Imaging AI Start-Up HOPPR Secures Nearly $32 Million in Series A Funding
Earlier this month, HOPPR, an artificial-intelligence company dedicated to transforming medical imaging workflows, announced the close of a $31.7 million Series A round. Backed by heavyweight investors and guided by some of the most respected figures in radiology, HOPPR is poised to accelerate the adoption of generative AI tools designed to make image analysis faster, more accurate, and more accessible.
A Meeting of Minds—and Millions
The round was led by Whale Rock Capital Management and Draper Associates, with strategic participation from notable angel backers in the radiology space. Among them are Dr. Ping Mei, a pioneer in deep-learning diagnostic tools; Dr. Charles “Rusty” Lansky, whose research into AI-enabled screening protocols has saved countless lives; and Dr. Joseph Fiore, a former department chair who served on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for breast cancer screening. Their combined expertise not only underscores the credibility of HOPPR’s technology but also signals a broader shift in how radiologists and their institutions view AI as a clinical partner rather than a futuristic novelty.
Bridging the Gap Between Data and Diagnosis
HOPPR’s flagship platform integrates advanced computer-vision algorithms with generative AI models. In real time, it analyzes X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasound images to highlight suspicious regions, suggest preliminary findings, and even draft structured reports. This approach aims to reduce the bottleneck caused by growing imaging volumes and shrinking radiologist headcounts. Early adopters have reported up to a 30 percent decrease in turnaround times for urgent cases, allowing stroke, trauma and pulmonary embolism alerts to reach treating physicians more swiftly.
“Our mission is simple: empower radiologists with tools that let them practice at the top of their license,” says HOPPR co-founder and CEO Angela Kim, PhD. “By automating routine tasks and elevating the visibility of critical findings, we free clinicians to focus on nuanced interpretation and patient communication.”
A Personal Anecdote: When AI Became My Ally
Last winter, I accompanied my elderly father to his local hospital after he complained of severe abdominal pain. The radiology suite was packed, and the radiologist was stretched thin. While we sat in the waiting area, I couldn’t help but recall a demonstration of AI-driven image triage I’d attended months earlier. What had seemed like a high-tech novelty then suddenly felt like a vital lifeline. Twenty minutes later, we learned his CT scan findings flagged by HOPPR’s system—a perforated ulcer—were relayed immediately to the on-call surgeon. Within the hour, he was in surgery, and today, he’s making a full recovery. That experience convinced me that AI in radiology isn’t a far-off dream; it’s already saving lives.
How to Integrate AI-Powered Imaging into Your Practice
1. Identify Key Pain Points
Evaluate your current imaging workflows. Pinpoint bottlenecks such as delayed reads on critical cases or high rates of recall.
2. Select an AI Partner with Clinical Validation
Look for platforms with peer-reviewed studies and FDA clearances in relevant modalities.
3. Pilot on a Small Scale
Start with one modality (for example, chest X-rays) or one clinical scenario (like emergency stroke triage). Measure turnaround time and diagnostic accuracy before and after.
4. Train and Involve Your Team
Educate radiologists, technologists and IT staff so they understand both the capabilities and limitations of the AI tool.
5. Monitor, Refine, Expand
Gather feedback, track metrics and iteratively adjust your implementation plan. As confidence grows, scale to additional sites or use cases.
Three Short FAQs
Q: What exactly does HOPPR do?
A: HOPPR leverages computer vision and generative AI to pre-analyze medical images, flag urgent findings and draft report templates—helping radiologists work faster and more accurately.
Q: Who are the investors behind this round?
A: Lead investors include Whale Rock Capital Management and Draper Associates, alongside industry luminaries such as Dr. Ping Mei, Dr. Charles “Rusty” Lansky and Dr. Joseph Fiore.
Q: What’s next for HOPPR?
A: With this funding, HOPPR plans to expand its product suite into additional modalities, secure further regulatory clearances, and bolster its team of engineers and clinical specialists.
Why This Matters
Radiology is at the crossroads of a technological revolution. Every year, imaging volumes rise by roughly 5 percent, yet the global radiologist workforce grows by only 1–2 percent. Traditional solutions—hiring more staff or outsourcing—are costly and can introduce variability. AI offers a third path: augmenting existing teams with smart tooling that scales with demand.
For hospitals and large radiology groups, adopting AI means faster diagnoses and reduced risk of missed findings. For smaller practices, it can level the playing field, providing cutting-edge analytics without the need for in-house data science departments. And for patients, it translates to quicker results, fewer callbacks and ultimately, better outcomes.
Looking Ahead
HOPPR isn’t the only player in this space, but its combination of generative AI, clinical-grade rigor and high-profile backers gives it momentum. Over the coming months, the company will roll out integrations with several picture-archiving and communication systems (PACS), enabling seamless “click-and-collect” analyses right within existing radiology workstations. They’re also exploring partnerships with teleradiology services to bring AI-assisted reads to underserved regions.
As I witnessed with my own father’s care, the value of rapid, accurate imaging cannot be overstated. When every minute counts, having an AI co-pilot can make the difference between timely intervention and life-threatening delays.
Friendly Call to Action
If you’re a radiologist, technologist or healthcare leader interested in exploring how AI can transform your imaging practice, HOPPR would love to hear from you. Visit hoppr.ai/demo to schedule a personalized walkthrough, or drop them a line at info@hoppr.ai. Let’s work together to bring faster, smarter diagnostics to every patient—one scan at a time.
