Walela, an In-Utero Fetal Metabolic Monitoring Device

Walela is a US-based startup that is revolutionizing the tools and diagnostics that doctors can use to determine when emergency C-sections are required during childbirth.

Until now, about 80% of the emergency C-sections that are carried out are done so based on a doctor's best judgment (read: "by guessing"). Tools are currently used to determine fetal distress by taking periodic samples of the baby's pH levels and heart rate. However, the latest research is showing that these intermittent, manual tests are less helpful than being able to constantly monitor these signs to understand how they change over time and in relation to one another.

Walela's device is no bigger than the point of a needle and fastens to other continuous monitoring devices that are already used during childbirth, thereby keeping costs low and logistics easy.

Three Mast's Judy Robinett has taken the lead on Walela's Seed and Series A fundraising efforts by introducing the company to multiple VC firms and angel investing groups. Three Mast's European team has explored the use of EU grants to mirror Walela's latest clinical trials in Europe and to eventually bring the device across the pond, with multiple potential European partners expressing interest in collaborating.

This work is ongoing.