Early-stage investor SFC Capital has invested in Surghive, the Teesside-based clinically led robotic surgery training company, as the business develops a new approach to training surgeons in robotic surgery. The six-figure investment, alongside backing from the Chadda Family, will support Surghive as it develops manufacturer-independent training for robotic surgery.
The investment was announced at a private event held at the London Stock Exchange, Seven Kingdoms of Innovation and the Capital, which brought together science and technology founders, investors and business leaders to celebrate the strength of science and technology businesses across the UK and the different innovation ecosystems that exist across the country.
Surghive was founded by Dr Rachael Coates, a robotic colorectal surgeon and the company’s chief executive, Christi Anderson, a finance and operations leader with more than two decades in financial services and professional services, including as a director at PwC, and Professor Deena Harji, consultant colorectal surgeon, academic and chief medical officer. Andy Wood, appointed non-executive chairman of Surghive in October, brings further commercial, product and governance experience to the company as it moves towards commercialisation. He is a technology business leader and former executive chairman of Cubic Motion, acquired by Epic Games in 2020.
The company is developing the immersive training software in response to the rapid adoption of robotic surgery and the corresponding need for accessible, scalable training for surgeons and the wider operating theatre team. Its manufacturer-independent approach is intended to give healthcare professionals opportunities to develop and practise skills without training being confined to a single robotic platform.
SFC Capital is a leading participant in the UK’s early-stage investment market, providing seed capital and support to promising British startups with significant growth potential.
Ed Stevenson, Fund Principal at SFC Capital, said: “Surghive is addressing an important challenge at the intersection of healthcare, technology and education. “As robotic surgery becomes increasingly established, there is a clear need for training solutions that can develop alongside the technology and be delivered at scale. “We have been impressed by the combination of clinical knowledge, technical ambition and commercial thinking within the Surghive team and look forward to supporting the company as it develops its technology and takes the next steps towards commercialisation.”
The Chadda Family, private investors, invested in the round alongside SFC Capital.
Shkun Chadda, science and technology investor, said: “We were attracted to Surghive because it is solving a real problem and isn’t technology for technology’s sake. “Robotic surgery is developing incredibly quickly, but the training has to develop with it. Giving surgeons the opportunity to practise and improve in an immersive environment has enormous potential. “We also really liked the team and at this stage of a company’s journey, you are investing in people as much as you are investing in technology.”
Dr Rachael Coates, co-founder and chief executive of Surghive, said: “Robotic surgery is advancing rapidly and training needs to keep pace. Our aim is to create a flexible and accessible way for surgeons and surgical teams to develop their skills, irrespective of the robotic system they are using. “Securing investment from SFC Capital and the Chadda Family is an important endorsement of that ambition and gives us additional momentum as we develop the platform.”
Christi Anderson, co-founder and chief operating and financial officer of Surghive, said: “This investment enables us to accelerate that work and continue building a product designed around the real-world requirements of surgeons, surgical teams and healthcare organisations.”
Professor Deena Harji, co-founder and chief medical officer of Surghive, said: “Effective training is fundamental to the safe and successful adoption of new surgical technologies. “Surghive brings clinical experience and technology together with the aim of creating training that is practical, relevant and capable of evolving as robotic surgery itself evolves.”
Surghive will use the investment to continue the development of its technology, strengthen the commercial proposition and progress plans to bring its immersive training platform to the surgical community.
