Sopris Capital acquired Blackford Analysis from Bayer, expanding its healthcare technology portfolio with an AI orchestration platform for medical imaging. Sopris plans to combine Blackford with portfolio company Azra AI, with the integration expected to take place shortly after closing.
Blackford will remain a separate legal entity following the combination.
The company will continue operating in Scotland and the U.S. and serving its existing OEM and health system customers without disruption.
Founded in 2010, Blackford launched its AI orchestration platform in 2016.
The platform enables healthcare organizations to evaluate, deploy, manage, and support medical imaging AI applications through a vendor-neutral infrastructure layer.
Blackford’s platform includes more than 130 AI applications from over 45 partner vendors.
Sopris said the technology gives hospitals and radiology departments a way to introduce multiple AI tools into imaging workflows without requiring separate infrastructure for each application.
Azra AI focuses on identifying and managing patients with cancer and other complex illnesses across their care journeys.
By combining Blackford with Azra AI, Sopris intends to extend its healthcare AI capabilities earlier in the patient journey, beginning with medical imaging.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
KEY QUOTES:
“Blackford has spent over a decade building the infrastructure that healthcare AI depends on, and this acquisition reflects our conviction in that vision.”
Abinav Sankar, Managing Partner at Sopris Capital
“Combining with Azra AI, we are positioning our portfolio to support patients from first scan through survivorship.”
Abinav Sankar, Managing Partner at Sopris Capital
“Joining Sopris Capital creates an exciting opportunity to accelerate Blackford’s growth and extend the reach of our platform.”
James Holroyd, Managing Director of Blackford Analysis
