Investment spurs formation of new company

CLEARWATER — Telehealth company Stratus Video has received an investment from Kinderhook Industries, a New York-based private investment firm, that has allowed it to turn its telehealth division, now known as Synzi, into a separate company.

According to a press release, Synzi's technology platform facilitates communication between health care providers and patients, including those who need access to an interpreter or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Live video interactions can be delivered on demand via mobile devices, the company says.

In the release, Kinderhook managing director Chris Michalik says the rapid growth of Clearwater-based Stratus Video inspired his firm to throw its support behind Synzi.

“We are confident that Synzi will follow the same growth trajectory as it serves a vital role in improving patient care,” Michalik states in the release.

“It's incredibly rewarding ... to be able to showcase our growth and to demonstrate Synzi's value as a standalone company,” adds Stratus Video's former president, Lee Horner, who as part of the spinoff deal became CEO of Synzi. “We are excited for the new market opportunities ahead.”