What Circleg does

Circleg AG is a Swiss-headquartered, privately held social enterprise founded in 2018 as a spin-off of Zurich University of the Arts (ZHDK). The company designs, manufactures, and distributes the Circleg One, a CE-marked and ISO 13485:2016-certified modular lower-limb prosthetic system for above-knee (transfemoral) and below-knee (transtibial) amputees. The four-component architecture (Polycentric Knee, Pylon Kit, Dynamic Foot, and Cosmetic Cover) supports K1-K3 activity levels, is sold as complete kits (Transfemoral or Transtibial) or as individual interchangeable parts, and is engineered using Ansys Mechanical finite element analysis with CNC-milled stainless steel adapters produced through the Protolabs Network.

Circleg operates a B2B go-to-market, selling via quote-based, per-transaction pricing to prosthetists and orthopedic clinics that fit patients on their behalf. Distribution combines direct engagement with P&O professionals, a network of certified "access point" clinics and hospitals, and regional specialist distributors including Blumentec in Brazil and Orthopedix in Argentina. The company wraps its hardware in a holistic service stack: a certification training program for prosthetists delivered with EKFS and Human Study, psycho-social support (Circleg Tribe in partnership with KISE), the Freedom of Mobility donation program, and community channels including the Unstoppable Amputees podcast and a Circleg Ambassador program. Operating geographies span Switzerland (HQ), Kenya (Circleg Prosthetic Ltd. subsidiary in Nairobi), Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.

The business model is anchored on hardware sales of prosthetic kits and components, supplemented by clinician certification/training revenue, donor-funded fittings through Freedom of Mobility packages, and grant/impact-investor capital. Total funding raised since inception is CHF 6 million, including a CHF 1.5 million convertible loan closed in June 2024 from impact-focused angel investors and impact funds. Notable milestones include the Cybathlon 2020 Gold Medal (prosthetic leg race), the 2023 SDG Award at the Swiss Green Economy Symposium, and inclusion on the Forbes Accessibility 100 list in 2025.

Name

Circleg

Legal name

Circleg AG

Website

https://circleg.world

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Circleg designs and distributes modular lower-limb prosthetics for amputees in emerging markets. The Swiss-Kenyan social enterprise sells the CE-marked Circleg One system through certified prosthetists, regional distributors, and impact partners across East Africa and Latin America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Lower-Limb Prosthetics

NAICS

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Limb Prosthetics (Upper/Lower Extremity Prosthetic Systems) (HLAHAEAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Prosthetic Components & Rehabilitation Accessories (Liners, Feet, Knees, Sockets) (HLAHAMAD)

Keywords

• Modular prosthetic legs
• Lower-limb prosthetics
• Orthotic components
• Prosthetic clinician training
• Medical device manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Prosthetic component and kit sales: Circleg sells its Circleg One prosthetic system — available as complete kits (Transfemoral Kit or Transtibial Kit) or as individual interchangeable components — to prosthetists, orthopedic clinics, hospitals, and distributors. Each kit bundles multiple components (e.g., Transfemoral Kit includes Polycentric Knee, Pylon Kit, Dynamic Foot, and Cosmetic Cover). Individual components can also be purchased separately. Revenue is generated on a per-transaction basis with no subscription component. The sale goes through certified prosthetic centers and hospitals, with prosthetists initiating the purchasing process on behalf of patients. A one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects is included.
2. Freedom of Mobility donation program: Circleg operates a 'Freedom of Mobility' donation program where donors fund prosthetic limbs, training, and psycho-social support packages for low-income amputees. Donors contribute to fund prosthetic fittings for individuals in need. This is a philanthropic revenue/income stream supporting the social mission.
3. Clinician certification and training: Circleg provides training programs for P&O professionals to become certified in Circleg technology. The certification training is delivered in collaboration with partners (EKFS, Human Study) and hosted at prosthetic centers (A.I.C. Kijabe, Newlife Prosthetic Center in Uganda). Training may generate revenue as part of the holistic care model.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Circleg designs, manufactures, and distributes the Circleg One, a modular lower-limb prosthetic system for above-knee (transfemoral) and below-knee (transtibial) amputees. The system consists of four interchangeable components — Polycentric Knee, Pylon Kit, Dynamic Foot, and Cosmetic Cover (transtibial or transfemoral) — sold individually or as complete kits. The CE-marked, ISO 13485-certified system is sold through prosthetists, certified P&O clinics, and regional distributors in East Africa and Latin America.

