Glasgow ultrasonic surgery pioneer unveils new boss and funding boost

Glasgow-based ultrasonic surgery specialist Nami Surgical has appointed a new chief executive as it completes its latest investment round.

The company is targeting the global robotic-assisted surgery market with its pioneering ultrasonic tech, with the funding supporting its transition from advanced development to commercialisation.

Nami develops miniaturised ultrasonic scalpels. Its platform has been engineered for integration into articulated, wristed surgical robotic instruments, addressing the growing demand for compatibility with next-generation robotic systems. The robotic-assisted surgery market is forecast to reach in excess of $25 billion (£18bn) by 2030.

Pictured in the centre grouping are Rebecca Cleary, Nico Fenu, and Nikki Palfrey of Nami Surgical. Picture by Stewart Attwood

The firm has appointed Nikki Palfrey as chief executive. Palfrey, who has been a non-executive director at Nami since 2023, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the medical technology sector.

Co-founder Nico Fenu moves to the chief operating officer role at Nami, the University of Glasgow spin-out he founded alongside chief technology officer Rebecca Cleary in 2021.

Palfrey said: “Nami is exceptionally well positioned to become a leading force in the robotic-assisted surgery market. Building on the strong foundations established by Nico, Rebecca, and the entire team, I am excited to lead the company as we enter an exciting new chapter focused on innovation, scale, and long-term value creation.”

Fenu said: “As founders, Rebecca and I are incredibly proud of how far Nami has come. We are excited about the opportunities ahead in a rapidly growing global market and remain deeply committed to our mission of improving patient outcomes worldwide.”

The firm recently completed its latest investment, a £1.9 million round led by Eos Advisory with participation from the Investment Fund for Scotland managed by Maven Capital Partners - and delivered by the British Business Bank - and Scottish Enterprise.

Current US-based adviser David O’Reilly has been formally appointed as Eos Advisory’s investor director and joins Nami’s board, which is chaired by Albert Nicholl. O’Reilly is said to bring deep experience in scaling high-growth technology businesses and strengthens the company’s strategic and governance capabilities.

He said: “Nami’s miniaturised ultrasonic platform is exactly the kind of enabling breakthrough that can reshape the competitive landscape in robotic surgery and notably marks a gap in the portfolios of the major medical robotic companies in the space.”