Proteins.1, a deep-tech diagnostics startup, has secured $4.7 million in pre-seed funding.
The round was led by Lifeline Ventures and Cloudberry Ventures, with participation from VTT and Business Finland. The company is developing a new diagnostic approach aimed at enabling earlier and more precise disease detection at the molecular level.
What The Company Does
Proteins.1 is building a patented platform for single-molecule protein amplification, addressing a long-standing limitation in diagnostic science. While DNA can be amplified to improve detection sensitivity, proteins—often the earliest indicators of disease—have historically been more difficult to measure at very low concentrations.
The company’s technology applies a physics-based approach that combines magnetic systems with semiconductor photonics. This enables the detection of both proteins and nucleic acids from extremely small biological samples with high sensitivity.
By allowing analysis at the single-molecule level, the platform is designed to improve diagnostic accuracy and enable identification of diseases at earlier stages than currently possible. The approach also supports multiomics analysis, offering a broader understanding of biological processes beyond traditional testing methods.
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Market Context / Industry Background
Early disease detection remains a critical challenge in healthcare, particularly for conditions where symptoms appear only after significant progression. Advances in genomics have improved DNA-based diagnostics, but protein-level analysis has lagged behind due to technical constraints.
There is growing interest in multiomics approaches that integrate different biological data types to provide a more comprehensive picture of health. Technologies capable of detecting biomarkers at extremely low concentrations are seen as key to enabling preventive and personalised medicine.
In Europe, public and private investment in health technology is increasingly focused on early diagnostics, with research institutions and startups collaborating to translate scientific breakthroughs into clinical applications.
Founder / Investor Commentary
Proteins.1 is led by CEO Prateek Singh and builds on research developed at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The company’s approach reflects a shift toward physics-based solutions in biotechnology, expanding beyond traditional enzyme-driven methods.
Investors backing the company include Lifeline Ventures and Cloudberry Ventures, both of which have supported early-stage deep-tech and life sciences ventures. Their involvement signals confidence in the potential of the platform to address a fundamental limitation in diagnostics.
Growth Plans / Use Of Funds
The newly raised capital will be used to expand the company’s team and accelerate development of its core technology. This includes refining the platform’s capabilities and preparing it for broader research and potential clinical applications.
Proteins.1 also plans to continue advancing its underlying science, with a focus on enabling earlier disease detection and improving the sensitivity and reliability of diagnostic tools.
About Proteins.1
Proteins.1 is a Finnish deep-tech company developing a physics-based, enzyme-free multiomics platform for diagnostics. Founded on technology from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the company focuses on single-molecule analysis to improve detection of diseases and enhance understanding of biological systems.
