CMR Surgical, developer and manufacturer of surgical robotic system Versius, has raised £195 million ($240 million) to fully fund the global commercialisation of the business.

The Company has made significant clinical progress with its Versius surgical robotic system announcing the successful completion of 30 first-in-human surgical procedures in May 2019 as part of an ongoing clinical trial. CMR Surgical is expected to launch in hospitals across Europe and Asia imminently with further international expansion expected thereafter.

Erik Langaker, chairman of CMR Surgical, said: “We are pleased to welcome new US investors whose calibre and scale are reflective of the scale of CMR’s mission to transform surgery. I would also like to thank our existing investors for their long-term commitment in supporting this company to achieve its global mission. The significant capital injection in a UK scale-up reconfirms my belief that the Cambridge eco system has fostered a unique pool of diverse talents and competencies that will help drive our innovation in the years ahead. With new and existing investors onboard, CMR is well-placed to make surgical robotics accessible for all.”

This raise will be used to fund the business through the planned global commercialisation of Versius whilst supporting continued research and development, manufacturing and expansion.

The fundraise has been supported by existing investors: LGT, Escala Capital Investments, Cambridge Innovation Capital, Watrium, and Zhejiang Silk Road Fund as well as new US investors.

Umur Hursever, partner, LGT Lightstone, said: “CMR Surgical has significant potential to make a real impact on the surgical robotics market. As an existing investor, we are confident that the Company will disrupt the status quo and transform surgery for millions of people worldwide. CMR Surgical is one example of how LGT invests in innovative tech companies that develop groundbreaking solutions to sustainably improve quality of life for a large number of people.”

Biomimicking the human arm, Versius provides dexterity and precision to surgeons. In addition, the versatility and affordability of the system means it can be used across a broad range of minimal access surgery (MAS). CMR Surgical aims to make MAS universally accessible, rapidly increasing the number of robotic-assisted procedures that take place globally. The $3.7 billion global robotic-assisted MAS market is growing at 19% a year.

The robot is assembled, tested and shipped from its headquarters in Cambridge, and includes technology from several industries including satellite communications and a global supply chain.  

Martin Frost, chief executive officer of CMR Surgical, said: “We are delighted with the level of interest and support we have received from both new and existing investors. This is a really exciting time for CMR, having already completed a series of surgical procedures using Versius in a clinical trial, and we are on the verge of the commercial launch of the Versius system. We are strongly positioned to transform the global market of minimal access surgery, making it more accessible and affordable.”