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AI Diagnostics raises $5 million Pre-Series A led by Steele Foundation
South African AI Diagnostics has raised about $5 million in a Pre-Series A led by the Steele Foundation for Hope to expand its AI stethoscope for tuberculosis screening.
By Propel Africa · 2026-04-16
AI Diagnostics has raised ZAR 85 million, about $5 million, in a Pre-Series A round, WeeTracker reported on 16 April. The Steele Foundation for Hope led the round. iFSP Group, Global Innovation Fund, Africa Health Ventures and Savant also backed the company.
What the company does
AI Diagnostics develops Ostium, a digital stethoscope with proprietary AI software called AI.TB. The software analyses lung sounds to detect tuberculosis in real time, which allows frontline health workers to screen patients without specialist equipment. The company was founded in 2020 by Braden van Breda, Johan Coetzee and Mark van Breda, and is based in Cape Town.
Where it operates
The product has regulatory approval in South Africa. More than 1,000 patients have been screened so far.
What happens next
The company plans to put the new funding into clinical validation and into expansion across Africa and Asia.
At a glance
- Company: AI Diagnostics
- Raised: About $5 million (ZAR 85 million)
- Round: Pre-Series A
- Investors: Steele Foundation for Hope (lead), iFSP Group, Global Innovation Fund, Africa Health Ventures, Savant
- Founded: 2020
- Based in: Cape Town, South Africa
- Markets: South Africa, with Africa and Asia planned
- Key figure: More than 1,000 patients screened