Jianhu Medical Secures Tens of Millions in Pre-A Funding to Advance Integrated 3D Dielectric Mapping and Pulsed Field Ablation Platform

VCBeat has learned that in September 2023, Jianhu Medical Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Jianhu Medical”) announced the completion of its Pre-A financing round, raising tens of millions of RMB. The round was led by Hangchuang Fund, with participation from Ruihe Capital. Existing shareholder Kunshan Industrial Technology Research Institute continued its support, and Zhiyin Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor. The successful closing of this financing round not only signifies strong recognition of Jianhu Medical by the capital market but also reflects firm confidence in its innovative technologies and market potential.

Jianhu Medical’s 3D Dielectric Pulsed Electric Field Ablation System Successfully Completes Animal Trials

With the advent of 3D mapping systems, an increasing number of atrial fibrillation patients are able to receive more precise and safe surgical treatments. However, the high cost of these systems, often priced at millions of yuan, along with self-paid consumables costing tens of thousands of yuan, has deterred many patients. Jianhu Medical is determined to break the “impossible triangle” of accessibility, high quality, and affordability in cardiac electrophysiology catheter ablation by leveraging two latest disruptive innovations: 3D dielectric imaging and nanosecond pulsed field ablation.(Recommended Reading: “Breaking the Impossible Trinity in Cardiac Electrophysiology: Jianhu Medical Develops an Integrated Solution for 3D Dielectric Mapping and Pulsed Field Ablation”)

As a next-generation 3D mapping and imaging technology, Jianhu Medical’s dielectric imaging technology represents a disruptive innovation over traditional electroanatomic mapping systems, providing more precise navigation for cardiac electrophysiology treatments. These technologies offer various high-end features and consumables for cardiac electrophysiology procedures at a significantly lower cost than industry competitors.

Jianhu Medical focuses on the field of cardiac electrophysiology and possesses a "three-pronged" portfolio comprising 3D electroanatomic mapping systems, energy platforms, and catheter consumables. It provides comprehensive solutions for cardiac interventional ablation procedures, enabling an intelligent closed-loop system for localization, diagnosis, treatment, and assessment in cardiac electrophysiological interventions.

Jianhu Medical has always firmly believed in the openness and collaboration of technology. Its STARTREK 3D dielectric mapping system not only supports its self-developed mapping and ablation catheters but is also compatible with authorized third-party products. This open collaborative model not only accelerates technological iteration and innovation but also provides partners with a robust technical platform, jointly driving progress in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.

Dr. Zhao Yongming, the founder, graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he studied under Academician Chen Yazhu, a renowned expert in biomedical engineering in China. Prior to founding his company, he served as R&D Director at the research and development centers of Medtronic, Siemens, and Philips Healthcare. He possesses extensive experience and profound, insightful expertise in medical imaging, energy platforms, and cardiac electrophysiology technologies.

The core R&D team brings together industry elites from internationally renowned medical device companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Philips, and Siemens. With over a decade of experience in their respective fields, they are true veterans of the industry. This team composition not only ensures technological cutting-edge capabilities but also provides a solid foundation for the company’s competitiveness in the market.

Jianhu Medical’s proprietary third-generation dielectric mapping technology undoubtedly provides the company with the most powerful imaging platform. The nanosecond PFA integrated cardiac ablation system, built around dielectric 3D mapping, along with a series of visualized catheters and consumables, not only further enhances the safety, precision, and intelligence of cardiac electrophysiology procedures but also, through its unique artificial intelligence algorithms, eliminates the need for large quantities of expensive pressure and magnetic field sensor consumables. This significantly reduces both the learning curve for electrophysiology procedures and the cost of consumables, positioning Jianhu Medical to stand out among domestic enterprises and emerge as a true dark-horse unicorn in this sector.

Regarding the acquisition of this round of financing,Founder ZhaoYongmingPh.D.It was stated that in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, long dominated by multinational corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, only disruptive, platform-based innovative technologies can break through the status quo. Furthermore, excellence in technology and product development is essential to compete effectively. We cherish the opportunities bestowed by this era and are committed to going all out.

Cong Risheng, Partner at Chuangrui Investment of Hangchuang FundIt indicates that there is a large population of patients with arrhythmia in China, creating rigid demand for diagnosis and treatment. Jianhu has accumulated profound expertise in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. Its unique 3D dielectric mapping technology not only significantly reduces the cost of consumables but also truly enables “green electrophysiology.” The company has currently developed a comprehensive solution combining 3D dielectric mapping with nanosecond-level pulsed field ablation (PFA), positioning it to become a platform enterprise for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac electrophysiology disorders. We look forward to the company’s continued deep engagement in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, bringing novel therapeutic approaches and favorable clinical outcomes to patients in China, and providing tangible and effective assistance to patients.

Wang Lin, Partner at Ruihe CapitalIt stated: We look forward to Jianhu’s work in the field of 3D mapping, which will elevate the performance of dielectric technology to a new level. In the future, Jianhu will be able to apply dielectric mapping, a cost-effective medical visualization technology, to more scenarios.

Hangchuang Fund, fully named Hangshi-Chuangrui Advanced Medical Industry Investment Fund, was jointly initiated by Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Hangshi Group”) and Shanghai Chuangrui Investment Management Co., Ltd. Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Hangshi Group”), established in June 2001, is a large-scale wholly state-owned investment group directly under the Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government. Hangshi Group has been listed among the Top 500 Chinese Enterprises for six consecutive years since 2018, ranking 152nd in 2023. Shanghai Chuangrui Investment Management Co., Ltd., officially established in 2009, is an investment company that manages both equity investment funds and platforms for the commercialization of medical technological achievements. With promoting the upgrading of China’s healthcare industry as its core value, it is committed to investing in high-end medical technology innovations in China and worldwide.

Ruihe Capital was founded in 2010 by seasoned professionals from the industrial and financial sectors. Guided by the mission to “facilitate innovative growth for enterprises, promote industrial optimization and upgrading, and drive social progress,” the firm focuses on early-stage investments in information technology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and cultural creativity. In the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector, Ruihe Capital has led investments in outstanding companies such as Menovo, Titan Scientific, Arno Therapeutics, Huaxian Pharmaceuticals, Zhihe Biotechnology, Meike Medical, and Leming Pharmaceutical.

Zhiyin Capital is a leading boutique investment bank and venture capital firm based in Suzhou, specializing in innovative biopharmaceuticals. The company’s business areas cover innovative drugs, medical devices, and healthcare services.

Zhiyin Capital operates three core business segments: investment banking, corporate advisory, and asset management. Upholding the service principles of professionalism, focus, efficiency, and empowerment, the firm has provided private equity financing and M&A services totaling over RMB 10 billion to numerous innovative pharmaceutical companies, medical device enterprises, and hospitals in China. It is committed to creating star projects with distinct “Zhiyin” characteristics through full-industry-chain empowerment.