Paris-based start-up Sonio raises US$14m to kick-start US expansion

The French software development company Sonio has secured US$14m to start the commercial development of its AI prenatal screening assistant in the US.

The “AI-powered” solution aims to automate ultrasound reporting and guide practitioners during foetal ultrasounds.

According to its developers, Sonio is the only SaaS platform that empowers healthcare professionals to secure prenatal care by combining technological innovation, medical expertise, and collective intelligence.

The platform, its founders argue, provides an AI software that associates the knowledge of prenatal medicine practitioners with all types of medical, imaging, genetic and environmental data to “optimise” prenatal screening and diagnosis.

The fundraising, led by North American impact fund Cross Border Impact Ventures and the Elaia funds, will support the Paris-based company to kick off the commercial development of its platform in the US and ramp up sales in Europe and India.

The funds will also fuel improvements to the SaaS solution and adapt its technology for the use of portable ultrasound scanners “providing image quality control and detection of potential anomalies”.

“Sonio has created an innovative platform that empowers foetal ultrasound technology, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of foetal medicine specialists,” commented Annie Thériault, managing partner at Cross-Border Impact Ventures.

“Additionally, it aims to bridge the increasing shortage of specialised healthcare workers worldwide. We take pride in leading this significant round of financing, as it contributes to the early growth of this venture.”

Cécile Brosset, CEO and co-founder of Sonio, said: “By supporting our technological and commercial growth, it makes it possible to achieve our mission. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a team of deeply committed experts, and I would like to thank them.

“Our board of directors is today in the image of Sonio, inscribed in the diversity of men and women, international, and in search of a model of both impact and growth.

“In a financing universe largely dominated by men, I am delighted to have found partners so aligned with our ambitions and who understood and valued Sonio’s mission as well as its strategy and rapid execution capacity.”