In a significant boost to the field of surgical robotics, Shanghai-based Ronovo Surgical has successfully closed a Series B funding round, raising an impressive $44 million. This latest financial injection is set to fuel the company's ambitious plans to bring its innovative Carina Platform to the Chinese market and lay the groundwork for global expansion.

The Carina Platform, Ronovo's flagship product, represents a leap forward in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Developed in close collaboration with experienced Chinese laparoscopic surgeons, this modular system is designed to address multiple pain points in minimally invasive procedures across various specialties.

One of Carina's standout features is its exceptional flexibility. The platform allows surgeons to configure the system optimally for each specific procedure, providing unparalleled anatomical reach and access. With up to five adjustable bedside modules, Carina can be tailored to suit the unique requirements of different surgical workflows.

Ying Mao, Ronovo's Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the rapid development of the Carina platform: "Taking Carina from concept design to completion of human clinical trial in three years is the result of our clinical-driven approach toward engineering, practicality in design decisions, and the remarkable dedication of our team."

The company's innovation extends beyond the Carina platform itself. Ronovo has built a comprehensive multi-product portfolio that includes surgical robotics, functional vision systems, and a full suite of surgical instrumentation. This holistic approach to surgical technology is backed by over 100 patent applications, underlining Ronovo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated Carina's versatility, with successful applications in urology, gynecology, thoracic, and general surgery. Based on these promising results, Ronovo anticipates receiving regulatory approval in China and commencing commercialization in early 2025. To support this launch, the company plans to construct a sprawling 130,000-square-foot facility.

Ronovo's vision extends beyond China's borders. The recent establishment of the Ronovo Institute of Surgical Excellence (RISE) in Orlando, Florida, marks the company's first international footprint. RISE aims to foster deeper clinical collaboration with top international surgical experts and medical societies, potentially paving the way for Ronovo's global expansion.

The $44 million funding round was co-led by Guolian Capital and INCE Capital, with participation from King Star Med and existing shareholder LongRiver Investments. This diverse group of investors signals strong confidence in Ronovo's potential to disrupt the surgical robotics market.

John Ma, CEO of Ronovo Surgical, expressed his gratitude and optimism: "Securing this round of financing from such an esteemed group of investors, despite challenging capital market conditions, is a significant acknowledgment of our vision, mission, and the execution of the team."

Ma emphasized that Ronovo's innovation efforts have been strategically focused on expanding Carina's application across multiple specialties, reducing the learning curve for surgeons, and improving cost-effectiveness. These factors could prove crucial in driving adoption in both the Chinese market and internationally.

This latest funding round builds on Ronovo's previous financial successes, including a $26 million raise last September and an earlier round that coincided with the unveiling of the Carina platform. The consistent investor interest underscores the potential impact of Ronovo's technology on the future of minimally invasive surgery.

As Ronovo Surgical prepares to bring the Carina Platform to market, the medical community watches with keen interest. If successful, this Chinese-developed surgical robot could not only transform healthcare delivery in China but also compete on the global stage, potentially reshaping the landscape of minimally invasive surgery worldwide.