SenoGuard
About this raise
SenoGuard, with a valuation of $5 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company is developing an alternative to radiation for a safer breast cancer treatment. SenoGuard’s non-radiation breast cancer treatment will be affordable, accessible, and available to all and will help avoid pain, fatigue, and clinical and cosmetic damage caused by radiation. The company aims to allow breast cancer treatment to be done at community hospitals also and has been funded by National Science Foundation. Diana Tucker and Greig Altieri founded SenoGuard in November 2019. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $1.24 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for research, patent protection, product development, and general and administrative expenses.
Investment Overview
Committed $50,900 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2019
- Industry
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B2C
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- High
Financials
- Revenue -56.1% YoY
-
$112,383
as of FY2024
- Monthly Burn
-
$9,000
as of Mar '25
-
Runway
-
10 months
as of Mar '25
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Synopsis
SenoGuard is a company in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry, focused on developing an alternative treatment for breast cancer that does not involve radiation. The company aims to provide a safer and more accessible option for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment, particularly after a lumpectomy. SenoGuard's primary customers are community hospitals and breast cancer surgeons who seek to offer their patients a non-radiation treatment option.
The problem SenoGuard addresses is the reliance on radiation therapy after a lumpectomy to eliminate remaining cancer cells, which often results in toxicities and undesirable side effects. Traditional radiation therapy can lead to pain, fatigue, and both clinical and cosmetic damage. Additionally, the requirement for daily radiation sessions over several weeks poses logistical challenges for patients who live far from treatment centers or cannot afford to take extended time off work.
SenoGuard's solution is a treatment that freezes cancer cells during the lumpectomy procedure itself, eliminating the need for prolonged radiation therapy. This approach aims to reduce the physical and logistical burdens on patients and healthcare providers. By integrating this treatment into the surgical process, SenoGuard allows patients to avoid the extended and repeated visits to radiation centers, making breast cancer care more accessible and less disruptive to patients' lives.
In everyday scenarios, patients facing breast cancer treatment often have to travel long distances to specialized centers for radiation, which can be both time-consuming and costly. SenoGuard's procedure allows treatment to occur in community hospitals, potentially reducing travel and associated expenses. Moreover, it addresses the common concern of treatment fatigue and the impact of radiation on one's physical appearance, which can affect a patient's quality of life and mental well-being.
Price
SenoGuard is offering investment through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a valuation cap of $5 million and a 20% discount. This structure allows investors to convert their investment into equity at a future date, typically during a priced equity round, based on the agreed terms. The valuation cap sets a maximum company valuation at which the investment can convert into equity, while the discount provides an incentive by offering shares at a reduced price compared to future investors.
To achieve a 10X return, SenoGuard would need to reach a valuation of at least $50 million at the time of exit. This would require significant growth in market penetration and revenue generation. Given the company's current pre-product stage, successful product development, regulatory approval, and market adoption are critical milestones that need to be achieved to enhance the company's valuation. The U.S. breast cancer therapeutics market, valued at approximately $9.9 billion, offers a substantial opportunity for growth if SenoGuard can capture a meaningful share.
The company's revenue multiple stands at 44.5x, reflecting the early-stage nature and high expectations for future growth. High revenue multiples can indicate overvaluation, suggesting that investors may face unfavorable deal terms unless the company demonstrates rapid growth and market traction. A successful exit would likely depend on SenoGuard's ability to scale its operations, secure strategic partnerships, and expand its market presence.
Market
The U.S. breast cancer therapeutics market, which SenoGuard targets, is valued at approximately $9.9 billion, with a growth rate of 7.3%. This substantial market size presents a significant opportunity for companies offering new treatments and technologies. Key market drivers include the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, advancements in medical technology, and a growing emphasis on personalized and less invasive treatment options.
Trends towards reducing treatment-related side effects and improving patient quality of life can positively impact SenoGuard's potential growth. The company's non-radiation treatment aligns with the demand for alternatives that minimize harmful side effects associated with traditional therapies. This alignment with patient and provider preferences could facilitate market acceptance and adoption.
SenoGuard's product appeals primarily to a niche segment within the broader market. It targets patients who undergo lumpectomies and seek alternatives to radiation therapy, as well as healthcare providers at community hospitals who can integrate this treatment into their offerings. While not addressing the entire breast cancer therapeutics market, the company's focus on this specific need allows it to differentiate itself within a competitive landscape.
Team
SenoGuard's team is led by CEO and Founder Diana Tucker, who brings extensive experience in implementing disruptive technologies within corporate healthcare environments, including roles at Johnson & Johnson and AMO. Her background in advancing women's healthcare and molecular testing aligns with SenoGuard's focus on developing innovative breast cancer treatments.
