Orthopedic Startup Secures Key Funding

Catalyst OrthoScience, a medical device company based in Naples, Florida, has successfully secured a major round of funding to propel its innovative shoulder implant systems into broader commercial use. The company was founded by Dr. Steven Goldberg, a Naples orthopedic surgeon, who sought to make shoulder replacement surgery less complex, more consistent, and less invasive for patients.

The funding round, which raised $12.7 million, was co-led by the prominent venture capital firm River Cities Capital Funds, alongside previous investor Mutual Capital Partners. This significant backing reflects investor confidence in Catalyst’s technology and its potential to disrupt the orthopedic market.

The Innovation: Simpler Shoulder Replacement

Catalyst OrthoScience is focused on developing bone-sparing implants for shoulder surgery. Unlike traditional shoulder replacement systems that involve removing a significant portion of the patient’s bone and require extensive preparation, Catalyst’s implants are designed to be placed directly onto the patient's native bone.

The company's core product is a reverse shoulder replacement system that uses a unique elliptical shape. This design is intended to provide a more natural fit and better stability for patients, particularly those with rotator cuff deficiency.

The surgical technique associated with the implant allows for:

  • Less bone removal: Preserving more of the patient's natural bone structure.

  • Reduced operating time: A quicker procedure can improve efficiency for surgical teams.

  • Potential for faster recovery: Less surgical trauma can lead to quicker rehabilitation for the patient.

Strategic Growth and Market Impact

The new funding is being strategically deployed to expand the company's operational reach. The capital will be used to:

  1. Accelerate Commercialization: Speed up the rollout of the implant system to surgeons and hospitals across the country.

  2. Increase Inventory and Manufacturing: Scale up production to meet growing demand.

  3. Invest in Research and Development: Continue innovating new products and advancing the existing technology, including new instrumentation and implant designs.

By securing this major financial backing, Catalyst OrthoScience is positioned to solidify its presence in the competitive orthopedic device market, which is dominated by major players. The support validates Dr. Goldberg’s original vision: to bring a surgeon-driven solution to a common orthopedic challenge, improving outcomes for patients in Southwest Florida and globally.