Direava Completes Series A Funding for Surgical AI Assistance System Development

On May 21, 2025, Direava Inc., headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round. The company secured investments from Nissay Capital and SBI Investment through a third-party allocation of shares. This funding will primarily be directed towards the enhancement of their cutting-edge AI-assisted surgical navigation system, which provides real-time support to surgeons by helping them recognize critical anatomical structures during procedures.

Key Uses for the Raised Funds

The investment will be allocated to several vital areas:

- Advancing the various modules of the AI-assisted system
- Expanding partnerships with medical institutions and recruiting talent both domestically and internationally
- Strengthening the framework for clinical research and regulatory approval processes in the United States and Europe, specifically focusing on PMDA and FDA approvals.

About Direava

Founded by an active surgeon, Direava is a startup dedicated to utilizing AI technology with a strong emphasis on a surgeon's perspective. Their goal is to reduce intraoperative complications. Currently, they are collaborating with over 40 institutions, including Keio University, to progress in product development.

Visit Direava's official website

CEO Yuji Takeuchi’s Insight

Yuji Takeuchi, CEO of Direava, expressed, "With this funding, we are prepared to advance to the next phase of growth, alongside the investors who resonate with our technology and vision. Our AI-assisted system, born from real-world experiences as a surgeon, aims to solve actual challenges in the highly practical field of intraoperative decision support. We will focus not only on the Japanese market but also on expanding into global markets such as the U.S. and Europe, strengthening our partnerships with medical institutions, and preparing for PMDA and FDA approval. Our mission is to 'change the future of surgery with AI,' and we’ll continue to engage closely with clinical settings to deliver technology that is genuinely needed in healthcare."

Investor Perspectives

Kenji Matsuo, Investment Manager at Nissay Capital, shared, "We have decided to increase our investment in Direava. Approximately two years ago, I met with founder Dr. Takeuchi, who spoke earnestly about his desire to change the future of surgery. Initially, I wondered if a busy physician could balance being a doctor and an entrepreneur, but witnessing his remarkable execution in product and business development has proven otherwise. Dr. Takeuchi, a former tennis player celebrated in a television segment as 'The Disappeared Genius,' continues to showcase his abilities in this new field. I am confident that if fully automated surgeries become a reality, the software developed by Direava will be at the forefront."

Michiko Nakayama from SBI Investment remarked, "I have been concerned about the societal challenges affecting surgeons and saw a pressing need to highlight their implicit knowledge and skills through technology. I believe that with Dr. Takeuchi and the Direava team as partners, we can bring these ideas to fruition. I support Dr. Takeuchi's passionate efforts to revolutionize surgical practices using AI and am optimistic about creating a world where surgeries are safe for both patients and surgeons."

Recruitment of New Team Members

Direava is actively seeking new talent to join their mission to 'transform the future of surgery with AI.' They are looking for individuals who can face challenges directly and provide truly valuable technology for both healthcare professionals and patients. This team collaborates beyond the boundaries of technology, clinical practices, and business to create impactful solutions. Potential candidates should be someone who persists through difficulties and takes responsibility for their commitments. If you want to contribute as a key player in changing the technological landscape of healthcare, Direava welcomes you.

Current job openings: Sales, Engineers
Contact: [email protected]