Fierce Biotech Names Mendaera to Fierce Medtech's Fierce 15!
- Michelle Stevens
- Jun 3
- 1 min read
June 2, 2025 in Fierce Biotech
By Conor Hale
[Excerpt from article - to read the full write-up, visit Fierce article]
In medtech, innovation almost always means iteration.
That doesn’t mean the work can’t be novel, or unique, or groundbreaking—but it means identifying how there can be medical needs still unmet, because yesterday’s technologies simply couldn’t reach far enough.
The companies that make up this class of the Fierce 15 exemplify the idea of moving the field forward by using innovation to build upon what’s come before—and working to improve the accepted standards that may have worked well, or just well enough for some, or frankly not very well at all.
They’re working on new modalities, safer and stronger approaches, and more accessible science. They aim to deliver what tomorrow’s patients are waiting for.
Mendaera
Bringing robotics’ steady hand to needle placement
CEO: Josh DeFonzo Founded: 2020 Based: San Mateo, California
The scoop: Mendaera aims to level the playing field when it comes to placing a needle, using a handheld robotic device capable of increasing a clinician’s confidence to hit the target—regardless of their level of experience, hand-eye coordination or ability to read an ultrasound.
That includes during delicate procedures like aspiration biopsies to check organs for cancer cells or other conditions, deliver precise medications or drain fluids. It can also aid in the placement of centralized catheters inside major blood vessels, to support broader surgeries and interventions.
