Biolux Research Secures $14M Series A Funding to Advance OrthoPulse, a Device That Cuts Orthodontic Treatment Time by 50%

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) has learned that medical device company Biolux Research recently completed a $14 million Series A financing round. The round was led by Venrock, with participation from Correlation Ventures, company insiders, and other investors. Following the completion of the financing, David Thrower was appointed as CEO of Biolux Research. He succeeds Kevin Strange, who previously served as the company’s CEO.

Biolux Research, established in 2003 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is a medical device company. The company is dedicated to developing novel orthodontic technologies that enhance treatment outcomes and patient comfort through safe, effective, and non-invasive methods. It has developed an oral orthodontic accelerator called OrthoPulse, which uses low-level light energy to stimulate the bone surrounding the tooth roots, thereby facilitating tooth movement and reducing treatment time for braces or clear aligners.

OrthoPulse is compatible with both clear aligners and traditional wire braces. It is extremely easy to use, requiring only 10 minutes of daily application (5 minutes for the upper teeth and 5 minutes for the lower teeth). This can accelerate orthodontic treatment by 50% while also reducing pain. Additionally, users can monitor their orthodontic progress, estimated completion time, and other information via a mobile app. The device received FDA approval in 2015 and is currently sold in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Venrock partner Cami Samuels stated, “The orthodontics industry is large and continues to grow. We believe Biolux Research can secure a significant position in the orthodontics sector. Biolux Research has developed a novel product that transforms how orthodontists deliver treatment, creating an orthodontic device that delivers greater consumer satisfaction.”

David Thrower holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computational science from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, and has previously led multiple medical device companies. Upon his appointment as CEO of Biolux Research, he stated, “OrthoPulse creates tremendous value for orthodontists and consumers. I look forward to leading the Biolux Research team in making this device the global standard of care in orthodontics.”

Venrock, founded in 1969 and headquartered in California, United States, is a venture capital firm. The firm focuses on investing in technology and healthcare companies. It invested in Intel Corporation in 1969, Apple Inc. in 1978, and the gene sequencing company Illumina in 1998.

Correlation Ventures, established in 2006, is a venture capital firm headquartered in California, United States. The firm manages over $350 million in assets. It has built the most comprehensive venture capital database in the United States, covering nearly all U.S. venture capital transactions over the past two decades.

(Compiled by Jiao Yanli)