Individuals and family offices provided financial support, including Nike co-founder Phil Knight. Other investors included the Oregon ToughTech BreakThrough Fund managed by ONAMI for Business Oregon and SOPHINCAP, the corporate venture fund of Laboratorios Sophia, an international ophthalmology company and leader in research and innovation.
“This $4.7 million in funding marks a pivotal moment for Osheru,” said CEO Patricia Buehler, MD. “It demonstrates the strong confidence in Ziplyft from both the medical community and investors, validating our vision to revolutionize blepharoplasty with cutting-edge technology.”
The Ziplyft device is designed to address challenges associated with conventional blepharoplasty procedures, including prolonged recovery times and the risk of complications such as wound dehiscence and asymmetry. Leverage Dr. Drawing on Patricia and Knute Buehler’s extensive surgical expertise and product development experience, Ziplyft promises reduced downtime and improved aesthetic results through its proprietary design.
According to the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), an estimated 1.7 million eyelid procedures were performed worldwide last year, representing a 24% increase compared to 2022. Blepharoplasty, a procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyelids, remains a of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in the United States, especially with the rise of video calls and selfies. Traditional methods, unchanged for decades, have fueled demand for safer, less invasive alternatives like Ziplyft. Osheru plans to commercialize the device in 2025.
“Despite the challenging fundraising environment for startups today, Osheru’s success in securing this round of funding underscores their tenacity and Ziplyft’s compelling value proposition,” said ONAMI President Skip Rung. “We are excited about the technology’s potential to positively impact patient outcomes.”
Patricia Buehler, a renowned ophthalmologist, won recognition earlier this year when Ziplyft won the Eyecelerator People’s Choice Award for its advancements in blepharoplasty techniques. Last year he won The Winning Pitch Challenge for best early-stage company at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), the largest US society dedicated to anterior segment surgeons.
In addition to announcing its latest funding round, Osheru also appointed John Garland as chief commercial officer. A veteran executive in the ophthalmology industry, Garland brings decades of experience in medical device innovation and commercialization, having managed global operations in 70 countries. His strategic leadership and passion for improving the surgeon and patient experience will be instrumental as Osheru accelerates its commercialization efforts, according to company officials.
“Joining Osheru to launch Ziplyft is an exciting opportunity,” said Garland. “This technology addresses key challenges in blepharoplasty, promising improved outcomes for patients and improved capabilities for surgeons. I look forward to leading its development and advancing the field of blepharoplasty.”
Osheru is a forward-thinking medical device company specializing in skin surgery solutions. It was founded by Dr. Patricia and Knute Buehler, Osheru aims to redefine the standard in blepharoplasty through the Ziplyft device, which is designed to improve surgical precision and patient recovery.
