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Phantom GI

Tel Aviv-based Phantom GI is developing PercStoma, a device intended to create an ostomy through a needle puncture rather than conventional abdominal surgery. The approach uses local anesthesia and X-ray guidance, potentially offering an option for bowel obstruction patients who cannot safely undergo an operation. The company has raised $5 million in seed funding led by Pitango HealthTech, with participation from RAD Biomed and RUNI Ventures. Phantom GI plans to direct the capital toward product development and preparation for clinical testing. PercStoma is intended to provide access to the bowel through a single puncture, after which a proprietary stent would connect the bowel to a standard stoma bag. Phantom GI is initially targeting patients with malignant bowel obstruction who are considered inoperable, while also exploring broader uses for ostomy procedures. Phantom GI was founded in 2025. Its leadership includes CEO Ido Sadan, co-founder and chief medical officer Eran Shlomovitz, and chief scientific officer Eliahu Bekhor. The company plans to begin the first phase of clinical studies in the United States, where it will assess whether the device can deliver the intended benefits safely in patients.

Fortastra

Fortastra is developing maneuverable, resilient spacecraft that can help protect critical space infrastructure and support national defense. The Torrance, California-based company combines onboard autonomy with high-rate manufacturing to address security needs in orbit. The startup raised $30 million in Series A funding led by First In. Upfront Ventures, Space Capital, Rsquared, Side Door Ventures, and ATX Ventures also participated. Mike Smayda leads the company. Fortastra will use the capital to advance and commission its on-orbit security platforms while expanding its engineering and operations teams. The company is also continuing work on spacecraft prototyping, flight software, relative navigation, proximity maneuvers, and perception systems. The funding will support development of a cost-optimized spacecraft bus intended for high-rate production, as well as expanded manufacturing infrastructure. Fortastra’s next phase includes building the capabilities needed to produce and operate spacecraft that can maneuver near other assets in orbit.

Universal Quantum

Universal Quantum is building quantum computers that can scale to millions of error-corrected qubits, with the goal of making the technology useful for real-world applications. The Haywards Heath, United Kingdom-based company develops systems designed to address the reliability and scaling challenges facing quantum computing. The University of Sussex spinout has raised $100 million in Series A funding, which it describes as the largest Series A secured by a UK-headquartered quantum firm. DCVC and Firgun Ventures led the round, with participation from EDBI, Artal, Integral GlobalTech, Main Sequence, Hostplus, NGS Super, IAG Capital, EdenBase, Eigenstate Holdings, SiteGround Capital, Dave Baszucki, Nauta Capital, and The Venture Collective. Founded in 2018 by Sebastian Weidt and Winfried Hensinger, Universal Quantum has raised more than $125 million to date. It is headquartered in Haywards Heath and operates across the United States, Germany, Japan, Denmark, and Australia. The company will use the funding to expand in the United States and Japan and grow its German hub in Hamburg. It also plans to advance and commercialise its quantum computing technology, supporting product development, go-to-market activity, and hiring as it builds out its international operations.