Samsung Plans to Buy French AI Startup, Sonio for $92M

Samsung Medison, a medical equipment leader, is acquiring Sonio, a French AI ultrasound software startup, for $92.7 million.

Wednesday, Samsung Medison, a medical device division of Samsung Electronics specializing in the development of diagnostic imaging devices, announced its intention to pay approximately $92.7 million (KRW 126 billion) to acquire Sonio. This Paris-based startup develops AI-powered software for ultrasound workflows. 

Sonio Detect, a product that employs deep learning algorithms to enhance the image quality of ultrasound scans in real-time, has also been granted regulatory clearance in the United States (FDA 510(k)). The AI assistant developed by the French startup is designed to assist obstetricians and gynecologists with the documentation and evaluation of ultrasound exams.

Samsung Medison stated that Sonio’s software would assist the company in developing more effective AI-driven imaging workflows. In 2011, for $22 million, Samsung Electronics acquired Medison, which holds a 68.45% stake in the medical device division. 

Samsung stated that Sonio will continue to operate independently in France, offer products and services, and expand its commercial operations after the acquisition. 

Sonio, founded in 2020 by Cecile Brosset (CEO) and Remi Besson (CSO), raised $14 million in August 2023 from Cross Border Impact Ventures in a Series A funding round. Tracxn reports that the organization has amassed $27.2 million in funding from a handful of angel investors, Elaia, Bpifrance French Tech Seed, and OneRagtime. 

“By acquiring Sonio, Samsung Medison will further fulfill its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through technological advancements,” stated Yong Kwan Kim, the chief executive officer of Samsung Medison. “By collaborating with Sonio, benchmark-setting ultrasound AI technology and reporting capabilities will be integrated to revolutionize the prenatal ultrasound examination.” 

Brosset, CEO of Sonio, remarked, “The combination of Samsung Medison’s well-established global ultrasound business with Sonio’s cutting-edge AI creates an exciting growth opportunity for both parties.” “We have discovered in Samsung Medison an exceptional and reliable partner in which to advance and execute our strategic plan and mission.” Sonio, operating as an independent company, will further develop medical reporting technology and diagnostic software on a global scale, with a particular focus on underserved healthcare regions and its close collaboration with Samsung Medison.