Calla Devices

WestBIC is an Enterprise Ireland partner providing hands-on startup support, funding readiness and investment preparation for early-stage founders in the west of Ireland.

Calla, a Galway-based start-up founded in 2019, specializes in maternal and infant care products. The company has developed a revolutionary breast pump technology that mimics an infant's natural suckling motion, promoting better infant health. Calla's vision is to become a global brand committed to advancing infant well-being.

Key supports received during start-up process & the role WestBIC played

Calla emerged from the University of Galway following a two-year commercialization fund project funded by Enterprise Ireland. In August 2024, Calla received the Pre-Seed Start Fund and was also selected as a beneficiary of the Pre-Seed + programme through WestBIC. This programme provided invaluable support in key areas such as financial planning, fundraising, and go-to-market strategies. The support included both group sessions and personalized one-on-one meetings, tailored to our specific needs and progress.

Future Plans

The U.S. is our primary target market, driven by high breastfeeding rates and short maternity leave, making a breast pump an essential device. By 2029, we project €21 million in revenue with three breast pump models on the market. Currently, we are in the clinical trial phase and preparing for a seed funding round in Autumn 2025.

Words of advice for new start-ups

For startups, understanding the different phases of your journey is crucial, knowing what each phase requires and how to leverage milestones to drive progress, particularly for ongoing fundraising. Instead of tackling everything at once, focus on filtering your endless to-do list down to a few key priorities and work towards achieving those.