Keensight Capital, a European venture capital firm, has acquired a majority stake in a long-standing breath analysis tech specialist.
Keensight revealed the investment in a news release on Oct. 13. The value of the deal and percentage of the firm’s new controlling interest was not disclosed.
Bedfont Scientific, established in 1976, has a portfolio of breath testing devices used for diagnosing and managing asthma, detecting gastrointestinal disorders and smoking cessation. These breath and gas analysis instruments are distributed in over 70 countries.
Bedfont is highly renowned for its fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing capabilities. Nitric oxide is a biomarker for airway inflammation that is particularly associated with asthma.
This is not the first medtech company that Keensight has invested heavily in. The VC firm also took a majority interest in Isto Biologics this September. Isto is a bone repair specialist that is very knowledgeable about the spine.
“Bedfont is a pioneer in breath biomarkers used to diagnose asthma and other medical conditions,” said Keensight Partner Amit Karna. “Their success in the respiratory space perfectly aligns with Keensight’s focus on backing technologies that positively impact patient care.”
There are only a select few other companies that focus on using breath analysis technology to diagnose and manage asthma. ZEPHYRx, Breath Diagnostics and Owlstone Medical are the others worthy of note.
“As we move forward with Keensight, the leadership at Bedfont remains the same and I’m not leaving [to quote Jordan Belfort 😄]” stated Bedfont CEO Jason Smith. “Together, we’ll take Bedfont to the next level, expanding globally and continuing to make breath analysis technology accessible to all.”
This week, Bedfont showcased its technology at the Primary Care Network Respiratory Study Day 2025 event in London.
According to a 2025 report from Roots Analysis, the global market for breath analyzers is worth almost US$4 billion. It will expand with 15 per cent compound annual growth for the next 10 years, the assessment claims.
Read more: Breath Diagnostics leaders promote their mission at Miami investment conference
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