New imaging vendor focused on AI, robotics raises $36M with help from GE Healthcare
Laza Medical, a California-based healthcare technology company, has closed a Series A financing round worth $36 million. The funds are expected to go toward bringing in new employees and accelerating development of a new cardiac imaging solution that uses both artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics technology.
Investors included in the funding round were GE Healthcare, PA MedTech VC Fund, Unorthodox Ventures, and Dara Holdings.
Laza Medical is a privately held portfolio company of Shifamed, a California-based medical innovation hub founded by serial entrepreneur Amr Salahieh. Salahieh also serves as the chairman of Laza Medical.
“The closing of this significant financing round validates the large, unmet need Laza's solution will address, and we are grateful for the strong support of our investors,” Salahieh said in a statement.
“Obtaining high quality images of the heart is critical to improving diagnostic confidence and guiding cardiac interventions,” added Dagfinn Saetre, general manager of cardiovascular ultrasound at GE HealthCare. “We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this funding round for Laza Medical, who is working to pioneer innovative AI, robotics and ultrasound technology to help overcome some of the most pressing cardiac imaging challenges facing clinicians today.”
Shifamed’s growing presence in cardiology
Supira Medical, known for its percutaneous ventricular assist technology, and Akura Medical, known for its work on treating venous thromboembolisms, are two other Shifamed portfolio companies in the cardiovascular health space. Also, Shifamed had a significant presence at TCT 2023 in San Francisco.
“Shifamed has built an ecosystem where we design and develop next-generation medical products that aim to improve clinical standards and positively impact patients’ lives,” Salahieh said at the time.
More news from Laza Medical
Laza Medical also announced that Pablo Garcia has been hired to be its new general manager. Garcia has years of experience in the medical technology space, working with Verb Surgical and then Johnson & Johnson.
“I am delighted to have Pablo join and lead Laza at this important time,” Salahieh said. “His wealth of knowledge and expertise in both digital products and robotics will be critical as Laza drives towards its upcoming milestones.”
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.