French AI Startup DESKi Raises $6M to Democratize Heart Screening in America

French healthtech company DESKi has closed a $6 million seed round to bring its AI-powered cardiac imaging software to American healthcare providers. The Bordeaux-based startup aims to solve a critical gap in heart disease screening by making advanced cardiac ultrasounds accessible to non-specialists.

DESKi's HeartFocus platform provides real-time AI guidance during cardiac ultrasounds, enabling any healthcare professional to perform accurate heart scans with just a few hours of training. Traditional cardiac ultrasound requires years of specialized education and certification.

The FDA has already approved HeartFocus for use in the United States, clearing the way for deployment across primary care offices, rural clinics, and other resource-limited healthcare settings. The software addresses a major healthcare access problem where patients often wait weeks or months for cardiac imaging appointments with specialists.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, killing over 650,000 people annually. Early detection through routine screening could prevent many cardiac events, but access to specialized imaging has been limited by geography and specialist availability.

DESKi's approach leverages artificial intelligence to guide non-specialist healthcare workers through the ultrasound process step-by-step. The software analyzes images in real-time and provides immediate feedback on scan quality and potential abnormalities.

The FDA approval included a Predetermined Change Control Plan, which allows DESKi to update and expand the software's capabilities without going through the full regulatory process each time. This regulatory pathway enables faster innovation and feature development.

The $6 million funding will support DESKi's US market entry strategy, including hiring local sales and clinical teams. The company plans to target primary care networks and rural healthcare systems where cardiac imaging access is most limited.

DESKi's technology represents a broader trend in healthcare AI where sophisticated diagnostic tools are being simplified for broader use. The company joins a growing field of startups working to democratize specialized medical procedures through artificial intelligence guidance.