BRANFORD, CT – October 29, 2026 -- Urologic Design closed an oversubscribed $1.2 million pre-seed round to move its patented urinary incontinence device toward a first-in-human study.

Angel Investor Forum leads a syndicate of regional and university-linked backers

Angel Investor Forum, described as Connecticut's primary angel group, led the equity round. HBS Alumni Angels of Boston, Haven Founders Fund, Connecticut Innovations and Yale Angels joined, along with several individual investors.

Matthew Stannard, Life Sciences Lead at Angel Investor Forum, said the firm backed the company because it bridges the gap between absorbent products and surgery. He called first-in-human testing "an important step on the path to commercialization."

Proceeds fund R&D, regulatory work and clinical preparation

The money will support continued R&D, regulatory activities and preparations for the company's first clinical study. The product is a urethral occlusion device for men.

Urologic Design has already built a working prototype, secured IP protection and completed extensive bench testing. The initial study will enroll a small cohort of men with stress urinary incontinence, and preparations are beginning.

Founder targets a 25-million-patient U.S. population

Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. David Hesse said 25 million people in the United States live with urinary incontinence. He described existing options as uncomfortable and cumbersome, and said the company is developing a simple, temporary alternative.

Hesse, an Associate Professor of Urology at the Yale School of Medicine, founded the Branford-based company in 2022.