Dutch medical robotics company Vitestro has raised Series A financing worth €12m to launch what it claims to be the world’s first autonomous blood drawing device in the European market.
Existing investors and new private investors contributed to the US-based Sonder Capital-led funding round.
Vitestro plans to use the proceeds to expedite product development, prepare EU market authorisation and initiate production.
Vitestro CEO and co-founder Toon Overbeeke said: “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.”
Vitestro’s autonomous blood drawing device combines artificial intelligence (AI) and ultrasound-guided 3D reconstruction with robotic needle insertion to ensure a precise and secure collection of blood.
Vitestro co-founder and commercial director Brian Joseph said: “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.”
Said to be intuitive to use, the blood drawing device empowers patients to be self-efficacious during the complete blood collection procedure.
The device is designed to fully perform blood drawing procedures automatically, from tourniquet to bandage application.
Vitestro has tested the device prototype on more than 1,000 patients and clinical studies are planned to be continued this year. The product is planned to be launched in the European market next year.