#Switzerland #Lausanne #blood pressure #Hilo #Aktiia

Aktiia Transforms into Hilo with $42 Million Investment to Enhance Blood Pressure Monitoring

In an ambitious move towards revolutionizing blood pressure management, Aktiia has successfully raised $42 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round. This funding underscores the health tech pioneer’s commitment to addressing hypertension globally, a silent epidemic affecting billions. Co-led by Earlybird Health and Wellington Partners, this funding round welcomed new investors such as Kfund and naturalX Health Ventures, while also seeing participation from established supporters like redalpine and Khosla Ventures.

The fresh capital elevates the total funding raised to over $100 million, signaling strong investor confidence in Aktiia’s vision. The Series B funding will expedite the company’s goal to broaden the accessibility of its innovative blood pressure monitoring solutions. As part of this transition, Aktiia has rebranded itself to Hilo, reflecting a new identity aimed at making cuffless, clinically validated blood pressure monitoring accessible to everyone.

This rebranding marks a key milestone in Hilo's journey, reinforcing a vision of healthier blood pressure for all, while continuing to optimize the technology and reporting systems that have become central to its platform's success. With more than 120,000 devices already sold, Hilo has carved a niche for itself in the health tech sector, distinguished by its groundbreaking machine-learning model specifically designed for blood pressure.

Significant Milestones

Aktiia’s recent achievements paint a picture of rapid progress and potential. The company has not only secured CE marking for its pioneering blood pressure monitoring technology via mobile phone cameras but has also attained regulatory approvals in regions including Canada, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Hilo has demonstrated an impressive 76% compounded annual revenue growth and successfully completed a pivotal clinical trial ahead of its upcoming submission to the U.S. FDA.

“The funding round signifies the trust our investors have in Hilo’s innovative tech and our mission to improve blood pressure management through frequent and accurate measurements,” remarked Raghav “Rags” Gupta, CEO of Hilo. He emphasized the urgency for accessible blood pressure monitoring solutions, particularly as only 20% of individuals suffering from hypertension currently manage their condition effectively.

Gupta also highlighted that the rebranding to Hilo represents more than a simple name change. It is a commitment to empower users worldwide with smarter tools to optimize their health, acknowledging the invaluable support of both early customers and investors.

As the platform edges closer to a mainstream solution for hypertension, Christoph Massner, Principal at Earlybird Health and incoming board member of Hilo, noted, “Hilo’s blend of medical-grade precision with consumer-friendly accessibility is exceptional. It bridges clinical reliability with everyday usability, enabling individuals to take control of their health without extensive effort.”

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Johannes Fischer, