Longevity Tech: Ezra Raises $21M for Affordable MRI Scans
The startup aims to make cancer and disease detection quick and affordable at a time when consumers are highly invested in their health
Ezra, a New York-based full-body, AI-powered medical imaging company specializing in early cancer screenings, has raised $21 million in new capital, bringing the healthcare startup to a total funding of $41 million.
The new funding will go towards expanding Ezra to 20 cities and 50 locations across North America this year and advancing the use of its AI technology by imaging centers and clinicians. Looking ahead, Ezra plans to debut the first 15-minute full-body MRI for $500 within two to three years.
Consumers Embrace Wellness & Longevity
While various wellness therapies and longevity centers continue to bank on the booming wellness market, Ezra’s use of AI for prevention and detection may further inspire consumers to invest in their health.
As it stands now, luxury lifestyle operator Life Time has discovered that consumers are laser-focused on wellness these days, with an almost 30% increase in prioritization of their health and well-being this year compared to 2023. Plus, sales may have weakened for activewear, but consumers appear content to spend money on wellness-supporting supplements and anti-aging measures, further bolstering Ezra’s capabilities in the eyes of the wellness-minded.
Democratizing Early Disease Detection
Founded in 2018 by Emi Gal, Ezra reports it doubled its revenue in 2023 and received FDA clearance for Ezra Flash AI, enabling the world’s first 30-minute full-body MRI scan. Providing consumers with an accessible option for early cancer detection and other diseases,
Ezra currently offers three scan options: a 60-minute Full Body Plus scan for $2500, a 60-minute scan for $1950 (excluding a lung scan) and a 30-minute Full Body Flash scan for $1350 (excluding a spine and lung scan). Clients can pay monthly or use their FSA/HSA dollars, and all scans come with a follow-up consultation. Group and multiyear scan plans also offer discounts.
The startup currently operates in 18 locations across New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, Miami and Las Vegas.
“Five years ago, Ezra pioneered the full body MRI space by being the first company in the US to offer fast, accurate, affordable, AI-powered full-body MRI scans,” Gal said. “We have since scanned thousands of people and have helped countless individuals identify cancer and over 500 other types of diseases early.”
Gal added that Ezra aims to detect cancer early and improve their chances of being cured, noting that this year, ten million people will receive late-stage cancer diagnoses with survival changes below 20%.
The funding round was co-led by Healthier Capital, a VC specializing in innovative technology supporting healthcare led by Amir Dan Rubin, former CEO of Amazon’s One Medical. Rubin will join Ezra’s board of directors. In addition to Healthier Capital, FirstMark Capital co-led the round with participation from Allianz Life Ventures and others.
Courtney Rehfeldt has worked in the broadcasting media industry since 2007 and has freelanced since 2012. Her work has been featured in Age of Awareness, Times Beacon Record, The New York Times, and she has an upcoming piece in Slate. She studied yoga & meditation under Beryl Bender Birch at The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute. She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and is an avid reader. Courtney has a BA in Media & Communications studies.