Early cancer detection is said to increase survival rates to over 80%. However, half the cancer patients are diagnosed late, making their survival rates bleak. But there’s good news, as New York-based Ezra, a healthcare AI startup’s Full Body Scan enables early cancer detection to more at-risk people.
In a recent development, Ezra raised $21 million in new funding, which brings the total funding secured by the company to $41 million. The round was co-led by Healthier Capital, a VC firm led by Amir Dan Rubin, former CEO of Amazon’s One Medical, and FirstMark Capital.
It also saw participation from Allianz Life Ventures, the Schwarzman family, former Chairman of England’s National Health Service (NHS) Lord David Prior, Gaingels, Republic, and Mana Ventures. Existing investors Credo Ventures (that backed ElevenLabs and Better Stack) Seedcamp, LDV Capital, Accomplice, Founders Future, Vlad Tenev, Anne Wojcicki, and Esther Dyson.
In addition to the investment round, Amir Dan Rubin will also join Ezra’s Board of Directors.
Expansion plans ahead
Ezra will use the investment to accelerate its expansion to 20 cities and 50 locations across North America in 2024. Currently, it operates at 18 locations across New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, Miami, and Las Vegas.
It will also continue building AIs to make full-body MRI scans more affordable. Furthermore, it will leverage its FDA-cleared AI technology to reduce the time it takes to complete an MRI scan.
By deploying its AIs at leading imaging centres, Ezra offers consumers the ability to access full-body MRI scanning at much more affordable pricing and supports imaging centers in increasing throughput, efficiency, and affordability.
Full-body MRI in minutes
Founded in 2018 by Emi Gal, Ezra monitors for possible cancer and 500+ conditions in up to 13 organs, giving individuals the ability to detect potential cancer and other diseases at an earlier stage through preventative, proactive, and ongoing cancer screening via the company’s Full Body MRI scan.
Ezra doubled its revenue in 2023, and received FDA clearance for Ezra Flash AI, enabling the launch of the world’s first 30-minute full-body MRI scan enhanced by AI. Implementing AI in the cancer screening process, the company aims to reduce the price of an Ezra Full Body MRI scan by 40%. As per the company, the Ezra Full Body Flash is one of the most affordable full-body MRI scans on the market.
With the fresh investment, the company plans to introduce the world’s first 15-minute full-body MRI, priced at around $500 in two to three years.
“Five years ago, Ezra pioneered the full body MRI space by being the first company in the US to offer fast, accurate, affordable, AI-powered full body MRI scans. We have since scanned thousands of people and have helped countless individuals identify cancer and over 500 other types of diseases early,” said Emi Gal, Founder and CEO of Ezra. “This year, 10 million people will receive late-stage cancer diagnoses, with survival chances below 20%. At Ezra, we aim to detect cancer early for these 10 million people, improving their chances of getting cured. I’m thrilled to join forces with Healthier Capital and Amir Dan Rubin to further our goal of making cancer screening more affordable and accessible.”
“At Healthier Capital, we are excited to see how the Ezra team, led by Founder & CEO Emi Gal, is leveraging AI in imaging to significantly increase affordability, access, and outcomes,” said Amir Dan Rubin, CEO and Founding Managing Partner at Healthier Capital.
“As a long-standing board member and investor in Ezra, I have witnessed first-hand the remarkable progress and impact this company has made in the field of early cancer detection,” said Rick Heitzmann, Co-founder & Partner at FirstMark Capital. “Ezra’s recent advancements in AI-powered full body MRI scans represent a significant leap in making cancer screening more accessible and affordable, and I am incredibly proud to be part of this mission to detect cancer early for everyone.”
