European orthodontic leader, Impress, has just scored over €123 million for its tech-driven approach to the sector. The Barcelona-based startup is now on track to expand globally and digitize the orthodontic experience. 

Making orthodontic treatment digital was a unique idea back in 2019 when Impress was founded by renowned orthodontist Dr. Khaled Kasem and serial entrepreneurs Diliara and Vladimir Lupenko. Until then, dentistry and orthodontic treatment were seen as something done manually and in the clinic. 

Based in Barcelona, Impress combines the best of orthodontic tradition with the most innovative technology in the sector – creating a hybrid tech-driven orthodontic clinic. The startup has just raised over €123 million in fresh funding, consolidating its position as a market leader in the sector – just 3 years after its launch. 

The Series B funding has had the support of LBO France, Norgine Ventures, and Claret Capital Partners. Existing investors TA Ventures, Uniqa Ventures and Nickleby Capital also participated in the round. 

For the disruptive company, technology is one of the main pillars of success. The digital orthodontic brand has a growing network of hybrid clinics that is leveraged by a top-tier clinical team and vertically integrated tech stack (including AI-driven Management Practice Software, patented treatment planning software, and best-in-class AI-driven treatment monitoring App). Recently Impress also put into operation one of the largest European R&D and clear aligner production facilities.

While DTC models keep losing credibility, Impress has bet on the hybrid model having tech-enabled orthodontic clinics since the very beginning. This has led to industry-leading sales conversion rates, an exceptional customer experience (NPS 84), and best-in-class clinical outcomes, all driven by a tech stack that is getting harder to replicate by the day. 

Diliara Lupenko, Co-founder and COO of Impress, explained: “We created an absolutely new orthodontic experience powered by tech. All of the processes are fully digitalized thanks to Impress own product and software. This accomplishment would not have been possible without close contact between our patients and medical team, because this is the only way we can understand their needs and expectations.”

The Barcelonian startup has also developed a mobile app to further enhance customer experience whilst undergoing teeth alignment treatment. Through the app, patients and doctors can connect around the clock, remote scans can be made, appointments can be booked and referrals can be made. Impress also has a new paid subscription model to provide current and non-Impress customers with post-treatment oral care services such as medical procedures, checkups, and consultations from the team of orthodontics experts. 

Already the company has more than 130 clinics across 8 different countries, including Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the UK, creating a unique and scalable business model with a strong base of proven success. Further, the team has been growing fast from its headquarters in Barcelona to now having a global headcount of 1000 employees. Impress also reports that 80% of the clinics are already profitable  – an impressive feat in just three years of operation. 

Valéry Huot, Partner Head of Venture at LBO France, said: “Impress is disrupting the orthodontics market while maintaining medical excellence and patient care at highest level. We are thrilled to join Impress shareholder base and contribute to its fantastic scale-up.”

Going forward, this funding will provide a boost to further European expansion, increased investment in tech, and, extending the in-house production facility. The scaleup is certainly soaring and it represents another Barcelona-based success story. 

Peter Stein, executive chairman at Norgine Ventures, added: “We are very excited by our investment in Impress. The clear aligner market represents an attractive growth opportunity. With this investment, we support a company that, since its inception in 2019, has achieved significant growth and geographical expansion, with a differentiated offering focusing on quality of care, patient journey and operational efficiency, and is well positioned to further grow and capture a significant share of the market.”