Founded by Dr Martin Fergie and Prof. Richard Byers, and led by Dr Sam Perona, Spotlight is building technology to support faster diagnosis of lymphoma and leukaemia – diseases where delayed diagnosis can cost lives. Its platform uses proprietary computer vision models trained on UK hospital datasets to streamline lymph node and bone marrow biopsy diagnostic workflows.

The company is addressing a £15B+ global opportunity in cancer diagnostics – and represents one of the few female-led innovations in the AI MedTech space.

The investment is part of a larger £1.125M round– alongside support from DeepBridge Capital and Lyva Labs, EHE Ventures, UKI2S and the AXM managed Liverpool Seed Fund.

River Capital Investment Director David Walters, said,

We are delighted to participate in the latest Spotlight Pathology fund raising round.   We have been in discussion with Martin, Samantha and Richard for some time and felt that now was the right time to support the business as they move into the commercial phase of their journey.  

Spotlight Pathology are a great example of tech for good, using Applied AI and with a rich data resource they have developed from their NHS research phase they are set to become become an important part of the cancer diagnosis pathway.

Dr. Sam Perona, CEO of Spotlight Pathology, said:
“There’s a critical shortage of pathologists, and the stakes are high—delayed diagnosis means delayed treatment. Our platform gives clinicians the tools to confidently streamline diagnostic workflows.”

“This investment is a major step forward in bringing our technology to market and improving the diagnosis of blood cancers”

With this funding, Spotlight will complete its AI platform development, and launch programs across the UK, Europe, and the US.

 ENDS