Escala completes $4.5 million funding round for pelvic organ prolapse device 'Mendit'
Backed by EU innovation fund
Escala Medical, a a femtech company developing minimally invasive treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), has raised $4.5m in fresh funding to accelerate its international expansion, with a particular focus on the US and Southeast Asia.
The Israeli firm announced contributions from private investors in the US and Israel, alongside co-financing from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund. The investment follows a €2.5m grant Escala received in late 2023 as part of the competitive EIC Accelerator programme.
“This funding marks an important milestone as we continue to scale our operations and bring our breakthrough technology to more women worldwide,” said Dr. Edit Goldberg, CEO of Escala.
“We're proud to have the support of the EIB and our private investors, and we remain committed to advancing the next generation of our Mendit device to improve outcomes and expand access to millions of women worldwide who suffer from organ prolapse.”
An alternative to surgery or pessaries
The company’s Mendit device — a minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical repair for POP and pessaries — received FDA approval in 2023 and has since been used in hundreds of procedures across the US. Escala plans to use the new capital to grow its direct sales operations in the US, prepare for market entry in Europe pending CE approval, and expand across Southeast Asia through a new distribution partnership in Singapore.
Pelvic organ prolapse, a condition affecting up to half of women over 50, occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles cause organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum to descend into the vaginal canal. Traditional treatment options are often invasive and require hospitalisation, or they involve pessaries which can be ineffective and require regular cleaning too. Escala’s solution shifts the point of care from the hospital to the doctor’s office, offering a faster recovery and potentially wider access for women globally. It works through a simple procedure which securely anchors the vaginal wall in its proper anatomical position.
Supported by EU programme
The EIC Fund, which provides equity support to promising startups selected through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, said the investment in Escala aligns with its mission to support high-impact, female-led innovation.
“The EIC Fund is proud to support visionary companies like Escala. Their work exemplifies the transformative potential we aim to nurture through the EIC. This marks a significant milestone in their journey to bring much-needed innovation to women's health,” said Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board.
Robert D. Auerbach, M.D., Chair of Escala, added: “Being selected for the EIC Accelerator and receiving both a grant and equity investment from the EIC Fund is a major vote of confidence in our technology, our team, and our vision. These programs are among Europe's most prestigious and competitive — and we are honoured to be among the few companies chosen.”