Austria: Schoenherr advises on sale of AI spin-off RetInSight to Topcon Healthcare, Inc.

RetInSight is a pioneer in the development of AI-driven retinal imaging solutions. Its algorithms analyse optical coherence tomography (OCT) images captured in routine clinical care to detect and monitor progressive retinal diseases such as geographic atrophy, neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion – leading causes of vision loss worldwide. These tools enable earlier intervention and personalised treatment planning, especially for aging populations. 

Through this strategic acquisition, Topcon Healthcare expands its "Healthcare from the Eye™" vision, enhancing access to intelligent diagnostics and supporting improved clinical outcomes globally. RetInSight's vendor-neutral AI platform, born from pioneering research at the Medical University of Vienna, Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, is already commercialised throughout Europe and will now be scaled internationally, strengthening its role in clinical care, drug discovery and therapeutic innovation.

Topcon Healthcare, Inc. is part of Topcon Corporation, a leading provider of digital healthcare solutions. Its vision is to improve healthcare access and quality while decreasing the cost of care.

Schoenherr has been a trusted advisor to RetInSight and its founders since the company's foundation in 2020, supporting the venture throughout its early growth stages and financing rounds, on commercial aspects, and now on this milestone transaction.

"From the foundation of RetInSight onwards, Schoenherr has been a trusted partner of RetInSight," said Corinna zur Bonsen, CEO of RetInSight. "Their unwavering commitment, availability, and comprehensive legal knowledge gave us great confidence and was essential to achieving a successful and timely transaction."

"We are proud to have supported RetInSight from its earliest days to this important transaction," said Schoenherr partner Thomas Kulnigg. "The acquisition by Topcon Healthcare underlines the strength of RetInSight's technology and its potential to reshape the future of AI-driven diagnostics in ophthalmology. Advising on cutting-edge transactions at the intersection of digital health, AI and life sciences is a key focus for our team, and we are pleased to have contributed to bringing this strategic partnership to fruition." 

"This deal reflects the tremendous international potential of RetInSight's solutions and the increasing relevance of AI-driven healthcare innovations," added Dominik Tyrybon, attorney at law. "It was a pleasure to support RetInSight throughout this important journey."

The Schoenherr team advising on the transaction was led by Thomas Kulnigg (partner) and Dominik Tyrybon (attorney at law) and further consisted of Clemens Pretscher (attorney at law), Maximilian Czernin (associate), Alexander Giehser (associate), Daniela Birnbauer (attorney at law), Marco Thorbauer (partner), Tobias Hayden (attorney at law), Sarah Dräxler (associate), Lukas Lobinger (associate), Karin Pusch (counsel), Daniel Komarek (attorney at law), Christoph Haid (partner) and Theresa Dabsch (associate). 

Topcon Healthcare, Inc. was advised by DORDA Rechtsanwälte.

Drake Star acted as the exclusive financial advisor to RetInSight and its shareholders on this transaction. The team was led by Julian Riedlbauer and Jannis Grimm.