Sava's $36M Raise: A Microsensor That Could End Finger Pricks?

Jan de Vries · 2026-10-09

Imagine checking your blood sugar without a single finger prick. That's the promise behind Sava Technologies, a London-based health tech company that just raised $36 million to bring its tiny glucose microsensor to Europe. Sava's device is a wearable biosensor that detects molecules just beneath your skin. Unlike traditional continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that use a filament, Sava's microsensor is about ten times shorter. That means less skin disruption and a more comfortable experience for people with diabetes. ### The Big Deal: $36 Million and a Major Partnership The Series B round was led by Ascensia, a global diabetes care company. Other investors include Balderton Capital, Norrsken VC, Simplyhealth Ventures, JamJar Investments, and Pentland Ventures. This brings Sava's total funding to $68 million. But the money is only part of the story. Sava also announced a partnership with Ascensia to handle commercialization and distribution, starting in Europe. Ascensia, a subsidiary of PHC Holdings, sells products in over 90 countries and has deep expertise in diabetes care. "For decades, continuous monitoring has been held back by the same legacy technology," says Renato Circi, co-founder and co-CEO of Sava. "This is about to change." ### How It Works: Smaller Sensor, Bigger Possibilities Sava was founded in 2019 by Imperial College London bioengineers Renato Circi and Rafaël Michali. After five years in stealth, the company emerged in June 2024 with over $8 million in seed funding. Their microsensor technology measures molecules in interstitial fluid—the fluid just below your skin. While it starts with glucose, the platform is designed to track other biomarkers too. That opens the door to continuous sensing far beyond diabetes. And because the technology was built for high-volume manufacturing from the start, it's meant to reach millions of people, not just a select few. ### What's Next: Clinical Trials and European Launch Sava is planning a pivotal clinical study this year. The goal? CE approval for non-adjunctive use, which means the device could be used to make insulin dosing decisions without routine fingerstick confirmation. That's the standard required for a CGM to replace, rather than supplement, blood glucose testing. If approved, Ascensia will lead the commercial launch in Europe. The capital from this round will fund manufacturing scale-up and commercial readiness. > "Microsensor technology has the potential to transform the day-to-day monitoring experience for people with diabetes," says Peter Bodlund, CEO of Ascensia. "By bringing together Sava's innovative technology with Ascensia's deep diabetes expertise, we have an exciting opportunity to address important unmet needs in diabetes care." ### Why This Matters for the U.S. Market While Sava's initial focus is Europe, the implications for the U.S. are huge. Diabetes affects over 37 million Americans, and many rely on CGMs. A smaller, more comfortable sensor could improve adherence and quality of life. Plus, the partnership with Ascensia—a company with a strong U.S. presence—suggests a potential stateside launch down the road. For now, all eyes are on Europe, but this is a space to watch. Sava's journey from stealth to a $36 million round shows that innovation in diabetes care is far from over. Sometimes, the smallest sensors make the biggest impact.