Oct 13, 2023

FluidAI Medical – a pioneer in utilizing AI for postoperative patient monitoring – recently announced that it has raised $15 million in Series A funding, led by SOSV and Graphene Ventures with participation from Boutique Venture Partners, Threshold Impact, Cur8 Capital, Leva Capital, Kyto Technology & Life Science, Juno Pharmaceuticals, and several esteemed angels, funds and government funding organizations. Following any surgical intervention, there are risks of adverse outcomes – irrespective of how minor or major the procedure may be. And these complications can range from infections, bleeding, and wound healing issues to significant disability or death. They not only jeopardize the health and recovery of the patient, but also place additional burdens on the healthcare system including prolonged hospital stays and increased medical expenses. Recognizing these complications early on is essential for the comprehensive care of surgical patients. Some of the most devastating complications that could occur after surgery are anastomotic leaks, which happens after surgery when there’s a connection (anastomosis) between two parts of the digestive tract. And a leak from this connection could lead to serious complications, including sepsis (blood infection) and death. On average, the leak rate stands at 8% across various types of surgeries, but this could spike to as high as 30% in more complex procedures. This condition also comes with a concerning average mortality rate of 12%. Per 1,000 patients undergoing colorectal surgery in the US, anastomotic leaks add an extra 9,500 days of hospital care and imposes an average additional cost of about $50,000 per affected patient. FluidAI’s first solution Stream Platform utilizes advanced sensors and an AI-driven algorithm that may prompt surgeons to identify these leaks earlier, helping surgeons achieve better clinical outcomes and efficiencies within the greater healthcare system. And FluidAI’s timely funding underscores the industry’s pressing need for innovative solutions that could ensure patient safety, reduce hospital stays, and ultimately cut down healthcare costs. The funding will enable FluidAI to expand into existing and new global markets, grow its dynamic team, amplify R&D efforts, and introduce novel AI-driven solutions catering to a broader range of postoperative complications. KEY QUOTES: “This funding not only validates our vision but also fuels our mission. At FluidAI, our goal is to continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible in postoperative care, ensuring patients recover safely and quickly. With the trust and support of our investors, we’re poised to make a monumental impact on how data informs care decisions.” Youssef Helwa, CEO at FluidAI “FluidAI is a perfect example of AI-powered proprietary sensing being developed to save lives. With FluidAI, surgeons can ensure better clinical outcomes, shorter hospital stays for patients, and cost efficiencies across the healthcare ecosystem. We’re thrilled to back the FluidAI team, a passionate group of scientists, engineers and healthcare professionals who are leading this compelling development in post-operative care.” Duncan Turner, SOSV GP “FluidAI is pushing the frontiers of AI for early postoperative leak monitoring in a way that could save many lives by detecting leaks earlier than what surgeons are accustomed to seeing today. Our investment marks a pivotal step in revolutionizing medical technology. Together, we are committed to a healthier, brighter future for all.” Nabil Borhanu, Founder & Managing Partner, Graphene Ventures