Samsung reportedly in talks to invest in US medical device firm

Samsung Electronics’ investment arm is reportedly in discussions to invest in Exo Imaging, a US-based medical device and software firm.

The South Korean company may participate in a private fundraising round led by Sands Capital, Bold Capital, and Qubit Health Capital.

Exo potentially raising around US$100 million in total.

The information has not been publicly confirmed as the discussions remain private.

Sources also indicate that Qubit Health Chairman Omar Ishrak, former CEO of Medtronic and GE’s healthcare division, may join Exo’s board.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Samsung’s decade-long healthcare strategy unfolds through strategic acquisitions

Samsung’s potential investment in Exo Imaging fits into a healthcare strategy that began over a decade ago with their 2011 acquisition of ultrasound company Medison.

That merger formed Samsung Medison, part of a larger commitment to invest $1.2 billion in medical devices with an ambitious target of $10 billion in healthcare sales by 2020 1.

The company has consistently expanded its healthcare footprint through partnerships with companies like Anthem and American Well for telehealth services, and care.ai for virtual care solutions integrated with Samsung displays 2 3.

Samsung’s investment approach combines strategic acquisitions with innovation initiatives, as seen in their collaborations with leading academic institutions like MIT Media Lab and healthcare organizations such as Brigham & Women’s Hospital to develop new health technologies 4.

This potential Exo deal, alongside talks of a Samsung Medison partnership, demonstrates how Samsung continues building a comprehensive healthcare technology portfolio spanning from consumer wearables to professional medical devices.

2️⃣ The rise of AI-enhanced portable ultrasound disrupting traditional medical imaging

Exo Imaging represents a significant evolution in medical imaging technology, focusing on handheld ultrasound devices enhanced with artificial intelligence for point-of-care diagnostics 5.

Founded in 2015, the company has attracted substantial investor confidence, raising $331.1 million prior to this potential $100 million round, suggesting strong market belief in portable ultrasound technology 5.