Investment Firm, New Enterprise Association (NEA) Leads $10.5 Million Investment in Series C Funding Round for Ulthera

Based in Mesa, Arizona, Ulthera, the inventor of the Ulthera System, which is one of the first ultrasound devices approved by the FDA for aesthetic purposes announced on February 8, 2011, that it has completed a $10.5 million series C funding round which was led by NEA. Other investors who participated in the funding round include Apposite Capital, LLP.

Ulthera has been the first to develop an ultrasound system that has been approved by the FDA for aesthetic uses, such as skin rejuvenation safely. Since its inception, the company has been developing ultrasound developments for cosmetic surgery. The ultrasound system that Ulthera is currently marketing under the name of Ulthera System works by combining both ultrasound imaging and treatments. The device can use the ultrasound imaging to find out skin depth, damage to the skin, and many other dermatological diagnostic procedures. The system can also provide the ultrasound technology to help in curing the ailments that it diagnoses.

Other products that Ulthera has produced and has ready for market include the Ultherapy System, which can allow physicians to direct sound waves not only to damaged skin, but also to the tissues below the skin. What does this mean for both physicians and patients? Physicians can enjoy uniquely noninvasive procedures that is unique only to the Ulthera System. Furthermore, for patients, they can have an alternative to other more invasive procedures used in treating aesthetic skin damage. Some of these treatments that Ulthera can possibly replace include Botox, laser therapy, and, of course, surgery, something anyone wants only for a last resort.

Since Ulthera was founded in 2004, praises have been sung by the company’s investors due to its amazing growth. According to NEA’s principal, Dr. Justin Klein, M.D., the growth of Ulthera and the progress of it unique technology has been quite impressive with its flagship Ulthera System getting clearance from the FDA already in 2009. Dr. Klein further added that Ulthera is also investing in other companies who can provide the company with new and revolutionary technologies to improve its ultrasound imaging and therapeutic systems. Besides being the principal at NEA, Dr. Klein is also a member of Ulthera’s board of directors.

Praises about Ulthera don’t stop there. Matthew E. Likens, CEO of Ulthera, also added that the company’s management is also looking to advance further on a global scale by expanding its unique platform technology into other areas of both cosmetic and medical treatments.

NEA, short for New Enterprise Association, is a global venture capital and private equity firm which primarily invests in high growth companies who are in the healthcare, IT, and energy technology industries. The firm has two offices within the limits of Washington, DC and one office in Menlo Park, California, to run its US investments. NEA also has offices in China and India to run its international investments. NEA currently has over $11 billion in committed capital under its management and some other companies in NEA’s portfolio include 3-V Bioscience, Acorn Cardiovascular, Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Amicus Therapeutics, and others.

Apposite Capital is an investment firm which invests exclusively in companies who are in the healthcare industry. Apposite invests on a global scale with an unbeatable reach to Japan and the firm also has deep knowledge and resources in all aspects of the global healthcare industry. Some other companies in Apposite’s portfolio include Ambit, Anaphore, Cancer Partners UK, and others.