South Korean cardiovascular interventional medical device startup Raywatt has secured a $6.4 million (KRW 8.5 billion) Series A investment, pushing its total funding past $7.5 million (KRW 10 billion). The round saw participation from Korea Investment Partners, IBK, SBI Investment, L&S Venture Capital, Reinvestment, and Odastone Investment.  

Raywatt stated, “Our investors recognized the strength of our technology and growth potential, particularly in our Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)-based cardiovascular diagnostics and AI solutions, which led to their investment decision.”  

Raywatt’s proprietary cardiovascular OCT imaging system, FASTER, offers a world-class scanning speed of 400 frames per second, delivering real-time, high-resolution 2D and 3D images of coronary arteries.  

Unlike conventional imported OCT devices that require contrast agents, FASTER uses saline instead, reducing patient discomfort and minimizing the risk of side effects. The system also incorporates the single-use OCT catheter, Chouette, which minimizes vibrations during imaging to ensure stable vascular scanning and precise imaging.  

Founded by Professor Jin-Yong Ha of Sejong University’s AI Convergence Electronics Engineering Department, Raywatt plans to use this funding to enhance R&D, advance clinical applications, and accelerate its global market expansion.  

Jin-Yong Ha, CEO of Raywatt, stated, “With our world-class cardiovascular OCT technology, we aim to lead the market and establish ourselves as a globally trusted company. This investment will serve as a stepping stone as we prepare for an IPO through the technology-based special listing program by the end of next year.”