Dan Wittenberger serves as the Chief Technology Officer, with over 30 years of experience in medical device engineering and cryoablation technology. His expertise in designing and launching novel cryo-energy medical devices is crucial for the development and refinement of SenoGuard's non-radiation treatment.
Robb Finnemore, the Chief Financial Officer, has over 25 years of experience in financial management, investment banking, and life sciences ventures. His ability to optimize company funds and manage financial operations supports SenoGuard's strategic financial planning and resource allocation.
Dr. Darius Francescatti, the Chief Medical Officer, is an Associate Professor of Surgery with a focus on breast cancer. His role as a clinical advisor for breast cancer startups and his experience in surgical procedures provide the medical expertise necessary for guiding the clinical aspects of SenoGuard's product development.
The team's combined expertise in medical technology, financial management, and clinical practice is well-aligned with SenoGuard's objectives of developing and commercializing a new breast cancer treatment. However, as the company progresses towards regulatory approval and market entry, expertise in regulatory affairs and commercialization strategies may be beneficial to bridge any potential gaps and ensure successful product launch and adoption.
Differentiation
SenoGuard distinguishes itself in the breast cancer treatment market by offering a non-radiation alternative post-lumpectomy. In comparison, competitors like IceCure Medical, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic focus on various medical technologies and solutions, including cryoablation and other advanced therapies. IceCure Medical, for instance, also utilizes cryoablation technology but targets broader oncological applications, whereas SenoGuard is specifically focused on breast cancer treatment.
Boston Scientific and Medtronic, as large, established companies, offer a wide array of medical devices across different healthcare sectors. Their size allows for extensive research and development capabilities, potentially leading to high-quality products. However, their broad focus might limit the specialized attention SenoGuard dedicates to its niche market. Pricing strategies for these larger companies often reflect their established brand and comprehensive product offerings, which may differ from SenoGuard's potentially more accessible pricing aimed at community hospitals.
The target customer demographics for SenoGuard include women undergoing lumpectomy procedures, particularly those who prefer treatment options available at community hospitals. This demographic often seeks alternatives to traditional radiation therapy due to concerns about side effects and the logistical challenges of accessing specialized treatment centers. By focusing on this specific group, SenoGuard aims to meet the needs of patients looking for effective, less invasive treatment options that can be administered in more accessible healthcare settings.
Performance
SenoGuard's financial performance reflects the challenges of an early-stage company in the healthcare sector. The company's annual revenue dropped from $256k in the previous fiscal year to $112k in the most recent fiscal year, indicating a year-over-year decline of approximately 56%. This decrease underscores the hurdles in generating consistent revenue while still in the development phase.
The most recent monthly burn rate stands at $9k, with cash on hand reported at $90k. This suggests a runway of approximately 10 months, assuming current expenditure levels remain constant. This cash position highlights the importance of securing additional funding to sustain operations and continue development efforts.
In terms of financial metrics, SenoGuard's revenue multiple is 44.5x, which is relatively high for a company at this stage. This multiple suggests that the current valuation is based on future growth expectations rather than existing financial performance. The company has yet to reach profitability, with a net loss of approximately $31k in the most recent fiscal year, compared to a smaller loss of $3.5k in the prior year. These figures illustrate the financial challenges faced by SenoGuard as it navigates the path to commercialization and market entry.
Risk
SenoGuard faces several specific risks that are crucial for potential investors to consider. One significant risk is the company's status as a moonshot. This classification implies a high-risk, high-reward scenario, where the company's success depends on achieving substantial breakthroughs in its technology and market adoption. Such ventures often carry a heightened level of uncertainty and require considerable time to materialize.
The company is also categorized as early to market, presenting adoption risks. Being a pioneer in a new treatment modality means SenoGuard must educate both healthcare providers and patients about the benefits of its non-radiation approach. This learning curve can slow down market penetration and acceptance, impacting revenue growth.
Additionally, SenoGuard's current financial trajectory shows a large year-over-year revenue drop, with revenue decreasing from $256k to $112k. This decline raises concerns about the company's ability to maintain consistent revenue streams, which is critical for sustaining operations and funding continued development.
The company operates with a revenue multiple of 44.5x. While not exceedingly high, it suggests that the company is valued based on significant future expectations rather than current financial performance. This could present a risk if growth targets are not met. Moreover, SenoGuard's path to commercialization is still in its early stages, with significant milestones such as FDA clearance required before market entry, adding regulatory risk to the mix.