Product overview

Circleg offers the Circleg One, a modular lower limb prosthetic system designed for both above-knee (transfemoral) and below-knee (transtibial) amputees. The system comprises four core components: Dynamic Foot, Polycentric Knee, Pylon Kit, and Cosmetic Covers (available in transtibial and transfemoral versions). These components are sold individually or bundled into Transtibial Kits (Dynamic Foot + Pylon Kit + TT Cosmetic Cover) or Transfemoral Kits (Polycentric Knee + Pylon Kit + Dynamic Foot + TF Cosmetic Cover). Beyond the physical products, Circleg provides a holistic ecosystem including psycho-social support through the Circleg Tribe program, certification training for prosthetists, an Unstoppable Amputees podcast, and the Circleg Guide resource. The company operates across Switzerland, Kenya, and several African countries, with expansion into Latin America through partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Circleg One: High-quality, modular prosthetic leg system for above- and below-knee amputation, available as Complete Kits or Individual Components. CE-marked under European Medical Device Regulation.
• Circleg Zero
• Unstoppable Amputees
• Circleg Tribe
• Freedom of Mobility Packages

Products and services

• Circleg One High-quality, modular lower-limb prosthetic leg system for above-knee (transfemoral) and below-knee (transtibial) amputees, available as Complete Kits or Individual Components. CE-marked under European Medical Device Regulation; ISO 13485 certified. Designed for K1-K3 activity levels with modular four-component architecture for fast fitting, easy adjustment, and long-term durability.
• Dynamic Foot Prosthetic foot designed for K1-K3 activity levels, offering stability, comfort, and energy return. Made from lightweight glass fiber and high-performance plastics; available in three sizes (S: 21–24 cm, M: 24–27 cm, L: 27–30 cm), universal left/right orientation.
• Polycentric Knee Polycentric knee joint for transfemoral amputees, providing stability and a 150° flexion angle. Component weight 870g, height 150mm, max body weight capacity 110kg. Designed for K1-K3 activity levels.
• Pylon Kit Structural component kit including an aluminum pylon and two stainless steel pyramid adapters (one fixed, one clamped) for connecting components of the Circleg One prosthetic system.
• Transtibial Cosmetic Cover Lightweight cosmetic cover for transtibial amputees providing natural leg shape and maximum protection; waterproof material that can be customized in length and shape.
• Transfemoral Cosmetic Cover Cosmetic cover for transfemoral amputees, available in two sizes (S/M and M/L) providing natural leg appearance and protection for the prosthesis.
• Transfemoral Kit Complete kit bundling Polycentric Knee, Pylon Kit, Dynamic Foot, and Transfemoral Cosmetic Cover for transfemoral amputees, simplifying the prosthetic fitting process.
• Transtibial Kit Complete kit bundling Pylon Kit, Dynamic Foot, and Transtibial Cosmetic Cover for transtibial amputees, designed for midshaft or higher amputations.
• Circleg Certification Training Program Holistic training program for prosthetists and P&O professionals to become certified in Circleg technology, including prosthetic fitting, physiotherapy, and psycho-social support components. Delivered in collaboration with EKFS and Human Study; hosted at A.I.C. Kijabe (Kenya) and Newlife Prosthetic Center (Uganda).
• Freedom of Mobility Program Donation-funded program through which donors fund prosthetic limbs, training, and psycho-social support packages for low-income amputees in emerging markets, delivered with implementation partners Newlife Prosthetic Center and CoRSU in Uganda.
• Circleg Zero Purely mechanical prototype lower-limb prosthetic system with full adjustability across body sizes, integrating all core functionalities of the future commercial product. Validated at Cybathlon 2020 Global Edition.

