Impact Ventures PSM Seed invests in Preventix, a Mexico-based startup

Impact Ventures PSM has made its first investment in Latin America by backing Preventix, a groundbreaking cervical cancer screening solution developed by Mexican biotech firm Timser Group. The deal marks the official launch of the fund’s investment activity in the region.

A new chapter for early-stage impact investing in LatAm

Launched by Impact Ventures PSM and operated by Impacta VC, the PSM Seed fund is dedicated to supporting early-stage startups that offer scalable and sustainable tech-driven solutions to transform lives in Latin America. Its first bet, Preventix, embodies the fund’s mission to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We believe innovation must go hand in hand with lasting impact. That’s why we support projects like Preventix, which not only develop breakthrough solutions but also make them accessible and scalable to transform critical sectors across the region,” said Corinne Lebrun, managing partner at Impact Ventures PSM.

Preventix: A purpose-driven innovation in healthcare

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women worldwide. Early detection is key to combating this disease. Developed by Timser Group, Preventix offers a non-invasive, highly effective screening test that uses protein biomarkers in blood to detect precancerous lesions with an accuracy of over 85%—a significant improvement over the 60% effectiveness of traditional Pap smears.

What sets Preventix apart is its ability to operate without complex infrastructure, making it ideal for remote or underserved communities with limited access to medical services.

Empowering women-led innovation with global potential

Mercedes Gutiérrez Smith, founder and CEO of Timser Group, leads the project. Under her leadership, the solution has already reached international markets and gained patent protection in 153 countries.

“When we started Preventix, 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 partner with a fund that not only values innovation, but also the human impact it creates,” Gutiérrez Smith shared.

Why Preventix stood out to investors

The investment decision was driven by four key factors:

• Innovative technology: Preventix is a disruptive precision medicine tool for early detection of cervical cancer.
• Accessibility and scalability: Its model enables wide distribution, especially in low-resource settings.
• Female leadership: The startup is led by a team of women, contributing to gender equity in science and business.
• Global expansion: With patents in over 150 countries, the solution has the potential to become a global standard for preventive health.

By supporting Preventix, Impact Ventures PSM reinforces its commitment to fostering scalable innovations that create measurable change. The move sets a promising precedent for future investments targeting transformative healthtech and social impact startups in the region.