Reyedar, a deeptech startup and LIFE Cooperative member developing a proprietary medical technology platform for early detection of age-related degenerative diseases, announced today that it secured a € 3 million investment to further advance its ground-breaking solution. Eye tracking technology combined with deep learning provides a unique window to the brain and to people’s health situations in which many age-related diseases can be detected. The funding round is led by Cottonwood Technology Fund, a leading venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. The round was joined by NOM, Pupil Labs, Uneti Ventures, and existing investor Blue Sparrows MedTech Fund.
As the aging population grows rapidly, the number of people with degenerative diseases such as Glaucoma, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis increases. Screening methods for these diseases are often invasive, unreliable, and time-consuming, leading to pressure on the healthcare system. Reyedar’s technology solves this problem by detecting early symptoms within minutes in a non-invasive way. Combining deep learning with eye tracking sensors on a user-friendly device, the company improves treatment outcomes and decreases healthcare costs.
Reyedar, previously known as Reperio Medtech, is a spin-off company of the Ophthalmology Department of the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands.
"This investment is a huge opportunity to accelerate the development and commercialization of our technology. Everyone in our team is really thankful and thrilled," said Dr. Alessandro Grillini, Founder & CEO of Reyedar. "With this funding, we will grow our team, launch our first product in the eye care market, expand our product offering, and ultimately improve the lives of millions of people affected by age-related degenerative diseases."
"It is very exciting to lead this investment in Reyedar and support the development of this ground-breaking technology," said Patrick Claessen, Partner of Cottonwood Technology Fund. "Reyedar has an experienced team and developed an impressive technology platform that translates eye movement to actionable medical insights. The company has the potential to make a huge positive impact on human lives by healthier aging for millions of people."
"We are delighted to participate in this funding round for Reyedar," said Annemieke Wouterse, Senior Investment Manager at NOM. "The company's innovative technology offers early detection of multiple degenerative diseases using the eyes as a window into one’s health. This technology significantly reduces waiting lists in the health sector, and we look forward to working with the team to bring their technology to market."
Source article: Reyedar
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Recently, the LIFE Cooperative, together with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), has been working hard on submitting projects to PharmaNL.
From 2026 onwards, SpringBoard, the industry association for medical technology, will continue as part of LIFE Cooperative. This is a logical step, as both organizations pursue the same goals for their members. With this integration, the knowledge, experience, and network of SpringBoard will become part of LIFE Cooperative — the cooperative of more than 60 Northern Dutch Life Science companies. This marks an important step toward strengthening and further growing the Life Science & Health sector in the Northern Netherlands. “We complement each other perfectly and are even stronger together. By joining forces in this way, we increase the effectiveness of the solutions developed to contribute to sustainable healthcare. In doing so, we create economic opportunities for our members!” — Ronald Hesse, Director of LIFE Cooperative Joint ambition Since its founding in 2014, LIFE Cooperative has worked closely and enthusiastically with SpringBoard. On behalf of SpringBoard, Jan Thalens has played an important role in this collaboration by contributing to the further development of the cooperative as a member of LIFE Cooperative’s board. In 2025, SpringBoard decided it was time for the next step. LIFE Cooperative shares this ambition and will further expand its activities in the field of Enabling Technologies & Medical Devices starting in 2026. “Together, we are creating new opportunities for our members and strengthening the ecosystem around medical technology,” says Jan Thalens, board member of SpringBoard . About LIFE Cooperative LIFE Cooperative promotes innovation in the life sciences by facilitating collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors. Through various programs and events, LIFE fosters the development of technologies that improve health and well-being. The cooperative represents more than 60 companies in the Northern Netherlands — from ambitious startups and innovative SMEs to international players. Together, they account for approximately 5,000 FTEs and a turnover of €500 million. About SpringBoard SpringBoard is an independent industry association for medical technology, founded in 2008 as an initiative by former employees of Cordis Roden. The network has grown to about 65 members and promotes innovation and knowledge sharing, supports entrepreneurs, and assists in setting up new companies. SpringBoard has contributed to the creation of seven new companies and around 100 jobs. Through workshops, networking events, and an open innovation platform, SpringBoard strengthens the MedTech sector and the development of human capital in the Northern Netherlands.
