HERAN and icometrix: A strategic partnership based on impact and trust

Early involvement and investment

HERAN has been closely involved with icometrix since its early days, even before the formal establishment of the Fund (HERAN HealthTech Fund I). The initial investment was made in 2013 by founding partner Herman Verrelst, through his personal portfolio. In 2015, founding partner Annie Vereecken also joined the investment. Five years later, icometrix was transferred to the HERAN Fund. 

This decision stemmed from a strong belief in the impact of icometrix’s technology on clinical decision making. With diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s, determining a patient’s progress is difficult. This is where icometrix delivers impact; by quantifying neuroradiological indications. From the outset, this technology showed clear clinical value. 

From those first whiteboard sessions with Wim Van Hecke (Founder and CEO icometrix) and the team in 2013, I felt their vision deserved every ounce of support I could offer. Acting as a sounding board while we shaped the go-to-market strategy, helping secure growth capital, and later serving on the board were simply natural steps in a long, shared journey. Watching that early idea mature into a global solution for neurodegenerative care is deeply rewarding. The credit is Wim’s and the entire icometrix’s team’s. I’m just grateful to have played a small, supportive role.

Herman Verrelst, HERAN founding partner 

Active support throughout the growth journey

Throughout icometrix’s life cycle, HERAN played an active and strategic role. As a sparring partner to the management team, HERAN supported critical decisions around positioning, go-to-market strategies, and business development.

HERAN also contributed significantly to capital raising efforts and held a seat on the board of directors. As a board member, efforts centered on building out governance structures, attracting independent board members, and ensuring continuity and long-term alignment with the company’s vision.

HERAN’s value as an investor

HERAN’s added value was particularly evident in the early phases of the company’s development. Together with the icometrix team, key decisions were made about how the technology should evolve, which clinical domains to prioritize, and how to enter the market.

These choices proved vital in navigating the company’s lengthy development trajectory. icometrix secured regulatory approvals from authorities such as the FDA and its European counterparts, followed by the implementation of reimbursement frameworks. The success of this path demonstrates the importance of making the right decisions early on.
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It has been a privilege to support the exceptional icometrix team as they advanced the frontiers of AI in neuroradiology. Their rigorous approach to technology development, combined with a clear vision of getting their products to the clinic, has positioned them at the forefront of innovation in MRI. We are confident that, as part of GE Healthcare, they will continue to make a meaningful impact on patient care at a global scale.

Raf Roelands, HERAN partner

Exit and international validation

This long-standing collaboration resulted in a successful exit. The acquirer, GE Healthcare, is a global leader in medical imaging, with the largest installed base of MRI equipment worldwide. This provides icometrix with the platform to scale its technology rapidly and deliver meaningful impact to patients across the globe.

This exit clearly validates HERAN’s investment strategy: to back deeply differentiated technologies with proven clinical value and scalable potential.

At HERAN, we look back with pride on our journey with icometrix. From an early-stage start-up, the company evolved into an internationally relevant player with a validated product ready to transform clinical practice. This transformation was made possible by a strong partnership built on trust, strategic alignment, and a shared long-term vision.