ExSight Ventures Leads $30 Million Financing Round to Propel Development of the Polaris System for Eye Surgery
Horizon Surgical Systems, a pioneering company specializing in micro-robotics for eye surgery, has successfully closed a $30 million Series A financing round. This funding was spearheaded by ExSight Ventures, along with significant contributions from a major corporate investor, Main Street Advisors, and the University of California (UC Investments), among others. The capital raised will be instrumental in advancing Horizon’s innovative technology platform, facilitating the transition to first-in-human studies and expanding the company’s team.
The Polaris system, developed by Horizon, promises to revolutionize eye surgery by integrating advanced robotics, cutting-edge medical imaging, and artificial intelligence. This transformative technology aims to extend the capabilities of surgeons, enabling them to perform procedures with enhanced precision and safety, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding access to care.
To strengthen its governance, Horizon has recently expanded its board of directors, welcoming notable figures including Dr. Firas M. Rahhal, the Founder and General Partner of ExSight Ventures, and Dr. William A. Link, an expert in early-stage investments in biopharma and medical devices. Dr. Link brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Chiron Vision, which was sold to Bausch and Lomb in 1997, and as President of American Medical Optics (AMO), a division of American Hospital Supply Corporation.
Dr. Rahhal expressed his enthusiasm for joining Horizon’s board, stating, “I am very gratified and motivated to join the Horizon board of directors, having observed and helped my colleague and friend, Dr. Jean-Pierre Hubschman, from the very early inception of this great technological and medical advancement. Robotic cataract surgery makes a lot of sense. The Horizon system will, I believe, make surgeons more consistent and faster, with far fewer complications.” He also emphasized the technology’s potential to deliver better and more predictable outcomes for patients.
Co-founder of ExSight Ventures, Dr. Michael Nissen, echoed Dr. Rahhal’s sentiments, remarking, “Surgical robotics was a priority area for us when we founded ExSight Ventures. Horizon Robotics defines the inevitable future of ophthalmic surgery. The steady trajectory toward more predictable and safer surgery will advance the field of ophthalmology.”
Horizon’s founder and CEO, Dr. Jean-Pierre Hubschman, conveyed his pride in the strong backing from ExSight and other key investors. He stated, “Both our team and investors recognize that our Polaris system is poised to capitalize on the next era in surgical robotics, enhancing the surgeon’s natural capabilities with state-of-the-art augmented visualization and precision robotic control. As artificial intelligence continues to advance surgical robotics, I believe it will unlock unprecedented surgical assistance capabilities within the Polaris platform, driving unmatched accuracy, efficiency, and outcomes in the operating room. With this firm vote of confidence from our investors and leadership, Horizon is moving swiftly toward our First-in-Human study.”
About Horizon Surgical Systems
Founded in 2021 as a spin-out from UCLA, Horizon Surgical Systems, Inc. is an innovative microsurgical robotics company located in Malibu, California. Its flagship product, Polaris, combines cutting-edge robotics, advanced medical imaging, and AI to push the boundaries of surgical precision, empowering surgeons to exceed current limitations.
For more information about Horizon Surgical Systems, please visit horizonsurgicalsystems.com.
About ExSight Ventures
ExSight Ventures focuses on investing in early-stage companies that offer innovative and impactful ophthalmic diagnostic and treatment solutions. The firm is led by two accomplished retinal surgeons who have united to address the funding needs of early-stage ophthalmic-focused companies. Their investments span biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and software solutions in the field of ophthalmology. For more details, visit
