Respiro Diagnostics raises £1M pre-seed to build breath test for lung cancer
What's the deal? Respiro DiagnosticsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a UK startup developing breath-based diagnostics for lung diseases, has raised £1 million in a pre-seed round co-led by Zinc Venture Capital and SFC CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
Who else is in? The round drew Amadeus Capital Partners, the Conception X Angel Syndicate, KQ LabsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → through the Francis Crick InstituteDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, strategic angel investors, and Innovate UKDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's the endgame? Founded by Alison QuinnDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Dr Theo IssittDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Respiro is building a non-invasive liquid biopsy platform that analyses DNA, RNA, and proteins from exhaled breath. It positions the technology as an alternative to invasive tissue biopsies and blood-based tests, aiming to support earlier detection and molecular profiling of lung cancer.
Why now? Respiro has completed proof-of-concept testing in mesothelioma patients. It plans to begin its first clinical study in lung cancer patients at Aalborg University Hospital in Denmark in September 2026.
The funding will back that clinical research and the continued development of the company's breath collection device and laboratory platform as it moves towards clinical validation. Respiro is also assessing uses in other respiratory conditions, including pulmonary hypertension and asthma.
"Our vision is simple: that one day, a breath sample is all it takes to know what's happening in your lungs — early, while there's still time to act," said Quinn, chief executive officer and co-founder.
The signal: A modest pre-seed cheque, but the backer list is the story. Drawing Amadeus Capital Partners and the Francis Crick Institute's KQ Labs signals institutional confidence in breath-based diagnostics at the earliest stage.
Read more: Tech.eu
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
