DefEYE, Inc. Announces Investment from ExSight Ventures

Investment Supports Commercialization of Innovative Decellularized Placental Tissue Technology for Ocular Surface Disease and Surgical Management

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ExSight Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on transformational eye care innovations, today announced its investment in DefEYE, Inc., a rapidly growing ocular company developing decellularized placental-based tissue solutions to transform and personalize therapeutic approaches in eye care.

DefEYE is pioneering the ocular biologics landscape with an innovative approach to both ocular surface disease and ocular surgical management. The company is focused on delivering a portfolio of innovative decellularized biologic solutions that optimize treatment and management of various eye care conditions, including ocular surface diseases, pterygium surgery, and other surgical interventions.

“ExSight’s investment defies our initial skepticism of the technology and the market,” said Firas Rahhal, cofounder at ExSight Ventures. “We were introduced to DefEYE’s CEO through a trusted advisor, friend, and colleague. Continued conversations with ExSight’s proprietary network of ophthalmologists across the nation revealed several critical factors, including better clinical outcomes, improved patient experience, and consequently, growing adoption.”

The funding will enable DefEYE to accelerate commercialization through continued growth and expansion.

ExSight Ventures is not alone in recognizing DefEYE’s potential after initial skepticism. Neel Desai, MD recently shared, “I came to it with an equal amount of skepticism. What I immediately noticed was that I was getting clinical outcomes just as good — if not faster — and patients were far more comfortable.” See Dr. Desai’s full comments on DefEYE on LinkedIn.

“We work hard to find exceptional, driven, dynamic entrepreneurs at ExSight Ventures,” shared ExSight co-founder Dr. Michael Nissen. “Dr. Sambursky embodies those traits. We are happy to back Rob and DefEYE’s portfolio of decellularized biologics for the eye.”

“ExSight Ventures’ deep knowledge and long-standing commitment to advancing innovation in the ophthalmic space make them an ideal strategic partner for DefEYE,” said Rob Sambursky, MD, Chief Executive Officer of DefEYE, Inc. “Their investment represents a strong validation of our vision to redefine ocular biologics through decellularized placental-based technology. Together, we are positioned to accelerate the adoption of regenerative therapies that elevate the clinical management of both ocular surface disease and ocular surgery.”

About DefEYE, Inc.

DefEYE, Inc. is a rapidly growing ocular company on a mission to transform and personalize therapeutic approaches in eye care. DefEYE uses decellularized placental-based tissue to redefine the ocular biologics landscape with an innovative approach to both ocular surface disease and ocular surgical management. For more information, visit defeye.com

About ExSight Ventures

ExSight Ventures (EV) is a venture capital firm built to serve an underserved corner of the innovation economy: early-stage life sciences. With deep clinical expertise and venture discipline, we stand as trusted partners for innovators transforming ophthalmology. Our commitment is to back pioneering teams advancing breakthrough innovations to patients who need them most. www.exsightventures.com

Contacts

Investor Contact:
ExSight Ventures
Ashley Mitchell
amitchell@exsightventures.com

Media Contact:
DefEYE, Inc.
Rahim K. Hirji, RPh
425-786-3654
rhirji@defeye.com

Social Media

DefEYE, Inc. Announces Investment from ExSight Ventures

Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Marketing & Brand Experience

Jenna is passionate about advancing patient access to advanced healthcare innovations and leveraging her significant experience in marketing and brand development in service of that passion. With over 15 years of medical device marketing experience in ophthalmology and bariatrics, she specializes in global commercialization, product launches, clinical trial patient recruitment, branding, messaging, internet marketing strategies, and developing comprehensive marketing assets to support growth initiatives.

Prior to co-founding LaunchLab Partners, Jenna led Global Marketing for AcuFocus, a privately held medical device company based in Southern California. At AcuFocus she spearheaded the company’s global marketing strategy and led execution of the company’s brand and market development initiatives, launching first-of-their-kind products.

Jenna holds a B.A. in Marketing from San Diego State University and a certificate in Advanced Digital Marketing Growth strategies from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She also serves as a digital ambassador for the Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) and is a member of Women in Ophthalmology.

A self-identified Peloton enthusiast (#BeKindGoFarr), Jenna is committed to action, growth, community, and achievement.