Bullish Outlook
SenoGuard presents several factors that contribute to a bullish outlook. The U.S. breast cancer therapeutics market, valued at approximately $9.9 billion and growing at 7.3%, offers significant opportunities for growth. The company's focus on a non-radiation treatment provides a unique advantage in meeting the market's demand for safer, less invasive options. This positioning allows SenoGuard to capture a niche segment of patients and healthcare providers looking for alternatives to traditional therapies.
The team, led by Diana Tucker, brings substantial experience in healthcare and medical technology, which aligns with the company's goals of developing and commercializing a novel treatment. The support from the National Science Foundation, through grants to finalize the design and perform human specimen testing, underscores the credibility and potential impact of SenoGuard's approach.
Growth drivers include leveraging emerging trends towards personalized and less invasive cancer treatments. The company's ability to offer a single-session procedure during lumpectomy positions it well to expand into community hospitals, increasing accessibility for patients who might otherwise face logistical challenges with traditional radiation therapy. Additionally, the potential for global expansion exists, especially in countries where mastectomy remains the primary option due to limited access to radiation centers.
From a financial perspective, SenoGuard's current valuation allows for favorable investment terms, with a valuation cap of $5 million set for future equity conversion. This provides early investors an opportunity to benefit from potential future growth. While the company currently faces financial challenges, securing additional funding through its SAFE offering could bolster its cash position and extend runway, supporting ongoing development and market entry efforts.
Bearish Outlook
SenoGuard faces several challenges that contribute to a bearish outlook. The primary market challenge is the adoption risk associated with being early to market. Educating healthcare providers and patients about a new non-radiation treatment modality requires significant effort, and the company could struggle to gain traction if the market remains hesitant about shifting from established radiation therapies.
Compared to competitors like IceCure Medical and Boston Scientific, SenoGuard is at a disadvantage due to its smaller size and limited resources. These larger companies have the capacity for extensive R&D and established distribution networks, making it difficult for SenoGuard to compete on product quality and reach. Additionally, the company lacks strategic partnerships that could enhance its market presence and credibility.
The team, while experienced in healthcare and medical technology, might need additional expertise in regulatory affairs to navigate the complex approval process and commercialization strategies. Without this, the company may face delays in bringing its product to market, further hindering growth.
Financially, SenoGuard is challenged by low revenue growth, with a significant drop from $256k to $112k year-over-year. This decline raises concerns about the company's ability to generate consistent revenue streams. With a high revenue multiple of 44.5x, the valuation may not be justified by current financial performance, suggesting that the investment terms might not be favorable compared to industry benchmarks.
Growth inhibitors include potential regulatory hurdles, as obtaining FDA clearance is critical yet challenging. Limited market adoption remains a risk, especially if the company cannot effectively communicate the benefits of its treatment. The current cash position and burn rate indicate that additional funding will be necessary to sustain operations and achieve milestones, which could prove difficult if investor confidence wanes.
Executive Summary
SenoGuard is focused on developing a non-radiation treatment for breast cancer, targeting patients who undergo lumpectomies and seek alternatives to traditional radiation therapy. Its core customers include community hospitals and breast cancer surgeons looking for safer, more accessible treatment options.
The company is raising funds through a SAFE with a $5 million valuation cap and a 20% discount. Despite a significant year-over-year revenue decline from $256k to $112k, the company maintains a monthly burn rate of $9k with $90k cash on hand. The high revenue multiple of 44.5x suggests that current valuations are based on anticipated future growth rather than existing financial performance.
The U.S. breast cancer therapeutics market, valued at approximately $9.9 billion and growing at 7.3%, offers significant opportunities. SenoGuard differentiates itself by targeting a niche segment with its non-radiation approach, competing against established players like IceCure Medical and Boston Scientific. Its focus on community hospitals helps position it within the competitive landscape.
The team, led by Diana Tucker, brings relevant experience in healthcare and medical technology. Their expertise aligns with SenoGuard's goals, although additional regulatory and commercialization expertise may be needed. Risks include the company's status as a moonshot and early market entry, which present adoption challenges and financial uncertainties.
Bullish factors include alignment with market trends favoring less invasive treatments and a niche focus that could drive adoption. Bearish factors involve financial instability, high valuation multiples, and the challenges of pioneering a new treatment modality.
Overall, SenoGuard presents a mixed investment opportunity. The company's innovative approach and alignment with market trends offer growth potential. However, significant risks related to financial health, market adoption, and regulatory hurdles must be carefully considered. Investors should weigh these factors to determine if SenoGuard aligns with their investment strategy and risk tolerance.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $250,000
- Grants
- $1,000,000
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11/30/2025 | Wefunder | $5,000,000 | $50,900 | SAFE | Active | RegCF |