Asto CT

Asto CT is a technology company.

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Updated: Mar 21, 2026 ·

About

Asto CT designs and manufactures advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, primarily the Equina Standing CT system, tailored for the veterinary industry. This specialized scanner provides high-resolution, three-dimensional computed tomography scans of equine limbs and heads while the animal remains standing, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. The technology offers precise diagnostic capabilities, enabling veterinarians to make more informed and timely treatment decisions for their patients.

The company was established in 2015, emerging from a collaborative research effort involving the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine and College of Engineering. Co-founders like David Ergun, who serves as CEO, and Dr. Mark D. Markel, along with Dr. Peter Muir, recognized the critical need for a diagnostic tool that could deliver detailed imaging without the risks associated with sedating large animals. Their collective expertise in engineering and veterinary medicine underpinned the development of this novel approach.

Asto CT's primary clientele includes veterinary hospitals and equine practices seeking sophisticated diagnostic equipment for optimal patient care. The company’s vision is to advance veterinary medicine by providing innovative imaging technologies that improve animal welfare and clinical outcomes. By offering a safer, more efficient diagnostic pathway, Asto CT aims to become the gold standard in equine imaging, supporting ongoing health and performance for athletic and companion horses alike.

Recent News & Mentions

Dec 1, 2019FundingAsto CT - Venture Round

Financial History

Asto CT has raised $4.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $4.0M Venture Round in December 2019.

Total Raised

$4.0M

Valuation

N/A

Funding Rounds Raised

Date	Round	Lead Investors	Other Investors
Dec 1, 2019	$4.0M Venture Round		Alumni Ventures, Bascom Ventures, SNR, Stellation Capital, Team8, Alain Hanover

Financial History

Asto CT has raised $4.0M across 1 funding round.

Total Raised

$4.0M

Valuation

N/A

Deep Dive

High-Level Overview

Asto CT is a healthcare technology company specializing in equine veterinary imaging. It builds the Equina®, the world's only bi-axial standing CT scanner designed for horses, enabling precise, weight-bearing volumetric scans of the lower limbs and head/neck without general anesthesia[1][4][5]. The product serves equine veterinarians and clinics, solving the problem of inaccurate diagnostics from traditional recumbent CT or X-rays by providing safer, higher-quality imaging in a standing, sedated position to improve horse health outcomes and owner peace of mind[1][5]. With roots in Wisconsin, recent recognition as a 2024 Best Tech Startup underscores its growth momentum, including a patented robotics-driven system and flexible purchase/subscription models[2][4][5].

Origin Story

Asto CT was founded in 2015 through a research collaboration between the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and the Morgridge Institute for Research[4]. The idea emerged from addressing gaps in equine imaging, pioneering standing x-ray computed tomography (CT) customized for horses using cutting-edge robotics and multi-slice CT for distal limb and head/neck conditions[1][4]. Early traction built on the team's 100+ years of combined expertise in medical product development and veterinary care, leading to a patented system that humanizes diagnostics by prioritizing animal comfort and safety[1][4].

Core Differentiators

Patented Bi-Axial Design: World's only standing CT scanner that images vertically for limb pairs and horizontally for head/neck in sedated horses, delivering true weight-bearing, fan-beam scans without anesthesia[4][5].
Safety and Precision: Custom environment ensures horse comfort while providing high-quality volumetric imaging superior to traditional methods, focusing on distal limb and head/neck diseases[1][5].
User-Centric Model: Flexible outright purchase or subscription options, backed by expert support, fast service response, and a growing community of CT users for shared learnings[5].
Proven Innovation: Recognized in Tech Tribune's 2024 Best Tech Startups in Wisconsin for groundbreaking tech and disruptive solutions in a competitive field[2].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Asto CT rides the trend of specialized veterinary robotics and AI-enhanced imaging, adapting human medical tech like multi-slice CT for equine use amid rising demand for non-invasive diagnostics in the $7B+ global equine health market[1][5]. Timing aligns with post-pandemic growth in animal sports and welfare tech, where market forces favor safer alternatives to anesthesia-heavy procedures that risk complications[1][4]. By enabling faster, precise treatments for high-value equine athletes, it influences the ecosystem through improved veterinary standards, clinic efficiency, and data-driven research collaborations like its UW origins[4].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Asto CT is poised for expansion with Equina® deployments in more clinics, potential IPO traction, and scaling to full-body scans or AI analytics for equine conditions[3][5]. Trends like robotics in vet med and subscription-based medtech will accelerate adoption, evolving its influence from niche innovator to ecosystem leader in animal health tech. This builds on its founding promise of enhancing equine quality of life through accessible, standing imaging[1].

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding has Asto CT raised?

Asto CT has raised $4.0M in total across 1 funding round.

Who are Asto CT's investors?

Asto CT's investors include Alumni Ventures, Bascom Ventures, SNR, Stellation Capital, Team8, Alain Hanover.