Why Sleep Medicine's Biggest Blind Spot Is This Founder's Biggest Opportunity

OOMNIUM: Sleep disorders are a well-known problem. Why is now the right time for a new solution in sleep diagnostics and what problem are you solving that existing providers haven't solved yet?

Dr. Shanaz Diessler: Sleep medicine is at a turning point. Over the last decade, research has fundamentally changed our understanding of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): we now know that OSA varies significantly from night to night, and that disease severity extends well beyond the traditional Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Clinicians are increasingly aware of these scientific advances, but current diagnostic tools remain disconnected from this new understanding and are still based on single-night assessments and simplified metrics. They do not provide the depth, continuity, and clinical interpretation needed to translate today's sleep science into everyday practice. Noctae addresses this gap by creating a new generation of sleep diagnostics: a contactless, longitudinal platform that continuously integrates meaningful physiological data with the latest scientific knowledge to provide real-world insights and decision support for more accurate and personalized sleep disorder management.

Investors saw a rare combination of a large market opportunity, a deeply validated technology, strong barriers to entry, and a clear path to scalable adoption – key ingredients to building a high-value MedTech company.

OOMNIUM: UNDAE has already raised CHF 750'000 from experienced private investors with backgrounds in healthcare, MedTech, finance and venture capital. What convinced these investors to back the company at this stage, and what does their involvement bring beyond capital?

(S.D.): Investors saw a rare combination of a large market opportunity, a deeply validated technology, strong barriers to entry, and a clear path to scalable adoption – key ingredients to building a high-value MedTech company. The strength of our team was a key factor: we bring complementary expertise across sleep science, technology development, finance, industrialization, and market deployment. Coming directly from the field, we combine deep domain knowledge with the capabilities required to successfully translate innovation into a scalable healthcare solution. We are backed by smart investors bringing complementary expertise and strategic resources: clinical insight from leaders in sleep medicine, deep understanding of healthcare procurement and hospital deployment, proven experience in scaling technology companies internationally, and strong expertise in corporate finance, governance, and building sustainable companies. Their combined network and experience provide Noctae not only with capital, but also with the strategic guidance, credibility, and resources needed to accelerate adoption and build a leading MedTech company.

OOMNIUM: What combination of experience, network, and expertise do you bring to the table? Where have you intentionally sought out external expertise?

(S.D.): We bring together a unique combination of expertise across sleep medicine, data science, MedTech industrialization, finance, and healthcare market strategy. This multidisciplinary expertise allows us to understand the clinical problem, develop a robust medical technology, navigate industrialization, and build a scalable company around a solution that addresses a real unmet need. We have intentionally complemented our internal capabilities with external expertise in key areas required to successfully build a MedTech company, including intellectual property strategy, regulatory pathways, medical marketing, MedTech business development, engineering, and academic collaborations. We are also supported by a strong network of internationally recognized sleep experts, clinicians, and industry leaders who provide clinical validation, strategic guidance, and access to future partners. Ultimately, our strength comes from combining deep domain expertise with the multidisciplinary skills and network needed to bring a new generation of sleep diagnostics from research to clinical practice.

OOMNIUM: You are raising CHF 1.1 – 1.3 million in total. What concrete milestones will this round finance, and where should UNDAE be by the time the next financing round begins?

(S.D.): This round will finance the transition from a validated technology platform to a market-ready MedTech product. With CHF 1.1–1.3 million, UNDAE will complete the key milestones required to reach production and generate first revenues in the paramedical market. The funding will enable us to finalize the product design freeze, complete technical validation and manufacturing readiness, establish the production process, and progress through the regulatory pathway toward CE marking. In parallel, we will complete usability studies, including in the sports field, and prepare the commercial infrastructure required for market launch. By the time of the next financing round, UNDAE aims to have a launched product in the paramedical market, first commercial traction, a validated manufacturing process, and the regulatory and technical foundation required to accelerate adoption and expand toward clinical applications.

OOMNIUM: Medical devices require approvals, clinical evidence, and trust within the healthcare system. What regulatory or clinical steps have you already completed, and what's next?

(S.D.): UNDAE has a clearly defined regulatory pathway for both CE marking in Europe and FDA clearance in the US, and the preparation for regulatory compliance is already underway. We have initiated the implementation of our Quality Management System (QMS), which will provide the foundation for our medical device development, manufacturing, and future regulatory submissions. The next steps are focused on completing the product development and generating the evidence required for approval: finalizing the design freeze, completing verification and validation activities, conducting product testing and usability studies, finalizing risk management and technical documentation, and preparing the clinical evaluation package. Our roadmap is designed to progressively de-risk regulatory and clinical adoption. We will first launch in the paramedical/sports market to validate usability and real-world performance, while simultaneously building the quality, technical, and clinical foundation required for medical certification and subsequent expansion into clinical applications.

OOMNIUM: Beyond capital, what expertise, industry connections or strategic support would be particularly valuable from new investors joining UNDAE in this round?

(S.D.): UNDAE already benefits from a strong shareholder base, with ~70% of this round coming from investors who bring significant expertise, industry knowledge, and strategic value. We are very proud of the quality of this investor network. As we open the round to additional investors, our priority is to welcome partners who believe in UNDAE's vision and want to participate in our growth journey. Additional expertise, industry connections, or strategic support are always valuable and appreciated, but they are not a prerequisite for joining the round, as we have already built a strong foundation in this area. We are looking for investors who can contribute in the way that best fits their profile, whether through expertise, network, experience, or simply long-term commitment and alignment with our ambition.

Beyond the pitch, we hope investors understand the level of preparation and de-risking behind UNDAE. We are not only developing a breakthrough technology; we are building the foundations of a scalable MedTech company by combining scientific depth, product development, regulatory preparation, market understanding, and a strong expert network.

OOMNIUM: Advice to another founding team: What have you learned along the way and what should they be prepared for?

(S.D.): One of the biggest lessons we have learned is that people are key, both the team you build and the network you develop around you. Surround yourself with people who complement your skills, challenge your thinking, and can open doors you would not have access to alone. We would also advise founders to be confident in the value they bring. You are building something for a reason, and you are not on this journey by chance. Trust your instincts, while remaining humble and continuously questioning your assumptions. Do not rely on the opinion of a single expert; cross-check strategic decisions with multiple people who have different perspectives and experiences. Spend significant time speaking with potential customers before launching. Test your assumptions, listen carefully, and do not be afraid to challenge your initial vision. The market will often reveal insights that can significantly improve your product and strategy. The journey of building a company is full of uncertainty, but having the right people around you, staying curious, and being willing to adapt are among the most important factors, in my opinion.

OOMNIUM: What should an investor have learned about UNDAE Science from this conversation that they might not have learned from the pitch alone?

(S.D.): Beyond the pitch, we hope investors understand the level of preparation and de-risking behind UNDAE. We are not only developing a breakthrough technology; we are building the foundations of a scalable MedTech company by combining scientific depth, product development, regulatory preparation, market understanding, and a strong expert network. We have been very deliberate in challenging our assumptions, validating our approach, and surrounding ourselves with the right people. The opportunity is significant, but we are approaching it with the discipline and execution mindset required to build a lasting company.