Alesi Surgical in Cardiff raises £5m to expand its innovative surgical smoke management technology globally.
- The investment round was led by Mercia Ventures, joined by current investors like IP Group and Panakès Partners.
- Alesi’s technology addresses the risks of surgical smoke with a system considered 23 times more effective than alternatives.
- The firm’s leading tool, IonPencil, has received FDA approval, broadening its market to cover 80% of surgeries.
- New funding aims to boost Alesi’s growth in the US, Europe, and Japan, enhancing compliance with emerging smoke management regulations.
The Cardiff-based medical technology company, Alesi Surgical, has successfully raised £5 million in a significant equity round. This investment is a substantial boost to their ambition of expanding the reach of their pioneering technology worldwide. Leading the funding round was Mercia Ventures, with continued support from existing investors such as IP Group and Panakès Partners. This infusion increases Alesi’s total raised funds to an impressive £21 million.
Alesi Surgical’s cutting-edge technology is designed to address the hazards posed by surgical smoke, which is produced during numerous medical procedures. The presence of toxins and viruses in this smoke presents health risks, while also disturbing visibility during surgeries. Notably, Alesi’s solution has been independently verified to be 23 times more effective in reducing smoke emissions during laparoscopic surgeries compared to current solutions.
The company’s flagship product, the IonPencil, has achieved FDA clearance, allowing it to be utilized in routine surgeries—operations that make up the vast majority of surgical procedures. Legislation mandating smoke management policies is already in place in 18 US states, heralding a significant opportunity for Alesi Surgical as these regulations push healthcare facilities towards better smoke management solutions.
Alesi Surgical’s headquarters operate out of the Cardiff Medicentre, employing a dedicated team of 15 professionals. With the new funding, Alesi is poised to ramp up its presence in the US market and pursue regulatory approvals to further penetrate Europe and Japan. The IonPencil tool represents a vital component of their strategy, offering a comprehensive smoke management solution for surgeries across the board.
Dominic Griffiths, Alesi Surgical’s CEO, has expressed enthusiastic support for the development, highlighting the positive feedback from surgeons on the IonPencil. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive feedback we received from surgeons,” Griffiths shared, emphasizing the technology’s potential to enhance compliance with newly enacted smoke management legislations.
Robert Hornby, investor director at Mercia Ventures, affirmed the strategic importance of this investment. He noted that increasing regulation will likely drive demand for superior smoke management solutions, positioning Alesi favorably in the medical technology market. “The introduction of IonPencil will open up a much wider market,” Hornby stated, underlining the device’s advantages over existing systems.
Alesi Surgical’s strategic funding is set to enhance its global footprint, addressing vital health and regulatory needs in surgical environments.
