AI-powered stroke care startup Viz.ai secures $50 million Series B to help physicians identify anomalies in brain scans through machine learning

Viz.ai, a healthtech startup and developer of the first synchronized healthcare software (Viz) using artificial intelligence (AI), has raised $50 million Series B funding to expand the benefits of Synchronized Care to more disease states and geographies, democratizing the quality of health care globally. The funding round was led by Greenoaks with participation from Threshold Ventures, CRV along with existing investors GV and Kleiner Perkins.

Founded in 2016 by Chris Mansi, David Golan, and Manoj Ramachandran, Viz.ai helps physicians to identify anomalies in brain scans through machine learning. The startup leverages advanced deep learning to communicate time-sensitive information about stroke patients straight to a specialist who can intervene and treat. It uses deep learning algorithms to identify a suspected large vessel occlusion, a particularly disabling type of stroke, in a CT scan and alerts the stroke team specialist within minutes. Its mission is to improve access to lifesaving treatments.

Through the De Novo FDA pathway, Viz.ai introduced the concept of computer-aided triage software; Viz uses deep learning algorithms to identify a suspected large vessel occlusion, a particularly disabling type of stroke, in a CT scan and alerts the stroke team specialist. This happens in minutes. By alerting the right doctor at the right time and synchronizing care, Viz has the potential to significantly reduce the time to treatment and greatly increase a patient’s chances of a good outcome.

“Viz.ai’s mission is to improve access to lifesaving treatments. In stroke, by saving time for the hospital system, we can achieve significant cost savings for the payer and most importantly, improved outcomes for the patient. This round of funding will enable us to expand the benefits of Synchronized Care to more disease states and geographies, democratizing the quality of health care globally,” said Chris Mansi, CEO of Viz.ai.

The San Francisco and Tel Aviv, Israel-based Viz.ai has emerged as one of the most exciting and fastest growing healthcare companies in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. The startup was recently named by Forbes as one of “America’s Most Promising Artificial Intelligence Companies.”

Viz.ai’s acute ischemic stroke software is now available in over 300 hospitals across the U.S. “Viz.ai shortens time to treatment, increases the number of patients able to receive lifesaving therapy, and allows us to provide the best care for our patients. With stroke being the number one cause of long-term disability, every minute counts! Viz.ai is reducing the impact of this devastating disease and saving lives,” said J Mocco1, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, Mount Sinai Health System.

Viz.ai is positioned to make a big impact on healthcare as a whole by curating the exponentially expanding healthcare data and making it immediately actionable for medical providers. “We see Viz.ai as the future of how healthcare is delivered. With rising costs and more focus on value-based care, there needs to be an emphasis on delivering the highest quality care in the shortest amount of time while reducing costs,” said Neil Shah of Greenoaks.

In February 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a De Novo clearance for Viz LVO, the first-ever computer-aided triage and notification software. Viz.ai announced its second FDA clearance for Viz CTP through the 510(k) pathway, offering healthcare providers an important tool for automated cerebral perfusion image analysis.