Andromeda Surgical
Andromeda Surgical builds autonomous surgical robots, starting with endourology, using a software-led, human-in-the-loop system that gives surgeons GPS-like spatial navigation through anatomy.
- Category
- Bio and Healthcare
- Fund
- NZVC I
- Website
- www.andromedasurgical.com
- On TechMates
- 3 episodes
What Andromeda Surgical does
Andromeda Surgical's first application is robotic-assisted holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, a standard treatment for enlarged prostate, and the company completed the world's first robotic HoLEP procedure through a tablet interface.
The secret
Most of the value in surgical robotics sits in the software, so the robot itself can stay simple and cheap. Andromeda's models take on surgical tasks as what the company calls a sous surgeon, while the surgeon stays in the loop, which is how the first robotic HoLEP was performed through a tablet.
Why NZVC invested in Andromeda Surgical
We backed Andromeda because most surgical robots are heavy, costly hardware, while Andromeda puts the value in software and keeps the robot simple, which lowers cost and speeds adoption. Nick Damiano argues that an operating room has far fewer features than a city street, so autonomy arrives in surgery before it arrives in driving. A simple robot carrying its intelligence in software reaches more hospitals and more procedures than a heavy capital purchase ever does.
In the founder's words
“NZVC has been one of our most helpful and supportive investors. Mark helped us solve a key challenge by introducing us to someone who could manage our clinical trial in New Zealand. This person helped our trial get off to a great start. A lot of VCs will tell you they're going to add value beyond the funds, but NZVC is one of the rare ones that really does.”
Andromeda Surgical in the press
- Andromeda Surgical raised a $15 million Series A for autonomous surgeryPhaze Ventures, Dealroom, The Silicon Valley Post · 30 July 2026
- Andromeda Surgical Expands its Market ReachMedical Product Outsourcing · 24 March 2025
- Andromeda Surgical completed the world's first robotic-assisted HoLEP procedurePR Newswire · 19 December 2024
Andromeda Surgical on TechMates
Inside the Startups Bringing AI to the Physical World
You hear three founders explain what robots can and cannot do once they leave the demo reel and enter the real world. David Inggs breaks down why folding laundry is harder than building cars, Nick Damiano of Andromeda Surgical argues that autonomous surgery is an easier problem than self-driving, and Harrison Crowe-Maxwell walks through sending robots into pressurized water pipes to stop leaks before cities run dry.
A joint episode, alongside Puralink.
Andromeda Surgical on TechMates
Beyond Startup Hype: 5 Founders on Real Difficulties
You hear five founders in twelve minutes on the parts of startups that do not make the highlight reels. Shaun Quincey on finding the real buyer, Liam Kampshof on cowshed prototypes, Steven Zinsli on stopping what is wrong, Nick Damiano on deciding to found, and Anna Henwood on loving uncertainty.
A joint episode, alongside Simfuni, Bovonic, Extraordinary and Stickybeak.
Andromeda Surgical on TechMates
Building the Tesla of Surgical Robots
You hear a two-time YC founder explain how a surgical robot can learn the way a self-driving car does. Nick Damiano covers starting with prostate surgery, what the FDA actually wants, and why New Zealand is where Andromeda runs its first cases.
- Andromeda: software-first surgical robots with iPad control.
- HoLEP and Google Maps for the prostate to de-risk learning.
- FDA pragmatism, New Zealand fast-track launches, and global access.