Samsung Medison Acquires French AI Ultrasound Startup Sonio for $92.7 Million

Samsung Medison to Acquire AI Startup Sonio for $92.7 Million

Samsung Medison, the medical imaging division of Samsung Electronics, announced on Wednesday its plan to acquire Sonio, a Paris-based startup specializing in AI-powered ultrasound software, for approximately $92.7 million (KRW 126 billion).

Sonio's innovative AI assistant is designed to aid obstetricians and gynecologists in evaluating and documenting ultrasound examinations. The startup has received FDA clearance in the United States (510(k)) for its product, Sonio Detect, which employs deep learning algorithms to enhance ultrasound image quality in real time.

Samsung Medison emphasized that integrating Sonio's software will enable it to deliver superior AI-driven imaging workflows to the healthcare market. Samsung Electronics holds a 68.45% stake in the Medison unit, which it acquired for $22 million in 2011.

According to the statement, following the acquisition, Sonio will maintain its independence, continuing to expand commercially and provide products and services in France.

Founded in 2020 by Cecile Brosset (CEO) and Rémi Besson (CSO), Sonio recently raised $14 million in a Series A funding round led by Cross Border Impact Ventures in August 2023. To date, the company has secured a total of $27.2 million from investors including Elaia, Bpifrance French Tech Seed, OneRagtime, and several angel investors, as reported by Tracxn.

“By acquiring Sonio, Samsung Medison can enhance our commitment to improving lives through technology,” said Yong Kwan Kim, CEO of Samsung Medison. “Our collaboration with Sonio will merge cutting-edge ultrasound AI capabilities with advanced reporting, leading to a significant transformation in prenatal ultrasound evaluation.”

Brosset, CEO of Sonio, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “The combination of Samsung Medison’s established global ultrasound business and Sonio’s advanced AI presents an exciting growth opportunity for both organizations. We view Samsung Medison as an invaluable partner in accelerating our mission. As an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technologies and diagnostic software globally, particularly in underserved healthcare markets.”