New Delhi: On Wednesday, Samsung Medison, the medical device arm of Samsung Electronics specializing in diagnostic imaging devices, announced its intention to acquire Sonio, a Paris-based startup renowned for its AI-powered software tailored for ultrasound workflows, for approximately $92.7 million (KRW 126 billion).
Sonio’s AI assistant targets assisting obstetricians and gynaecologists in the assessment and documentation of ultrasound examinations. Notably, its product Sonio Detect has obtained regulatory clearance from the United States FDA 510(k), employing deep learning algorithms to enhance real-time ultrasound scan image quaality.
Samsung Medison expressed its anticipation that Sonio’s software would enhance its capacity to introduce superior AI-driven imaging workflows to the market. Samsung Electronics, which holds a 68.45% stake in Samsung Medison, acquired Medison for $22 million in 2011.
Post-acquisition, Samsung stated that Sonio would retain its autonomy as a company, continuing its commercial expansion and provision of services in France.
Sonio, established by Cecile Brosset (CEO) and Remi Besson (CSO) in 2020, had recently secured $14 million in Series A funding led by Cross Border Impact Ventures in August 2023. The startup has garnered a total funding of $27.2 million, with investments from entities such as Elaia, Bpifrance French Tech Seed, OneRagtime, and several angel investors.
Yong Kwan Kim, CEO of Samsung Medison, emphasized, “Through the acquisition of Sonio, Samsung Medison will continue to fulfil our commitment to enhancing people’s lives with technology.” Brosset, CEO of Sonio, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “Samsung Medison’s established global ultrasound business, combined with Sonio’s advanced AI, creates an exciting growth opportunity for both sides.”
She further added, “We have found in Samsung Medison an amazing, trusting partner to pursue and accelerate our roadmap and mission. In addition to close collaboration with Samsung Medison, as an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, including for underserved areas in healthcare.”
