En Carta Diagnostics Raises $5.4M for At-Home Lyme Tests

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-10

En Carta Diagnostics, a Paris-based deep tech startup, just hit a major milestone. They announced the first close of $5.4 million in funding to bring their at-home molecular tests for Lyme disease and STIs to market. This is big news for anyone tired of waiting days for lab results. ### The Funding Breakdown The round includes $3.2 million in equity led by Blue Forest Ventures, with help from Ring Capital and existing backers like CentraleSupelec Venture and 50 Partners Health. On top of that, they snagged $2.2 million in non-dilutive grants from Bpifrance. It follows a $1.6 million pre-seed round back in May 2024. "This first closing brings us closer to our mission of transforming access to testing," said Guillaume Horreard, co-founder and CEO. "By enabling patients to perform reliable molecular tests wherever they are, we can support earlier diagnosis, improve patient outcomes, and help relieve pressure on healthcare systems." ### What Makes En Carta Different? Founded in 2022 by Horreard and Margot Karlikow, the company is building a new kind of home diagnostic. Think of it as a pregnancy test, but for infections. It combines the accuracy of a lab PCR with the simplicity of a rapid test. No need for a clinic visit or complex equipment. Their secret sauce? Aptamers. These are molecules that bind to specific targets with high precision. They can be programmed to detect pretty much anything: genetic markers, pathogens, even veterinary issues. The result comes in just 30 minutes. ### Tackling Lyme Disease Lyme disease is a huge problem. It's the most common vector-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere, with 1.2 million cases each year. And it's getting worse fast. According to the CDC, cases are rising by 22.5% annually. Early detection is key, but current tests are slow and often require a doctor's visit. En Carta's first product targets early Lyme detection. They're already running clinical trials in Boston and Poland. And in January 2026, they snagged the FDA's Breakthrough Device Designation, which fast-tracks their path to the U.S. market. ### STI Screening Is Next But they're not stopping at Lyme. The company has inked a $14 million commercial partnership with AAZ, a French leader in self-tests. The goal? Bring rapid molecular tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea to Europe. We're talking millions of units over five years. "From FDA Breakthrough Designation to a $14 million commercial partnership, and now $5.4 million in financing, En Carta is delivering," Horreard added. "Our next milestone is getting our two products into the hands of patients and clinicians across Europe and the US." ### What's Next? With this cash, En Carta plans to push through regulatory approvals in both Europe and the U.S. They're also scaling up production and expanding their team. If all goes well, we could see these tests on shelves within a couple of years. - **Key takeaway:** At-home molecular testing is becoming a reality. - **Why it matters:** Faster diagnosis means better outcomes and less strain on healthcare. - **What to watch:** Clinical trial results and FDA decisions. This is a company to keep an eye on. They're not just building a better test; they're changing how we think about diagnostics altogether.