Peter Ketelaar, Chair of the LIFE Cooperative Board: “We are incredibly proud of Johannes and Ton. Their dedication has truly shaped the Life Sciences, Health & MedTech sector, not only in the Northern Netherlands. Their commitment, expertise, and entrepreneurship have strengthened our cooperative and had a major societal and economic impact—both nationally and internationally!” Johannes Wolters: connector and inspirer For most of his career, Johannes Wolters has been committed to advancing the Life Sciences, Health & MedTech sector in the Northern Netherlands, with a strong focus on societal and economic impact. From 2000 until his retirement earlier this year, he was the sole owner of Lode Holding—a more than 75-year-old company that flourished under his leadership. With subsidiaries Lode, ProCare, aXtion, Umaco, and Omnium, the group annually produces hundreds of medical devices and software solutions that contribute to health and rehabilitation worldwide. Almost every Olympic athlete improves their performance with equipment from Lode Holding. Johannes initiated the Wenckebach project and other large-scale collaborative initiatives, invested millions in innovative medical ideas for diverse target groups, and helped establish numerous spin-offs. His work has directly supported thousands of patients every day. Until recently, he was active in regional initiatives such as SSIG (Sport Science & Innovation Groningen), the LIFE Cooperative (as co-founder), and the Campus Trail, while also mentoring young entrepreneurs and startups. The next generation has since taken over the family business. Annelies Wolters, CEO of Lode Holding and daughter of Johannes: “My father has always dedicated himself to society and the well-being of others. Whether it’s medical innovation, supporting vulnerable groups, or inspiring young people in technology and science, his efforts have always been driven by responsibility, vision, and a deep sense of community.” Ton Vries: international innovation from Groningen For more than 35 years, Ton Vries has been a driving force in the Life Sciences & Health sector. From 2000 to 2020, he served as CEO of Syncom BV, which under his leadership grew into a successful spin-off of the University of Groningen. In 2017, he co-initiated the merger of Syncom and Mercachem, creating Symeres, a leading European contract research organization with over 600 employees worldwide. Ton is the inventor of the Dutch Resolution, a method for efficiently separating chiral compounds. This breakthrough resulted in patents, publications, licensing agreements with DSM, and four PhD theses—solidifying the Netherlands’ international leadership in pharmaceutical crystallization technology and green chemistry. He is also co-founder and CEO of BioBTX, a Groningen-based company with global impact that gives plastic waste a second life. Using its proprietary technology, residual waste streams are converted into valuable, circular building blocks for the chemical industry. The company is now preparing to build the world’s first circular aromatics plant in Delfzijl. Ton co-founded the LIFE Cooperative, guided young entrepreneurs, and realized numerous groundbreaking projects. Personally, he is known for his no-nonsense attitude, boundless energy, and popularity among colleagues. Robert Hof, former colleague at Symeres and LIFE Cooperative board member: “Ton is a true go-getter. When Syncom ran into trouble in 2008, he brought in new investors and rebuilt the company into the great success that Symeres is today. Ton is no-nonsense, not one for status or pretense. He doesn’t wear a suit—not even when Prime Minister Rutte or Queen Máxima visits. His company car? For years it was a 15-year-old Opel Astra, shared with the neighbor. With Ton, it’s always what you see is what you get . That directness and authenticity make him so beloved.” Short CV’s Career and Impact – Johannes Wolters Roles & Organizations 1985: Joined Lode as Controller 1992: Conducted a management buyout with a partner from the then-American owners of Lode 2000: Became 100% owner and CEO of Lode; shortly after, founded additional companies and Lode Holding as the parent company. Between 2000–2025, led multiple acquisitions and participated in various ventures 2023: Next generation joins the company, solidifying Lode Holding as a family business 2025: Retired on May 1, passing leadership to daughter Annelies (CEO) and son Freek (CFO) 2014–2024: Co-founder & board member of LIFE Cooperative Impact & Innovation Produced over 1,000 medical devices , benefiting millions of patients worldwide Projects spanning rehabilitation, sports, ADL equipment, prehabilitation & perioperative care Co-initiated the Campus Trail running event with Campus Groningen (since 2017) Sponsored scientific research and involved in initiatives such as Girls’ Day and student excursions Societal Engagement Mentored young entrepreneurs ( >40 start-ups/year ) Volunteer at SSIG (Sport Science & Innovation Groningen) , ~12 hours/week Advisor and board member for RVO , Smitfonds , and juror in entrepreneurship competitions Career and Impact – Ton Vries Roles & Organizations 2000–2020: CEO of Syncom BV , growing the company from 30 to over 100 employees 2017: Merged Syncom and Mercachem to create Symeres , now with over 600 employees worldwide Co-initiator of InnoLab Chemie , Cliq Swiss Tech , and BioBTX 2014–2024: Co-founder & Chair of LIFE Cooperative 2014–present: Board member of Campus Groningen Current: Board member of PharmaNL Innovation & Science PhD in Organic Chemistry, 1996, University of Groningen under Professor Hans Wijnberg Inventor of the Dutch Resolution method for separating chiral compounds Patents, publications (e.g., Angewandte Chemie ), DSM licensing, 4 PhDs supervised Impact: more efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical production, strengthening Dutch expertise in pharmaceutical crystallization technology Societal Engagement Mentor and coach to young entrepreneurs and colleagues Delivered notable projects within LIFE Cooperative Personal reputation: no-nonsense, energetic, determined, highly respected by peers Athletic: maintains daily long-distance running
