X-ray imaging specialist Dexela sold to PerkinElmer

Formed in 2005, Dexela is a developer of technologies for fast, low-dose X-ray imaging.

The company initially pioneered developments in breast tomosynthesis, an advanced imaging technique focused on the early detection of breast cancer.

In 2009, Dexela launched a family of flat-panel CMOS X-ray detectors for applications including mammography, fluoroscopy, dental CT, cardiology and non-destructive testing. These products have subsequently been exported to OEMs around the world, including Europe, the US, Korea and China.

Albion invested a total of £2.6m in Dexela, initially as lead investor in 2006. Albion and LTF then led a syndicate (including NESTA), that invested more than £3m between July 2008 and January 2009 to further exploit the growing number of commercial opportunities within the digital-imaging market.

‘At a time when UK start-ups are in need of public and private funding this is a superb example of how venture capital backing can help UK small business and it is encouraging that UK talent is attractive to a US S&P 500 company such as this,’ said Andrew Elder, partner, Albion Ventures.