Feelbat has just raised €1.5 million, a sum that should enable it to become a major player in infrastructure monitoring in France.
The Réunion-based start-up Feelbat has announced a fundraising of 1.5 million euros to develop its innovations in building protection. This funding includes one million euros provided by the Réunion entrepreneurial fund Apicap and 500,000 euros in a bank loan from Bpifrance.
Launched in July 2020 by Jean-Christophe Habot, Feelbat offers a connected solution for the structural monitoring of structures (buildings, bridges, railways, mining industry, maritime etc). Its various sensors are capable of providing very precise data on the evolution of cracks, tilt, humidity, as well as many other parameters. They thus enable remote and real-time monitoring to prevent potential damage. Two new sensors will soon be available: Delta L+ Mini, the world's smallest autonomous and connected crack sensor with extended battery life and a patented mounting device, and DELTA HM for measuring wall moisture up to 2 cm deep. In parallel, the start-up is designing a pole and a drone system to remotely attach the crack sensor in hard-to-reach areas.
Team strengthening
The funds raised from Apicap and Bpifrance will primarily be used to strengthen the software, hardware, and sales teams at Feelbat, with the recruitment of 6 people by the end of 2024. Since its inception, the start-up has developed all of its solutions in-house thanks to its team of microelectronics and construction engineers. Feelbat has also just finalised a new web and mobile application, offering a more user-friendly interface and features tailored to market needs such as a new design, sensor comparison, and a functionality to test the SIGFOX network.
International expansion
The start-up aims to offer three new sensors every year with around ten new features on the application. It also plans to enter the European market in the coming months and to expand its global reach from 2025.