Toku Inc. Series A Preferred Investment Round Led by National Vision, Inc. and Topcon Healthcare
April 17 2023 - 4:17PM
Business Wire
To commercialize Toku’s artificial intelligence
platform that analyzes retinal images to detect cardiovascular
disease and other potential health risks
Toku Inc., a leader in applying AI-powered diagnostic and
screening tools to retinal imaging, announced today the closing of
its $8 million Series A Preferred financing round. The financing
was co-led by National Vision, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the
largest optical retailers in the United States, and Topcon
Healthcare, a leading provider of medical devices and software
solutions for the global eye care community.
The investment round will help Toku accelerate the development
of technologies that use artificial intelligence to analyze retinal
images for biometric markers linked to overall health and risk of
cardiovascular events, stroke, and diabetes. To maximize market
access, Toku applies its technology to leading retinal cameras.
“We are proud to gain the support of two companies that play
essential roles in vision care and optical technologies worldwide,”
said Toku co-founder and CEO Dr. Ehsan Vaghefi. “Over 80% of
cardiac events and diabetes related blindness could be prevented by
identifying risk and applying targeted interventions. We are
building a future in which more people have affordable access to
this critical health data -- all from analyzing a retinal
image.”
“Through AI-powered technology, Toku has found a way to identify
potentially life-saving information quickly, accurately, and
unobtrusively during a routine eye exam. We’re investing to help
make that technology available to everyone who relies on us to help
them see better, to live better, while also bridging the gap
between eyecare providers and primary care,” said Priti Patel,
O.D., National Vision’s Senior Vice President of Healthcare
Strategy and Development. “This is an opportunity to help shape AI
technologies that will prioritize better outcomes for patients and
deepen the quality of care we’re able to provide.”
“Topcon is supporting technology for early detection of diseases
of and through the eye,” said Akifumi Baba, President of Topcon
Medical Systems. “Toku retinal image analysis technology will do
just that by giving people access to potentially life-saving health
insights while overcoming traditional access and affordability
barriers that too often accompany new healthcare tools. We are
excited to provide our data science expertise to Toku Inc. and to
welcome them as our first Entrepreneur in Residence.”
About Toku Inc.
Toku Inc. is a cutting-edge technology company that specializes
in developing non-invasive, AI-powered diagnostic and screening
tools using retinal imaging to measure cardiovascular and other
health risk factors. The company's flagship product, the BioAge
Test, uses advanced imaging techniques to analyze various biometric
markers in the body to accurately measure an individual's
biological age. The test is highly accurate and can provide a
detailed report on an individual's overall health and potential
health risks, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. Toku is
committed to making its technology widely accessible, and the
BioAge Test will soon be available through its major partnerships
across the world.
The company's technology is built on the latest research in
artificial intelligence, and its team of experts includes leading
scientists and medical professionals.
About National Vision Holdings, Inc.
National Vision Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE) is the second
largest optical retail company (by sales) in the United States with
over 1,300 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico. With a mission of
helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more
affordable and accessible, the company operates five retail brands:
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses, Eyeglass World, Vision
Centers inside select Walmart stores, and Vista Opticals inside
select Fred Meyer stores and on select military bases, and several
e-commerce websites, offering a variety of products and services
for customers’ eye care needs. For more information, please visit
www.nationalvision.com.
About Topcon Healthcare
Topcon Medical Systems is a US subsidiary of Topcon Healthcare,
which is part of Topcon Corporation (TSE 7732). Topcon Healthcare
sees eye health differently. Our vision is to empower providers
with smart and efficient technologies for enhanced patient care.
Keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare
industry, we offer the latest integrated solutions including
advanced multi-modal imaging, vendor-inclusive data management,
safe distancing, and ground- breaking remote diagnostic
technology.
Topcon Healthcare is investing in startup companies focused on
healthcare innovation with emphasis on digital health and shared
care. The Entrepreneur in Residence program allows startups with
aligned technology to reside in Topcon Healthcare to help achieve
their strategic and business goals.
A truly global business, Topcon is focused on developing
solutions to solve societal challenges in the mega-domains of
healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure. In healthcare, these
challenges include increasing eye disease, rising medical costs,
access to healthcare and physician shortages. By investing in
value-driven innovations, Topcon works to help people to enjoy good
health and a high quality of life.
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Ehsan Vaghefi e.vaghefi@tokueyes.com +64 21 102 7705
(whatsapp)
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