Washington, D.C., January 12, 2026 — Nanochon, a Washington, D.C.-based orthopedic device company developing next-generation implants for articular cartilage repair, has announced the close of an oversubscribed funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $11.3 million to date.
The latest round was led by cultivate(MD), with strong participation from The University of Virginia (UVA) Seed Fund, WSGR, Wealthing VC Fund, and several new and existing investors. The round drew significant interest from institutional investors and individuals, signaling growing confidence in Nanochon’s innovative approach to cartilage restoration and regenerative orthopedics.
Funding to Support Clinical Trials and Product Development
The fresh capital will enable Nanochon to advance its first-in-human clinical trial in Canada, expand research and development, and begin strategic planning for its pivotal U.S. trial.
“We’re both honored and humbled to oversubscribe another funding round,” said Ben Holmes, CEO and co-founder of Nanochon. “The capital commitments from our investors speak volumes about their confidence in our mission to shift the paradigm of cartilage restoration. With the right people, partners, and capital in place, we’re ready to translate years of innovation into meaningful outcomes for patients.”
Nanochon’s lead product, the Chondrograft™ implant, is designed to treat knee cartilage defects by combining regenerative tissue technology with mechanical support. The implant is engineered to allow for immediate weight-bearing and movement, significantly reducing recovery time and potentially improving long-term patient outcomes compared to current surgical techniques.
Phase I Clinical Trial to Begin in Canada
Nanochon is preparing to launch a Phase I clinical trial in Canada in the coming weeks. The early feasibility study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Chondrograft™ in 10 patients aged 22–60 suffering from femoral condyle and/or trochlear cartilage lesions who have failed conservative treatments.
The study aims to establish the groundwork for a pivotal North American trial, paving the way for FDA clearance and eventual commercial availability in the U.S. and other global markets.
Investor Confidence in Cartilage Restoration Technology
cultivate(MD) Capital Funds, which led the funding round, emphasized Nanochon’s clinical and strategic progress as a key factor in its continued support.
“We’re proud to have a significant portion of the oversubscribed Nanochon funding round,” said Dr. R. Sean Churchill, MD, MBA, Managing Partner at cultivate(MD). “Our follow-on investment reflects our confidence in CEO Ben Holmes and his team’s executional excellence. This round not only supports their first-in-human trial in Canada but also accelerates manufacturing and sets the stage for a broader North American pivotal trial.”
Dr. Churchill highlighted Nanochon’s dual focus on biomechanical innovation and preoperative planning, noting its new partnership with ProVoyance to develop an MRI-based surgical planning software for surgeons.
“The combination of a revolutionary implant and best-in-class enabling software positions Nanochon to transform the future of focal cartilage defect treatment,” he added.
Changing the Future of Cartilage Repair
Nanochon’s Chondrograft™ technology represents a breakthrough in orthopedic innovation — a minimally invasive implant that replaces damaged cartilage while allowing patients to walk and move immediately after surgery.
By integrating biomimetic design and tissue regeneration, the company aims to address the unmet needs of younger, active patients who face limited options between short-term repair procedures and major joint replacement surgeries.
Nanochon’s approach promises:
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Faster recovery and rehabilitation
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Improved joint function and durability
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Reduced long-term healthcare costs
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Minimally invasive surgery with better patient outcomes
“Our mission is to redefine cartilage repair,” said Holmes. “Hundreds of thousands of young, active patients live with cartilage damage today. We’re building a solution that gets them back to their lifestyles — without invasive, short-term fixes.”
About Nanochon
Nanochon is a biotech and medical device company pioneering solutions for orthopedic cartilage repair and joint restoration. Its flagship implant, Chondrograft™, combines structural support with regenerative technology, enabling patients to return to activity faster and with better long-term outcomes.
Founded in Washington, D.C., Nanochon’s team of scientists, engineers, and clinicians is dedicated to transforming how joint injuries are treated globally.
Ruchi Kumar is the associate editor at Entrepreneur News Network and TVW News India, where she leads editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and startup ecosystem coverage. With a strong focus on innovation, business, and marketing insights, he curates impactful narratives that spotlight India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape.