In classrooms across France, at least two children in every group struggle silently with dyslexia—a condition affecting 1.3 million students nationwide. But with only 25,000 speech therapists available, many families wait up to two years just to get an initial diagnosis. Now, a French medtech startup, Poppins, is working to change that.
Poppins has just secured €5 million in fresh funding to accelerate its innovative solution: a video game-based medical device that empowers children with dyslexia to improve their language skills at home. Designed to complement—not replace—traditional speech therapy, this app offers interactive exercises that help kids build critical skills with consistent practice.
A Major Leap Forward in Digital Dyslexia Therapy
This latest round was led by Racine2, the impact investment arm of MGEN, with management support from Serena and makesense. Previous investors including Bpifrance’s Patient Autonome fund, Eurazeo, Kurma Partners, BNP Paribas Développement, and Verve Ventures also joined in. With this third funding round, Poppins has raised a total of €20 million to date.
The capital will be used to embed Poppins more deeply into existing healthcare pathways, targeting Level 1 care referrals for children. By integrating with speech and language therapy programs, the app aims to make early intervention more accessible—especially in areas with limited clinical resources. Poppins also plans to become a société à mission (mission-driven company) by 2025, reinforcing its social commitment.
Science-Backed Tech With a Mission
Launched in 2018 by François Vonthron and Antoine Yuen, Poppins is the product of over seven years of scientific research. Built at the prestigious École Polytechnique and shaped by leading neurology and psychiatry experts, the app is based on a clinical-grade training protocol. It offers 31 engaging exercises that focus on written language and rhythm, all delivered in a child-friendly gaming format on smartphones or tablets.
Poppins doesn’t just rely on theory. It’s been tested rigorously—across over 6,000 families in France—through controlled studies including a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. The results speak volumes: consistent use leads to noticeable improvement in language processing skills, making it a game-changer for families stuck in long diagnostic queues.
Experts behind the app include renowned neurologist Prof. Michel Habib (AP-HM), psychiatrist Prof. David Cohen (AP-HP), and France’s national dyslexia association, Fédération Française des Dys.
Tackling an Urgent Public Health Challenge
According to CEO François Vonthron, the company is entering a new phase. “After years of collaborative research with clinicians and patient groups, we’re ready to embed our technology into care pathways,” he explained. “We’re focused on ensuring our solution reaches more children, especially those losing time and opportunity due to healthcare delays.”
Poppins aligns with the French government’s National Strategy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (2023–2027), which aims to improve early access to care and reduce waiting times—both crucial for academic and mental well-being.
Encouraged by early success, the company is also expanding its scope. Initial data from ADHD patients show that the Poppins model may benefit other neurodevelopmental conditions. To scale access, the team has applied for coverage under France’s PECAN (early support scheme for digital medical devices) so families can get reimbursed for the tool.
Making Therapy More Accessible and Affordable
Right now, a Poppins subscription costs about €30 a month, but many families already get support from employers or supplementary health insurance providers. Companies like MAE, Allianz France, Abeille Assurance, Groupe Pasteur Mutualité, PRO BTP, IRCEM, Kerialis, Audiens, and even Radio France are stepping in to help cover costs—showing that the need for digital dyslexia therapy extends beyond the healthcare system.
As Serena’s Eric Gossart puts it, “Learning disorders impact 8% of children, affecting everything from school to mental health and job prospects. Improving access to care isn’t just a health issue—it’s a public good.”
