Utrecht-based Vitestro, a startup on a mission to be the first to bring autonomous blood drawing technology to European hospitals, announced on Tuesday that it has raised €12M in a Series A round of funding.
The round was led by Silicon Valley-based Sonder Capital, a firm that backs early-stage medical technology companies.
The round also saw participation from existing investors and new private investors with experience in the clinical laboratory and medtech industry.
An autonomous blood drawing technology
Billions of blood samples are taken each year worldwide. Despite playing a crucial part in clinical diagnosis, it is hampered by a lack of qualified healthcare employees. This is where Vitestro looks to make a difference.
Founded in 2017 by Toon Overbeeke and Brian Joseph, Vitestro aims to bring autonomous blood-drawing equipment to hospitals in Europe.
The company’s device combines AI-based, robotic needle insertion and ultrasound-guided 3D rebuilding to ensure precise and safe blood collection. It has already tested its prototype on more than 1,000 individuals.
With a dedicated staff of about 50 skilled individuals, experienced in medical robotics, imaging software, AI, QA/RA, and business development, Vitestro claims to be currently making good progress toward achieving its goal.
The company has reported that clinical trials will resume in 2023, and a 2024 launch on the European market is expected.
Capital utilisation
Vitestro says it will use the funds to accelerate product development, prepare EU market authorisation, and initiate production.
Overbeeke says, “This financing round marks a new phase of growth for Vitestro which brings the company closer to its mission of improving the venipuncture procedure for hundreds of millions of patients per year.”
“We look forward to growing the business and transforming patient care with Sonder Capital, leveraging their expertise in successfully commercialising medical robotic technologies.”
Joseph adds, “Sonder Capital has a track record of creating lasting value for patients and hospitals. Vitestro’s long-term commitment to its customers will be supported by this partnership.”
Dr Fred Moll joins as a non-executive member
With this deal, Dr Fred Moll, Managing Partner of Sonder Capital, has been appointed as a non-executive board member of Vitestro.
Dr Moll has been called “the father of medical robotics” after successfully co-founding Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Hansen Medical, and Restoration Robotics, and most recently was the founder and CEO of Auris Health (acquired by J&J in April 2019 for $5.75B).
Dr Moll says, “Medical robotics will make optimal outcomes available to everyone. I strongly believe Vitestro will set the world standard in autonomous blood drawing.”
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