Zebra
Zebra Scans the Internet
We prescribed this MedTech AI startup a major dose of brand awareness
Challenge
Zebra’s technology offered an opportunity within the healthcare industry that sparked our disruption detectors. Healthtech is always ripe for innovation, so we set about working on a plan to build consumer trust in machine-learning as a solution to antiquated digital imaging problems. We needed to position Zebra’s application of artificial intelligence to show that disease detection doesn’t have to be a constant, expensive process. But first, Zebra needed cash and it needed FDA approvals; just bumps in the road. So we broke out the bulldozer and put in place a plan to plow Zebra through. With the right pieces in place, we knew it would find success based on its innovative technology and needed applications.
Process
While artificial intelligence and MedTech might seem daunting, we had multiple angles to push to different media verticals. Zebra’s algorithms, while complex, could be broken down to very accessible use cases. Highlighting the applications of its machine learning in the medical field as it pertains to heart disease diagnostics, breast cancer detection, and CT scan upgrades, created a relatable hook for Zebra. This offered plenty of opportunities to position Zebra as a startup to watch.
In order to position Zebra for the multiple FDA approvals needed, we started looping in our closest media contacts to introduce them to this up and coming startup in the healthcare space and focused on getting the word out about its machine learning algorithms.
As the market started to chatter, we used that organic press to push our first funding story for Zebra, of $12 million, ultimately leading to multiple highly sought after FDA approvals.
Zebra’s team of experts showed their stripes as leaders of MedTech innovation
Solution
From Forbes and Fast Company, to TechCrunch and VentureBeat, our outreach positioned Zebra as a leader in machine-learning based disease detection, revolutionizing healthcare methodology for radiologists and patients.
Results
- Zebra received positive coverage in dozens of top tier publications, from its funding to its technology, and partnerships, there were plenty of success stories to tell
- Thanks to a strong PR push and application, Zebra was selected from thousands of applicants to be named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies
- Due to our efforts, Zebra was also selected as one of Wired Magazine’s “Tel Aviv’s Hottest Startups” list (twice!)
- Zebra’s use of AI and machine learning technology, alongside the trust built through media coverage, paved the way for multiple FDA approvals
- Due to our successful efforts of creating buzz and brand awareness around Zebra Medical Vision, the company was acquired by Nanox in 2021 for a reported $200M
Coverage
As featured in
“"Zebra Medical Vision is an AI platform that can accurately interpret medical scans, detect anomalies and provide a diagnosis. It has recently raised $30 million and received FDA clearance for chest X-ray triage product HealthPNX, which uses machine learning. The tool triggers an automatic alert for pneumothorax – accumulation of gas between the lung and the chest wall that can lead to lung collapse. It is typically diagnosed by chest X-ray scans, which are tricky to interpret."”Read article →
“"Amgen’s digital health and innovation team is collaborating with an AI and medical-imaging outfit called Zebra Medical Vision. It employs machine-learning techniques to rapidly and automatically review thousands of CT scans to determine if potential osteoporotic fractures can be detected sooner. With earlier detection, doctors are better positioned to start therapeutic intervention. This work has the potential to prevent costly and potentially life-altering osteoporotic fractures."”Read article →
“"The Israeli firm has created AI algorithms to read medical scans and detect anything untoward before humans can. Currently, its software can spot issues such as liver and lung disease and it is working on capabilities to recognize breast cancer and lung cancer."”Read article →
“"Zebra Medical Vision spent three years developing an end-to-end computer vision system capable of diagnosing breast cancer and predicting cardiovascular disease."”Read article →
“"For the last 5 years, Zebra has helped doctors make the right decisions by developing deep learning algorithms for interpretation of medical images, working with data and research partners to train and improve the algorithms and validate their efficacy, and integrating Zebra’s products with the workflow of practicing radiologists.'”Read article →
“"Tel Aviv is beginning to shake off its reputation as Europe’s exit capital. “The main change is the transformation from startup nation to scale-up nation,” says Eyal Gura, a serial angel investor and co-founder of Zebra Medical Vision (which made this list in 2015). “We’re seeing a new type of bold VCs and entrepreneurs trying to scale companies to levels that haven’t been seen before.'"”Read article →
