Impact Ventures PSM Seed Fund Announces Its First Investment in Preventix
Impact Ventures PSM Seed makes its first investment in Preventix, a Mexican startup that developed a noninvasive screening test.
Mexico City, May, 2025. The investment fund Impact Ventures PSM Seed announced its first investment in Preventix by TIMSER Group, a Mexican laboratory that developed a noninvasive, highly effective screening test for the early detection of cervical cancer. This transaction marks the official start of the fund’s investments in Latin America.
Impact Ventures PSM Seed is a fund backed by Impact Ventures PSM, the impact-investing arm of Promotora Social México, and operated by Impacta VC, a firm specializing in social and environmental impact venture capital. Its purpose is to support early-stage startups developing technology solutions with strong potential for scalability and sustainability to transform living conditions across the region.
Preventix is the first solution backed by this fund, which specializes in early-stage startups addressing social and environmental challenges through technological innovation and scalable, sustainable business models capable of transforming the lives of the most underserved people in Latin America.
“We believe innovation should go hand in hand with lasting impact, which is why we support innovative ventures like , which have not only developed solutions but also make them accessible and scalable to transform key sectors in the region,” said Corinne Lebrun, Managing Partner at Impact Ventures PSM Seed.
Preventix: Purpose-Driven Innovation in Health
Cervical cancer has been one of the leading causes of death among women worldwide, and early detection has been key to combating it. Developed by TIMSER Group, the Preventix test uses protein biomarkers in blood to detect precancerous lesions with an effectiveness rate exceeding 85%, compared with 60% for the traditional Pap smear. Its technology requires no complex infrastructure, making it easier to implement in settings with limited access to medical services.
"When we started Preventix, we knew we wanted to do things differently: bring reliable, accessible, and dignified technology to thousands of women. This investment from Impact Ventures PSM Seed helps us take the next step. We’re excited to welcome partners who believe not only in innovation but also in the impact it can have on people’s lives.", said Mercedes Gutiérrez Smith, founder and CEO of TIMSER Group, who has led the test’s international expansion, strengthening its market position and its contribution to women’s health.
The decision to invest in Preventix is based on four factors:
- Innovative technology: A disruptive precision-medicine solution that enables the early detection of cervical cancer.
- Accessibility and scalability: Its model has expanded access to screening tests in communities where timely diagnosis was limited.
- Women in leadership: A leadership team made up of women, advancing gender equity in science and business.
- Global expansion: With patents in 153 countries, Preventix had the potential to become an international standard in preventive health.
Impact Ventures PSM Seed: Driving Innovation for Sustainable Impact
With this investment, Impact Ventures PSM Seed reaffirms its commitment to innovation in health, advancing solutions that redefine access to prevention and well-being. Preventix by TIMSER not only marks an important step in the early detection of cervical cancer but also strengthens our commitment to business models that combine technology, sustainability, and scalability.
“This is only the beginning. We remain committed to supporting startups that are redefining impact and creating new possibilities for those who need it most”, Corinne Lebrun concluded.
Impact Ventures PSM Seed is the early-stage investment fund of Impact Ventures PSM, the impact-investing arm of Promotora Social México, operated by Impacta VC and created to strengthen startups that address social and environmental challenges with sustainable business models. As part of PSM’s impact ecosystem, the fund aims to expand access to innovative solutions by accelerating the growth of companies with a transformative vision.
