Symphera, a startup based in Munich, has recently attracted significant attention with its innovative approach to improving surgical procedures. The company secured €2.4 million in funding from a seed round led by High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) to enhance its laparoscopic surgical systems. These systems are designed to streamline operations by automating the process of instrument switching, potentially transforming the efficiency of surgical workflows. This funding is aimed at propelling Symphera’s technology into the pre-clinical testing phase and preparing it for certification, ensuring it meets regulatory standards.
Previously, Symphera was founded in 2023 and has its roots in a collaboration between the Technical University of Munich and the University Hospital in Basel. The startup’s focus on automating tool-switching in laparoscopic surgeries marks a shift from traditional manual methods to more efficient automated systems. This development could potentially reduce operating times and improve patient outcomes, aligning with trends in the medical device industry towards automation and precision.
Innovative Surgical Solutions
Symphera’s technology enables surgeons to switch between tools seamlessly with the press of a button. This advancement removes the need for manual instrument changes, allowing surgeons to maintain focus on the procedure itself. Such efficiency is likened to using a multipen, where various tools are available at the user’s fingertips, enhancing the surgical process.
Backing from Key Investors
The funding round was backed by a consortium of investors, including Bayern Kapital, CARMA FUND, UnternehmerTUM Funding for Innovators, Stern Stewart Ventures, IRCAD, and several business angels. HTGF, a key early-stage investor in the sector, has a substantial track record in financing startups within Deep Tech, Life Sciences, and other technology domains. HTGF’s involvement in Symphera underscores its potential value in the medical technology space.
Dr. Jan Engels from HTGF expressed, “With its surgical tool, Symphera addresses the entire spectrum of laparoscopy, from improving the standard workflow to robot-assisted applications, making Symphera a strong venture case in a highly interesting field.”
Prof. Jacques Marescaux of IRCAD noted, “Symphera’s approach to automating tool-switching is not only innovative—it’s revolutionary. We are excited to support them in bringing this technology to the operating rooms worldwide.”
Symphera’s success in securing funding highlights the growing investor interest in medical technology startups that promise to enhance surgical efficiency and safety. The company’s focus on laparoscopic procedures aligns with an increasing demand for minimally invasive techniques in the medical field. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve rapidly with technological advancements, automation in surgical processes could become a standard practice. This funding not only pushes Symphera towards further development but also places it at the forefront of innovation in surgical technology, potentially influencing future surgical methodologies globally.
