AI HEALTH
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, but many people only find out they have it after a heart attack.
Cleerly, an AI-powered imaging startup, wants to change this by spotting early-stage coronary artery disease through CT scans.
It’s similar to how mammograms and colonoscopies detect cancer.
Founded in 2017 by cardiologist James Min, Cleerly grew from a clinical programme at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
The company is running a large clinical trial to prove its software can find heart problems in people without symptoms better than current tests like blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
Here’s what’s happening
Cleerly’s software uses CT scans to spot coronary artery disease earlier and less invasively than traditional methods.
Cleerly has Medicare approval and is commercially available, addressing 15 million heart-related cases a year.
Cleerly raised $106 million in a Series C extension round, building on $223 million secured earlier.
From stress tests to smart tech
If Cleerly gains full regulatory approval, it could screen larger populations, creating big market opportunities.
Its latest funding, led by Insight Partners, will support growth and trials.
Although extension rounds can sometimes signal slower growth, Insight’s managing director Scott Barclay says Cleerly is growing fast, and the funds will help drive expansion.
Cleerly’s plaque analysis software has been approved by Medicare and has been available for four years.
With insurers covering its diagnostics, Cleerly is set to grow even more.
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