A New Zealand medtech creating a transportable neuroimaging gadget for fast, point-of-care stroke detection, has raised NZ$7.28 million (A$6.2m) in a primary shut for its pre-Collection A.
The increase to this point for Wellumio was led by Nuance Linked Capital, with help from Icehouse Ventures, NZ Progress Capital Companions (NZGCP)’s Aspire Seed Fund, Pacific Channel, Booster, and Remedy Youngsters Ventures. Angel investor teams Flying Kiwi and Enterprise Angels additionally chipped, in alongside worldwide traders by way of the New Zealand Authorities’s Lively Investor Plus (AIP) programme and retail traders by Snowball Impact.
Wellumio is reworking stroke care with its transportable mind scan expertise, known as Axana, to quickly detect acute stroke and unlock remedy inside the important ‘golden hour’, when each second counts for improved outcomes and restoration.
The brand new funding will go in direction of constructing out the group and capability, advance scientific growth, refining Axana for scalable manufacturing, and ongoing scientific analysis. The pre-Collection A continues.
Stroke is a number one explanation for demise and long-term incapacity, but lower than 5% of sufferers at the moment obtain remedy inside the ‘golden hour’, when the chance of disability-free survival is highest.
Wellumio cofounder and CEO Dr Shieak Tzeng mentioned the wide selection of traders validates each the scientific want they’re addressing and the progress made with Axana.
“With this funding, we are going to construct our group and capability and speed up key scientific milestones to advance our transportable, AI-enhanced MRI-based mind imaging expertise alongside the clinical-commercial pathway – to deliver quicker, bedside stroke prognosis nearer to real-world emergency care when each second counts,” he mentioned.
“We’re inspired by the continued curiosity from traders who share our long-term imaginative and prescient as we construct the corporate’s subsequent section.”
Moveable diagnostics
The Axana scanner delivers MRI-based stroke diagnostics in a transportable, battery-powered system, weighing 50kg, designed to be used on the level of care. It removes the necessity for distinction brokers, cryogenics, or shielded rooms, so fast mind imaging will be executed in emergency departments and different acute care environments.
Axana’s proprietary Pulsed Gradient Free Mapping (PGFM) expertise acquired a US patent in December 2025.
Nuance Linked Capital common associate and Wellumio board member Mitali Purohit mentioned the startup is tackling one of many best challenges in world healthcare.
“This funding permits Wellumio to proceed advancing Axana by scientific growth, strengthen strategic partnerships globally and construct a high-performing group,” he mentioned. “The progress achieved, and the demand from clinicians so far, reinforces our confidence on this breakthrough expertise, as the corporate continues to construct scientific proof.”
The worldwide market alternative for stroke diagnostic imaging is estimated to be value greater than US$8.9 billion throughout in-hospital and pre-hospital care settings.
