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Jun 2026Makani announced that Greg Buchert stepped down as CEO for personal reasons and Sima Ghafari was appointed CEO, with Buchert transitioning to the board.
SourceCompany research
Public company, workplace, funding, and market signals
Updated Jul 29, 2026
Overview
Irvine-based medtech startup developing the FDA-cleared Aire / Makani Respiratory Monitor, a soft, stretchable wireless patch for continuous respiratory monitoring across clinical, home, and research settings; founded by Michelle Khine and Michael Chu and now led by CEO Sima Ghafari.
Primary product
Aire (Makani Respiratory Monitor)
Founded
2019
Headquarters
Irvine, California, United States
Team size
1-10
Industry
Medical Equipment Manufacturing
Sub-industry
Wearable respiratory monitoring / medical devices
Offices
5270 California Avenue, Suite 300, Irvine, CA 92617
University Lab Partners, UC Irvine Research Park, Irvine, CA
3 Whatney, Irvine, CA 92618
Business model
medical device sales
clinical deployment and partnerships
research collaborations
grant-funded R&D
equity crowdfunding
Funding
Stage
Pre-Series A
Latest round
NIH Catalyze Grant · May 2025
Latest amount
$1.1M
May 2025 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
$39.4K
Jul 2021 · Y Combinator
Nov 2020 · Koa Accel
People & investors
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Technology Officer / Co-founder
Chief Financial Officer
Scientific Co-Founder / Board Member
Board Member / former CEO
Board Member
Ray Chan
Chairman
Work & culture
Mission-driven medtech culture focused on making respiratory monitoring more accessible, safer, and data-driven, with strong clinical-validation and commercialization orientation.
Product & market
Differentiators
- —soft, stretchable sensor patch
- —wireless and Bluetooth-connected
- —continuous real-time respiratory monitoring
- —non-invasive wearable form factor
- —tracks respiration rate and volume
- —FDA-cleared device
- —designed for use across ages and settings
Technology
soft stretchable sensor technology
wireless wearable patch
Bluetooth connectivity
mobile app integration
cloud-based analytics
waveform-based breathing analysis
machine learning for respiratory pattern interpretation
Customers
NICU and neonatal teams
outpatient medical clinics
dental sedation practices
pain management providers
hospitals
clinical researchers
athletic/performance monitoring users
adult respiratory care providers
Competitors
pulse oximetry systems
capnography monitors
traditional wired respiratory monitors
apnea monitors
Scale & contact
Estimated revenue
$0.7M-$0.8M
Estimated monthly visits
1.1K
Signals & risks
Latest news
LinkedIn · Jun 2026
Company post says Buchert stepped down for personal reasons and Ghafari took over as CEO, with Buchert moving to the board.
UCI Beckman Laser Institute · May 2025
Profiles the startup’s FDA clearance, NIH Catalyze grant, ULP location, and the product’s development from UC Irvine research.
LinkedIn · May 2025
Company says the grant will fund a second-generation device for premature babies and names Koa Accel, TCA Venture Group, K5 Global, Cove Fund, and CTIP among major funders.
Orange County Business Journal · May 2025
Reports 510(k) clearance, commercialization timing, and that Makani had raised more than $3.5 million to date including a $1.1 million NIH grant.
PR Newswire · Apr 2025
Official company release announcing FDA 510(k) clearance for the Makani Respiratory Monitor and plans for manufacturing and early deployments.
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