A New Zealand medtech creating a transportable neuroimaging gadget for speedy, point-of-care stroke detection, has raised NZ$7.28 million (A$6.2m) in a primary shut for its pre-Sequence A.
The elevate to this point for Wellumio was led by Nuance Linked Capital, with assist from Icehouse Ventures, NZ Development Capital Companions (NZGCP)’s Aspire Seed Fund, Pacific Channel, Booster, and Remedy Children Ventures. Angel investor teams Flying Kiwi and Enterprise Angels additionally chipped, in alongside worldwide traders through the New Zealand Authorities’s Energetic Investor Plus (AIP) programme and retail traders via Snowball Impact.
Wellumio is reworking stroke care with its moveable mind scan expertise, known as Axana, to quickly detect acute stroke and unlock remedy inside the essential ‘golden hour’, when each second counts for improved outcomes and restoration.
The brand new funding will go in the direction of constructing out the workforce and capability, advance medical improvement, refining Axana for scalable manufacturing, and ongoing medical analysis. The pre-Sequence A continues.
Stroke is a number one explanation for loss of life and long-term incapacity, but lower than 5% of sufferers at present obtain remedy inside the ‘golden hour’, when the chance of disability-free survival is highest.
Wellumio cofounder and CEO Dr Shieak Tzeng stated the big selection of traders validates each the medical want they’re addressing and the progress made with Axana.
“With this funding, we’ll construct our workforce and capability and speed up key medical milestones to advance our moveable, AI-enhanced MRI-based mind imaging expertise alongside the clinical-commercial pathway – to convey sooner, bedside stroke prognosis nearer to real-world emergency care when each second counts,” he stated.
“We’re inspired by the continued curiosity from traders who share our long-term imaginative and prescient as we construct the corporate’s subsequent part.”
Moveable diagnostics
The Axana scanner delivers MRI-based stroke diagnostics in a transportable, battery-powered system, weighing 50kg, designed to be used on the level of care. It removes the necessity for distinction brokers, cryogenics, or shielded rooms, so speedy mind imaging may be completed in emergency departments and different acute care environments.
Axana’s proprietary Pulsed Gradient Free Mapping (PGFM) expertise obtained a US patent in December 2025.
Nuance Linked Capital common accomplice and Wellumio board member Mitali Purohit stated the startup is tackling one of many best challenges in international healthcare.
“This funding permits Wellumio to proceed advancing Axana via medical improvement, strengthen strategic partnerships globally and construct a high-performing workforce,” he stated. “The progress achieved, and the demand from clinicians so far, reinforces our confidence on this breakthrough expertise, as the corporate continues to construct medical proof.”
The worldwide market alternative for stroke diagnostic imaging is estimated to be value greater than US$8.9 billion throughout in-hospital and pre-hospital care settings.
Elevate your perspective with NextTech Information, the place innovation meets perception.
Uncover the newest breakthroughs, get unique updates, and join with a world community of future-focused thinkers.
Unlock tomorrow’s traits at the moment: learn extra, subscribe to our publication, and turn into a part of the NextTech neighborhood at NextTech-news.com
