KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UT Ventures, the University of Tennessee’s (UT) angel investment network and an initiative of the UT Research Foundation (UTRF), made its first investment in Solaris Endovascular, Inc., a Dallas-based medical device company developing next-generation endovascular technologies for patients with dialysis access complications and peripheral artery disease.
The investment reflects UT Ventures’ commitment to backing high-growth companies with UT alumni in leadership roles and supports Solaris Endovascular’s oversubscribed $5 million convertible bridge round.
“Solaris Endovascular was among the first companies to present to our angel network, and the response from our members was immediate,” said Maha Krishnamurthy, President and CEO of UTRF. “Solaris Endovascular is a leader in the medical device space, and the technology they are developing has real potential to change outcomes for patients. We are excited to be part of this journey.”
Solaris Endovascular is building a platform centered on covered stents and drug-eluting technology. Its lead product, Solaris DE, is a sirolimus-eluting covered stent designed to address restenosis and improve long-term durability in dialysis access, with potential applications across a broader range of vascular conditions.
The company’s DEScover Trial completed enrollment, with interim six-month data showing 95% target lesion primary patency, 100% patency in arteriovenous graft patients, and 91% patency in arteriovenous fistulae patients, with no device-related serious adverse events reported through 30 days. Solaris DE received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2026.
“Support from UT Ventures strengthens our ability to advance Solaris DE and bring a truly differentiated solution to patients who have very few good options today,” said John Reviere, vice president of clinical and quality operations for Solaris Endovascular and a UT Knoxville alum.
“UT Ventures gives UT alumni a meaningful way to put their capital to work behind companies connected to the University,” said Marty Brown, a UT Ventures Founding Member, CEO of PYA, and General Partner in the venture capital firm, Market Square Ventures. “Solaris Endovascular is exactly the kind of company we had in mind: strong leadership, breakthrough technology, and a clear path to improving patient lives.”
About UTRF
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) is a nonprofit organization that supports the commercialization of UT innovations, fosters entrepreneurship, and advances research, education, and economic development to benefit the people of Tennessee and beyond. Although legally separate from UT, UTRF works closely with faculty, staff and students across the UT System to help translate research and innovation into products and services that improve lives and benefit society.
About Solaris Endovascular
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Solaris Endovascular develops endovascular technologies for patients with dialysis access complications and peripheral artery disease. The company’s Solaris DE platform received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2026.