frequency infrared eye tracking, virtual reality and artificial intelligence to detect and monitor changes associated with neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and brain tumours.
Non-invasive neuromodulation
A German technology company developing a non-invasive approach to neuromodulation using proprietary algorithms and ultra-high-frequency digital-photonic light stimuli. The technology is being developed for the treatment of memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
What we look for
We look for strong science, distinctive technology and the potential to address important medical problems.
Our interests lie where precision engineering, biology and computing meet, particularly when new technology can lead to better ways of understanding, diagnosing or treating disease.
Looking ahead
The family’s history has always been connected to precision and discovery.
Heinrich Wild’s instruments helped people measure and understand the physical world. Today, our investments are directed towards understanding something considerably more complex: the human brain.
That remains the frontier we are interested in exploring.
