NICO
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersIndianapolis, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What NICO does
NICO Corporation is a privately held medical device company (founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2007) that develops integrated systems for minimally invasive neurosurgery. Its core platform is the MIPS (Minimally Invasive Parafascicular Surgery) approach, anchored by three FDA-cleared product lines: the BrainPath navigation-compatible port-based access system for trans-sulcal brain access; the Myriad automated multi-functional resection tool (available in 11–19 gauges) for non-ablative tissue removal and hemorrhage evacuation; and the Myriad SPECTRA System, which adds white-light and blue excitation-light fluorescence-guided surgery for high-grade glioma resection. Supporting products include the Automated Preservation System for closed-capture tissue collection and molecular analysis, plus accessories such as the LX Light Source, Illum Pack, and meniGLIDE.
The company sells exclusively B2B to hospitals and academic medical centers through an enterprise field sales motion, with international reach enabled by exclusive distributors in Australia and New Zealand and CE Mark / MHRA registration in European and UK markets. Revenue derives from a combination of one-time capital equipment sales (BrainPath, SPECTRA consoles) and recurring consumable revenue from single-use Myriad handpieces and accessories, with multi-year contracts negotiated directly with healthcare institutions. The clinical evidence base includes 250+ peer-reviewed publications, 600+ unique authors, and the landmark ENRICH trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine in April 2024 — the first Level 1 positive surgical trial demonstrating improved functional and economic outcomes for intracerebral hemorrhage.
In November 2024, NICO was acquired by Stryker Corporation, becoming part of Stryker's minimally invasive neurosurgery portfolio. At acquisition, the company had an 11–50 employee footprint and total funding of approximately $68M raised across multiple rounds since 2008, with RC Capital as a repeat lead investor. Prior to acquisition, ownership was private and revenue figures were not publicly disclosed.
NICO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- NICO
- Legal name
- NICO Corporation
- Website
- https://niconeuro.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
NICO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Neurosurgical Medical Devices
- NAICS
- Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113)
- SIC
- Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Medical Cannabis Delivery & Online Ordering (CRANAGAG)
Keywords
Where NICO is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indianapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
NICO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Neurosurgical Hardware and Systems: NICO Corporation generates revenue through the sale of its neurosurgical medical devices including the BrainPath access system, Myriad tissue removal handpieces, SPECTRA console systems, and related accessories/consumables. The company sells complete integrated systems solutions to hospitals and surgical centers, with the business model being one-time capital equipment sales combined with recurring consumable revenue from single-use handpieces and accessories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Medical device pricing varies by institution and contract |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels7 records
NICO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NICO Corporation develops and sells medical devices for minimally invasive neurosurgery, including the BrainPath navigation-compatible port-based access system and the Myriad automated tissue resection tool. The company markets an integrated surgical platform that combines access, resection, illumination, and tissue preservation technologies to enable safe trans-sulcal brain surgery for stroke, tumor, and vascular indications. Revenue is generated through one-time capital equipment sales combined with recurring consumable handpieces sold to hospitals and surgical centers.
Product overview
NICO Corporation offers an integrated systems solution for minimally invasive neurosurgery centered around two core FDA-cleared platforms: the BrainPath access system and Myriad tissue removal system. The BrainPath Approach enables minimally-disruptive access through natural brain folds using a trans-sulcal, parafascicular technique, while the Myriad system provides automated suction and resection for clot evacuation and tumor removal. Additional products include the Myriad SPECTRA system (adding fluorescence-guided surgery capabilities), the Automated Preservation System for tissue collection, and supporting accessories like the Illum Pack and LX Light Source. The integrated platform is used primarily for treating intracerebral hemorrhage (stroke), brain tumors, and vascular malformations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BrainPath: The world's first navigated access system that achieves minimally-disruptive access using a trans-sulcal and parafascicular surgical approach for brain surgery.
- Myriad
- Myriad SPECTRA
- ENRICH
Products and services
- NICO BrainPath The world's first and only navigation-compatible port-based technology that achieves minimally-disruptive brain access using a trans-sulcal and parafascicular surgical approach. Enables neurosurgeons to access deep brain regions through natural brain folds for treating strokes, tumors, and brain hemorrhages.
- NICO Myriad Automated multi-functional resection tool used through the BrainPath sheath that combines scissors and suction for non-ablative tissue removal and hemorrhage evacuation. Available in 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19 gauges with FDA clearance for brain tumor removal, vascular abnormalities, and intraventricular tumors/cysts.
- NICO Myriad SPECTRA System Multi-functional surgical system providing illumination, resection, collection, and biological preservation of tissue. Offers both white light for tumor and clot visualization and blue excitation light for fluorescence-guided surgery of high-grade gliomas, with handheld design and toggle between light modes.
