Check out our interview with Karina Gasbarrino, highlighting Sonaro’s journey to making diagnostic ultrasound simpler and more accessible. We are excited to support them at ViVe in Los Angeles as they embark on an exciting journey!
What motivated you and other co-founders to start Sonaro?
Growing up, I witnessed my grandfather suffer from cardiovascular disease, and he eventually passed away from a stroke. Later in life, I pursued a Ph.D. at McGill to learn more about this disease. I was able to interact with patients and gain first-hand experiences, learning limitations, and new solutions. I met Kashif during our Ph.D., and together, we discussed our frustrations with the diagnosis process and the current clinical workflow for vascular disease. Together, we co-founded Sonaro to make a difference in these patients' lives and ultimately spare them from the devastating impact of strokes.
What are some challenges you are facing while scaling your start-up?
One of the biggest roadblocks is the process of setting up partnerships with medical institutions, accessing data, and refining algorithms to obtain clinical validation. Securing feedback helps us understand and better integrate into the clinical workflow. However, it has been slow and challenging since our partners operate at a different pace, so we have been experiencing delays. However, we believe that the upcoming international tour will be a great opportunity for us to explore beyond our immediate ecosystem and find the right healthcare partners who align with our mission and vision.
How did the Dobson Centre play a role in Sonaro as we know it today?
The Dobson Centre has been among our #1 supporters. They are a well-established ecosystem, and the networking opportunities provided us with the chance to grow exponentially. We have had the opportunity to participate in pitch events and connect with leading investors and clinicians within our field. Dobson’s financial support has enabled us to explore new markets like France and the US and expand our visibility and outreach.
Who would be an ideal partner or collaborator for Sonaro?
An ideal partner would be leading ultrasound manufacturers, specifically for portable ultrasound devices like GE and Phillips. We want to leverage their market presence and distribution channels. We envision these partners serving as our gateway to enter remote and rural healthcare markets, extending the accessibility of our solution to underserved communities.
What are you most excited about for ViVe in Los Angeles?
Focusing on the US as our primary target market, participating in ViVe will help identify and connect with key partners and allow us to create a robust network and support system in the US. We are most excited about networking with potential US investors, healthcare institutions, and key opinion leaders, and we want to better understand the complexities of the US healthcare system.
About Sonaro
Sonaro Inc. stands at the forefront of innovative healthcare solutions, focusing on the intersection of technology and vascular health. Our mission is to make diagnostic ultrasound for vascular disease simple and accessible to all. We have pioneered Vaso3D, a state-of-the-art, AI-powered software suite that transforms conventional 2D ultrasound data into a comprehensive 3D visual representation of carotid artery pathologies. This cutting-edge tool not only accelerates the acquisition of diseased carotid arteries but also enhances diagnostic precision beyond the capabilities of traditional 2D methods, ultimately aiming to revolutionize stroke risk assessment.
