What is Lightship?
Lightship is at the forefront of revolutionizing clinical research by focusing on decentralized (DCT) and hybrid trial models. The company's core mission is to dismantle traditional barriers to patient participation, such as geographic and cultural limitations. Lightship achieves this through a unique community-based strategy that integrates advanced digital connectivity with physical touchpoints. This multi-faceted delivery system includes Mobile Research Units (MRUs) – clinics on wheels designed to bring trials directly into patient communities – and a dedicated network of Mobile Nurses who conduct study visits in participants' homes, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
How much funding has Lightship raised?
Lightship has raised a total of $64.9M across 3 funding rounds:
Series A
$4.9M
Series B
$20M
Unspecified
$40M
Series A (2019): $4.9M, investors not publicly disclosed
Series B (2020): $20M led by Define Ventures Management, Marc Benioff, McKesson, Khosla Ventures, and Brook Byers
Unspecified (2021): $40M supported by TIME Ventures, Khosla Ventures, McKesson, and Define Ventures Management
Key Investors in Lightship
Khosla Ventures
Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004, known for its focus on breakthrough technologies across various sectors including health and sustainable energy. They provide venture assistance and strategic advice to entrepreneurs.
McKesson
McKesson Corporation is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management solutions, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies. They provide a wide range of services to healthcare organizations and pharmacies.
Define Ventures Management
Define Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2019, specializing in investments within the digital health sector.
What's next for Lightship?
With its recent major strategic investment, Lightship is poised for significant expansion and further innovation in the clinical trial services sector. The substantial capital infusion, part of its $64.9M in total funding, will likely fuel the scaling of its unique decentralized trial model. This strategic backing suggests a strong market validation for Lightship's mission to enhance patient inclusivity and accessibility in clinical research. The company is expected to leverage this financing to broaden its operational reach, enhance its technological infrastructure, and potentially explore new service offerings that further bridge the gap between traditional research sites and patient communities.
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