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§ Private Profile · Framingham, MA, USA
Develops minimally invasive micro-pumps and circulatory support systems for chronic heart failure patients, focused on ventricular assist devices.
Founded in 2004, CircuLite is a Teaneck, New Jersey-based medical device manufacturer that develops minimally invasive micro-pumps and advanced circulatory support systems to treat patients suffering from chronic heart failure. The organization primarily focuses on specialized ventricular assist technologies, most notably the Synergy Pocket Circulatory Assist Device, which is designed to support less sick, ambulatory cardiovascular patients. Prior to concluding its independent business operations, the enterprise successfully secured over 101 million dollars in venture funding across eight investment rounds, scaled its global workforce to 251 employees, and accumulated 311 patents. The medical technology firm achieved significant regulatory milestones for its products, including receiving CE Mark approval and obtaining conditional clearance from the United States FDA. Following these major clinical and financial achievements, the cardiovascular device company was ultimately acquired by HeartWare International in December 2013.
CircuLite has raised $68.0M across 3 funding rounds.
CircuLite has raised $68.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
CircuLite has raised $68.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
CircuLite's investors include Eric A. Rose, Forbion, Credit Agricole Private Equity, Foundation Medical Partners, Saints Capital, SB Life Science Ventures, Oxford Bioscience Partners.
CircuLite has raised $68.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $30.0M Series D in November 2011.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2011 | $30M Series D | Eric A. Rose | Forbion, Credit Agricole Private Equity, Foundation Medical Partners, Saints Capital, SB Life Science Ventures | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2010 | $33M Series C | Forbion | Credit Agricole Private Equity, Foundation Medical Partners, Oxford Bioscience Partners | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2007 | $5M Series B | — | Forbion | Announced |
CircuLite was a medical technology company focused on cardiovascular devices for heart failure treatment. It developed minimally invasive micro-pumps, such as the Synergy Circulatory Support System, to provide long-term partial circulatory support, supplementing the heart's pumping capacity and improving quality of life for chronic heart failure patients.[1][2] The company served healthcare providers and patients with Class III heart failure, addressing the limitations of existing treatments by enabling proactive, lower-risk interventions over traditional options like full ventricular assist devices.[1][2][3]
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, CircuLite raised $101.78M before being acquired by HeartWare International in 2013.[1][3] Its Synergy system, the world's smallest surgically implanted blood pump for long-term use, received CE Mark approval in Europe and advanced through U.S. FDA trials, demonstrating early clinical traction with positive data on patient outcomes.[2][3]
CircuLite was established in 2004 to pioneer disruptive solutions in chronic heart failure management, emerging from the need for less invasive alternatives to bulky ventricular assist devices.[1][2] Key details on specific founders are not detailed in available records, but the company quickly advanced its Synergy Pocket Circulatory Assist Device, entering clinical programs by 2008 with a 20-patient trial and securing Fast-Track Phase I-II funding from the NIH in 2009.[3]
Pivotal moments included positive CE Mark trial data published in 2009, conditional U.S. FDA approval in 2013, and full CE Marking for Synergy that same year, culminating in its acquisition by HeartWare International on December 6, 2013.[3] This trajectory highlighted early traction in micro-pump technology, with ongoing development of next-generation systems like endovascular, right-heart, and pediatric versions.[2]
CircuLite rode the early 2000s trend toward minimally invasive cardiac interventions, capitalizing on advances in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for compact pumps amid rising heart failure prevalence—affecting millions globally.[1][2] Timing was ideal post-2000s LVAD limitations, with market forces like aging populations and demand for bridge-to-transplant or destination therapies favoring smaller, outpatient-suitable devices.[3]
Its innovations influenced the ecosystem by accelerating partial support adoption, paving the way for HeartWare's portfolio expansion and inspiring competitors in percutaneous cardiac tech, though post-acquisition momentum shifted to the acquirer's broader VAD focus.[1][3]
Post-2013 acquisition, CircuLite's technology integrated into HeartWare (later part of Medtronic's portfolio), likely advancing Synergy toward wider commercialization amid ongoing LVAD evolution.[3] Future trends like fully implantable, wireless pumps and AI-optimized support will shape legacies like CircuLite's, potentially reviving micro-pump concepts for ambulatory heart failure care. Its influence endures in pushing boundaries from invasive to proactive therapies, transforming how millions access life-extending cardiac support.[1][2]