Osheru, a medical device company specializing in innovative solutions for skin surgery led by Drs. Knute and Patricia Buehler, announced today the successful completion of a $4.7 million funding round to accelerate the development and commercialization of its groundbreaking Ziplyft device for blepharoplasty surgery. The round was led by individuals and family offices, including investment from Nike Co-Founder Phil Knight. Additional investors include 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. The resulting oversubscribed funding round reflects robust investor confidence in Osheru’s transformative approach to eyelid surgery.
“This $4.7 million funding marks a pivotal moment for Osheru,” said Dr. Patricia Buehler, CEO. “It demonstrates the strong confidence in Ziplyft from both the medical community and investors, validating our vision to revolutionize blepharoplasty with cutting-edge technology.”
Osheru also announced the appointment of John Garland as Chief Commercial Officer. A veteran executive in the ophthalmology industry, Mr. Garland brings decades of experience in medical device innovation and commercialization, having managed global operations in 70 countries with exceptional results. His strategic leadership and passion for improving the surgeon and patient experience will be pivotal as Osheru accelerates its commercialization efforts.
“Joining Osheru to launch Ziplyft is an exciting opportunity,” said Mr. Garland. “This innovative technology addresses key challenges in blepharoplasty, promising improved outcomes for patients and enhanced capabilities for surgeons. I’m eager to drive its growth and advance the field of eyelid surgery.”
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), there were an estimated 1.7 million eyelid surgeries performed worldwide in 2023, representing a 24 percent increase compared to 2022. Blepharoplasty, a procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance of the eyelids, remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. particularly with the increase in video calls and selfies. Traditional methods, unchanged for decades, have spurred demand for safer, less invasive alternatives like Ziplyft, positioning Osheru at the forefront of surgical innovation in this space.
The Ziplyft device is intentionally designed to address challenges associated with conventional blepharoplasty procedures, including extended recovery times and risk of complications such as wound dehiscence and asymmetry. Leveraging Drs. Patricia and Knute Buehler’s extensive surgical expertise and product development experience, Ziplyft promises reduced downtime and enhanced aesthetic outcomes through its proprietary design.
“Despite the challenging fundraising environment for startups today, Osheru’s success in securing this funding round highlights their perseverance and the compelling value proposition of Ziplyft,” added Skip Rung, ONAMI President. “We are enthusiastic, about the potential of the technology to positively impact patient outcomes.”
Patricia Buehler, MD, MPH, renowned eye surgeon and CEO of Osheru, received acclaim earlier this year when Ziplyft clinched the prestigious Eyecelerator People’s Choice Award for its innovative advancements in blepharoplasty techniques. The previous year she won The Winning Pitch Challenge for best early-stage company at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS), the largest U.S. society dedicated to anterior segment surgeons. These accolades underscore Ziplyft’s potential to revolutionize not only the field of ophthalmology but also dermatology, plastic surgery, and other areas by offering minimally invasive alternatives to traditional skin removal procedures.
With commercialization slated for 2025, Osheru is poised to introduce Ziplyft as a game-changing solution for ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons, and facial plastic surgeons seeking to optimize patient outcomes in eyelid surgery as well as other areas of excess skin removal.
About Osheru:
Osheru is a forward-thinking medical device company specializing in innovative solutions for skin surgery. Founded by Drs. Patricia and Knute Buehler, Osheru aims to redefine standards in blepharoplasty through its revolutionary Ziplyft device, designed to enhance surgical precision and patient recovery.
