Smart Body Contouring: Israeli Startup Ulvera AI Is Leading a Revolution in Aesthetics

The medical aesthetics market has been thriving for years and continues to evolve. However, there is still a great need for more effective treatments. One of the most significant changes is the shift from invasive procedures, such as surgery, to non-invasive ones. In recent years, the non-invasive body treatment market has grown significantly, reaching an annual turnover of about $7.5 billion, although most of the non-invasive market still focuses on the face, with body areas lacking adequate solutions.

Ulvera AI aims to change this. The company has developed groundbreaking technology in body contouring, treating fat deposits in various body areas, focusing on the abdomen andthighs. Treatments using Ulvera AI's innovative equipment reduce body circumference and deal with tissue laxity, a common problem with increased age, post-pregnancy, and weight loss.

"There are many effective non-invasive treatments available for the face, like injections and advanced equipment treatments, but the body still lags behind," says Dr. Ines Verner, a dermatologist,founder & CEO of Ulvera AI. "Our goal is to meet the huge market demand. It's well known that most aesthetic treatment clients seek some form of body treatment, but don't have access to effective and problem-free solutions."

"In recent years, there have been technological advancements using tools like lasers, radio waves, ultrasound, and freezing. These treatments are either none effective, like lasers and radio waves, or painful, like other ultrasound treatments. Additionally, freezing treatments have a side effect that sometimes leads to excess fat formation in treated areas, occurring in some patients for reasons not yet fully understood."

Slimming down in a short treatment
Dr. Verner teamed up with a group of entrepreneurs, including Dr. Yoram Eshel, a physicist specializing in advanced medical technologies, and Dr. Boris Vaynberg, a certified physicist specializing in material physics and advanced technologies. The team began developing an innovative ultrasound technology of a different structure than usual. The Ulvera AI team succeeded in creating a protocol requiring only two or three pain-free treatments, each last less than half an hour.

Dr. Verner explains: "The Quazi Focus Ultrasound technology causes subcutaneous fat to undergo apoptosis—a gradual death of fat cells. The treatment has almost no side effects. After the treatment, patients may feel a slight thickening sensation under the skin. The process is very safe and effective. Fat cells are gradually destroyed by the heating effect of the technology and slowly disappear, leaving fewer fat cells behind.. This means the results are also long-lasting."

What measurable results can you present?
"The clinical results are very good, and we see a significant reduction in patient circumferences. After just one treatment, there's an average reduction of about 5 cm. After a second treatment, about 6 cm, and after the third, up to 10 cm. We also see an improvement in skin texture and tissue contraction. The skin looks better. Those improvements are seen following a short treatment," says Dr. Verner.

On the way to FDA approval
Ulvera AI's ultrasound technology treatments cause the treated tissue to undergo renewal and contraction. The collagen in the connective tissue of the subcutaneous fat is also heated, leading to contraction and renewal. The result is a reduction of about 23% in fat thickness, which is quite significant. Although patients don't lose weight, they appear "as if they've lost 10 kilograms."

"One of the company investors is a well-known American plastic surgeon. Before attending a medical conference, he had an Italian tailor prepare a suit for him. About two weeks following our treatment, the suit was 5 cm too large on him," Dr. Verner says with a smile, noting that he's not the only physician investing in the company. Four other plastic surgeons and three dermatologists from different countries have also invested.

"These are well-known physicians in their fields, who are highly knowledgeable about the market. They are not only investors but also part of our advisory board."

Another significant player in Ulvera AI's development is HiFund, a unique investment body established by HiCenter, a Business Technology Entrepreneurship Center in the Haifa Innovation District. HiFund has been supporting the company since its early stages, after its professionals met Dr. Verner in her role as an investor in various companies, which led to the connection with Ulvera AI.

Where does the company stand now?
"We are preparing for a clinical study at two renowned clinics in the US to obtain FDA approval. The American market accounts for about one-third of the global non-invasive aesthetic treatments, so it will be our primary target. The company is close to completion of product development and aims to obtain the necessary approvals and enter the market as quickly as possible. Currently, we are also seeking additional investors for our next fundraising round. The advantages are clear: groundbreaking technology in a rapidly growing market, a wide range of potential customers, large companies entering the field—and significant capital," Dr. Verner concludes.

The investment journey with HiFund
Einat Klein, Head of Investments and Investor Relations at HiFund: "

Ulvera AI's unique potential to make a significant market breakthrough with its innovative product was clear to us from day one. The partnership between HiFund and Ulvera AI is built on trust in the company's capabilities and our expertise in helping startups scale, even in challenging times. We work closely with the company, understanding their needs and what fits best. Our role goes beyond securing funds; we focus on creating the ideal match between investors and ventures. Through HiFund, Ulvera AI gains access to high-quality investors and an ecosystem tailored to its growth. Throughout the fundraising process, we guide the company in negotiations and facilitate deal closure. Post-investment, we continue to support them, ensuring ongoing, strong investor relations for sustained success.

Dr. Ines Verner: "HiCenter is like home to me. I met them a few years ago, as an investor, and was very impressed with how they handle companies, support them, and create connections. HiFund, HiCenter's investment body, clearly adds a great deal of value. They guide us through the process, expose us to investors, and help us advance toward success."

Lior Hanuka, CEO of HiCenter: "We are excited to support Ulvera AI in its investment fundraising process through HiFund, which proves its efficiency in contributing to startups, especially in times like the market is experiencing right now, when fundraising is difficult. The knowledge and expertise of HiFund team, combined with the connections and capabilities of the professional teams of HiCenter provide companies with strategic access to investment and increase start-ups chances of success in the market."

In collaboration with Ulvera AI & HiCenter