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blumentec (Brazil)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 October 2023Circleg launched in Brazil through Blumentec, a specialist prosthetics and orthotics distributor co-founded by Jairo Blumenthal and Ronei Quedi with decades of clinical expertise and international recognition. Blumentec hosted a two-day launch event at AACD São Paulo with hands-on sessions for clinicians and prosthetists. Active in 30+ countries with presence at ISPO and AAOP congresses.
• ANSYScoreTechnology or IntegrationANSYS provides Ansys Mechanical structural simulation software used by Circleg's engineering team for finite element analysis, evaluating structural performance, material behavior, and component flexibility of the Circleg One — particularly the knee joint — before physical prototyping.
• Protolabs NetworkcoreTechnology or IntegrationProtolabs Network provides CNC milling services for producing high-strength stainless steel adapters that connect all components of the Circleg prosthetic system. Circleg utilizes their design for manufacturing and cost optimization expertise to improve product quality and durability.
• ZHDK (Zurich University of the Arts)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCircleg is a spin-off of ZHDK. The academic institution provided the foundational research and development environment from which Circleg emerged as a company.
• Pro HelvetiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPro Helvetia (Swiss Arts Council) supports Circleg as part of its mission to promote Swiss arts and innovation internationally. Listed as a partner on the Circleg partners page.
• Fondation Pro VictimisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFondation Pro Victimis is listed as a partner supporting Circleg's mission. Nature of support likely financial or strategic.
• Human StudycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHuman Study provides the blended learning method for the Circleg Certification Training Program, focusing on Circleg Technology and ischial containment socket manufacturing. Co-developed the training curriculum with Circleg.
• Newlife Prosthetic Center (Uganda)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNewlife is a key implementation partner in Uganda for the Freedom of Mobility program, providing socket manufacturing, fitting, gait training, and comprehensive rehabilitative prosthetic care. Also host of the second Circleg Certification Training Program cohort.
• CoRSU (Uganda)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCoRSU is an implementation partner in Uganda for the Freedom of Mobility program, providing comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation services alongside Newlife and Circleg.
• A.I.C. Kijabe (Kenya)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerA.I.C. Kijabe hosted the first cohort of the Circleg Certification Training Program in 2023, training 10 prosthetists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
• KISE (Kenya Institute of Special Education)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKISE partners with Circleg to provide professionally moderated psycho-social support sessions (Circleg Tribe) for amputees, covering mental/emotional well-being, body image, identity, and acceptance. Monthly sessions held.
• ASNU (Uganda)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerASNU (Amputee Self-help Network Uganda) provides psycho-social support to beneficiaries of the Freedom of Mobility program in Uganda. Dr. Alex Munyambabazi from ASNU played a pivotal guidance and encouragement role for program beneficiaries.
• Rehaklinik BellikonminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUrsina Camenzind from Rehaklinik Bellikon served as a training expert for the second Circleg Certification Training Program cohort in Uganda.
• FHNW (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Circleg partner. FHNW's Life Sciences department may contribute to R&D or clinical validation of prosthetic solutions.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fillauer: US-based manufacturer specializing in prosthetic and orthotic components including feet, knees, and modular adapters — directly comparable to Circleg's component-level product offering and prosthetist customer base.
• College Park Industries: US manufacturer of prosthetic feet, knees, and adapters sold via prosthetists. Directly comparable modular lower-limb component business with similar clinical positioning to Circleg One.
• Blatchford Group: UK-based manufacturer of lower-limb prosthetic components (knees, feet, liners) sold through prosthetists. Closely analogous product/customer overlap to Circleg's modular knee + foot system.
• Össur: Iceland-based global leader in prosthetic knees, feet, and sockets. Direct comparable: sells modular lower-limb prosthetic components to prosthetists and clinics — the same customer and use case as Circleg's Circleg One.

Broad incumbents

• Hanger Clinic: US's largest operator of orthotic and prosthetic patient-care clinics, serving the same prosthetist/clinic channel as Circleg with multi-product component offerings. Broad incumbent that Circleg's distribution model must navigate around.
• Ottobock: German global market leader in prosthetics, orthotics, and patient care with broad portfolio including knees (C-Leg), feet, and sockets. Competes in the same limb-prosthetics category but with much larger scale, R&D, and reimbursement infrastructure than Circleg.

Emerging players

• Range of Motion Project (ROMP): US/Guatemala-based nonprofit providing high-quality prosthetic care in underserved Latin American markets. Mission-aligned peer targeting amputees without access — comparable emerging-market social-enterprise model to Circleg.
• LIMBS International: Nonprofit focused on low-cost prosthetic limbs for amputees in developing countries. Targets the same access gap in emerging markets as Circleg's Freedom of Mobility program, with comparable impact-investor funder profile.
• D-Rev (ReMotion): Design-focused nonprofit that developed the JaipurKnee and other low-cost prosthetics for amputees in low- and middle-income countries. Closest analog to Circleg's affordable, durable, mechanically-driven prosthetic value proposition.

Regional players

• Streifeneder ortho.production GmbH: Germany-based prosthetics and orthotics component manufacturer with strong European distribution. Comparable component-level modular lower-limb product lines, but primarily serves DACH/EU markets rather than emerging markets where Circleg focuses.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@circlegworld
• Facebookfacebook.com/circlegworld
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/circleg
• Instagraminstagram.com/circleg.world

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Circleg