Winter Innovations Raises $1.3M Seed to Advance Orthopedic Suturing Technology

Winter Innovations, a Knoxville, Tennessee-based medical device company, has raised $1.3 million in a seed funding round. The round was announced on September 1, 2026. The company, co-founded by Lia Winter and Preston Dishner out of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is developing orthopedic suturing technology, including the patented and FDA 510(k)-cleared EasyWhip device.

What Winter Innovations Does

Winter Innovations focuses on improving surgical outcomes in tendon and ligament repair. Its flagship product, EasyWhip, is a two-part needle that allows surgeons to create whip and locking stitches more efficiently. The device is used in sports medicine and foot and ankle procedures. The company has also introduced the StitchStand graft-prep stand and expanded the EasyWhip product family.

Growth and Traction

According to the company, its technology has been used in more than 1,000 surgical cases to date. This traction has been supported by a mix of angel and seed investors, as well as non-dilutive grants, including awards from the National Science Foundation's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Funding Details

The $1.3 million seed round is expected to accelerate the company's growth and further development of its product line. Specific investors were not disclosed. The funding will likely support regulatory efforts, manufacturing, and commercial expansion.

About the Company

Winter Innovations is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company's mission is to improve surgical techniques and patient outcomes through innovative medical devices. With a strong foundation in research and development, Winter Innovations is poised to make a significant impact in the orthopedic device market.

For more information, visit winter-innovations.com.