- NICO Automated Preservation System Closed-capture system that collects and biologically preserves resected tissue during surgery for more comprehensive pathology and molecular analysis.
- NICO meniGLIDE Accessory product for neurosurgical procedures, with Instructions for Use available in product labeling documentation.
- LX Light Source Xenon light source technology enabling enhanced visualization in minimally invasive neurosurgery, available in digital and analog versions.
- Illum Pack Digital version illumination pack providing light delivery for surgical visualization (part number LL-5697_07).
Quantifiable outcome
- 98.1% posterior probability of superiority over medical management (UWmRS difference of 0.084)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use NICO
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
NICO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature5 records
NICO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- StrykerflagshipStryker acquired NICO Corporation in November 2024 as part of its aggressive M&A strategy in medical device innovation. The acquisition expands Stryker's minimally invasive neurosurgery portfolio and gives NICO access to Stryker's global distribution and resources.
- Australian/New Zealand DistributorcoreNew distributor appointed for Australia and New Zealand markets to expand global distribution network and serve neurosurgeons in the region.
- Viz.aicoreCollaboration to speed patient recruitment in the ENRICH clinical trial. Viz.ai's AI-powered care coordination platform identifies potential trial candidates and coordinates care teams to accelerate enrollment.
- Hitachi Aloka MedicalcoreCollaboration to create improved visualization for difficult-to-reach brain tumors. Combined technologies integrate imaging and intervention for enhanced surgical precision.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
NICO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Brainlab: Developer of surgical navigation and imaging software for neurosurgery and spine, complementary to NICO's navigation-compatible BrainPath and increasingly integrated with cranial access workflows.
- Synaptive Medical: Developer of surgical imaging, navigation, and robotics for neurosurgery. Already an integration partner of NICO via Synaptive Servo, and competes in adjacent cranial visualization and pre-operative planning workflows.
- Rapid Medical: Neurovascular device company developing stent retrievers and access devices for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, overlapping with NICO's stroke-focused product positioning and target stroke center customers.
Regional players
- MicroPort Scientific: Neurovascular and orthopedic device company with broad Asia-Pacific reach and overlap in neurovascular indications. A regional peer rather than a direct US-headquartered competitor.
Others
- KARL STORZ: Established endoscopy and visualization manufacturer serving neurosurgery with microscopes and rigid endoscopes that complement NICO's Myriad SPECTRA visualization and could substitute for parts of the workflow.
- Viz.ai: AI-powered stroke detection and care coordination platform and existing NICO ENRICH trial partner. Addresses an adjacent part of the stroke care workflow rather than directly competing with the MIPS surgical platform.
Broad incumbents
- Integra LifeSciences: Established neurosurgery portfolio spanning dural repair, ICP monitoring, and surgical instruments that overlap with NICO's cranial access offerings. Sells into the same hospital neurosurgery departments as a broader incumbent.
- Medtronic: One of the largest neurosurgery and neurovascular device portfolios globally, including cranial navigation, surgical instruments, and stroke intervention products, with deep hospital relationships that compete with NICO's MIPS platform.
- Stryker: Now NICO's parent company post-November 2024 acquisition, with a broader neurosurgery, spine, and surgical instruments portfolio. Pre-acquisition, also a broad incumbent in cranial access and surgical visualization.
Direct peers
- Penumbra: Direct competitor in neurovascular and stroke intervention, with thrombectomy and aspiration products overlapping with NICO's hemorrhagic stroke focus. Both companies target the same neurosurgery and stroke center customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
NICO social profiles
Digital presenceNICO compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
NICO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
NICO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
NICO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds8 records
Investors6 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
NICO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about NICO
What does NICO do?
NICO Corporation develops and sells medical devices for minimally invasive neurosurgery, including the BrainPath navigation-compatible port-based access system and the Myriad automated tissue resection tool. The company markets an integrated surgical platform that combines access, resection, illumination, and tissue preservation technologies to enable safe trans-sulcal brain surgery for stroke, tumor, and vascular indications. Revenue is generated through one-time capital equipment sales combined with recurring consumable handpieces sold to hospitals and surgical centers.
Is NICO a public or private company?
NICO is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was NICO founded?
NICO was founded in 2007. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is NICO based?
NICO is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does NICO make money?
One revenue line is on record: neurosurgical Hardware and Systems.
Who are NICO's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Brainlab, Synaptive Medical and Rapid Medical. MicroPort Scientific is listed as a regional player. Others are KARL STORZ and Viz.ai. Broad incumbents are Integra LifeSciences, Medtronic and Stryker. Penumbra is listed as a direct peer.
Does NICO have an API?
No public API is recorded for NICO.
What industry is NICO in?
NICO's product category is Neurosurgical Medical Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRANAGAG, Medical Cannabis Delivery & Online Ordering. Its NAICS code is 339112 and its SIC code is 3841.