Samsung Medison, the medical device unit of Samsung Electronics, has announced its plan to acquire Sonio, a Paris-based startup specializing in AI-powered software for ultrasound workflows. The acquisition is valued at approximately $92.7 million (KRW 126 billion).
Sonio’s AI assistant is designed to assist obstetricians and gynecologists in evaluating and documenting ultrasound exams. The startup has also received regulatory clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its product, Sonio Detect. This product utilizes deep learning algorithms to enhance the image quality of ultrasound scans in real time.
By acquiring Sonio, Samsung Medison aims to enhance its capabilities in delivering AI-driven imaging workflows to the market. Samsung Electronics, which owns a majority stake of 68.45% in Samsung Medison, initially acquired Medison for $22 million in 2011.
After the acquisition, Sonio will remain an independent company and continue its commercial growth while offering products and services in France. This approach allows for collaboration between Samsung Medison and Sonio while maintaining the startup’s autonomy.
Sonio was founded in 2020 by Cecile Brosset (CEO) and Remi Besson (CSO). In August 2023, the startup secured $14 million in a Series A funding round led by Cross Border Impact Ventures. Overall, Sonio has raised a total of $27.2 million from investors such as Elaia, Bpifrance French Tech Seed, OneRagtime, and angel investors, according to Tracxn.
Yong Kwan Kim, CEO of Samsung Medison, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating that it aligns with their commitment to improving people’s lives through technology. He believes that the collaboration with Sonio will revolutionize prenatal ultrasound exams by combining top-notch ultrasound AI technology and reporting capabilities.
Cecile Brosset, CEO of Sonio, also expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Samsung Medison’s established global ultrasound business and Sonio’s advanced AI capabilities. She believes that the collaboration presents a significant growth opportunity for both parties. Additionally, as an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, including in underserved areas of healthcare.
Overall, the acquisition of Sonio by Samsung Medison signifies a significant step in the advancement of AI-driven diagnostic imaging in the medical field. The collaboration between the two companies has the potential to bring about a paradigm shift in prenatal ultrasound exams, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes for patients worldwide.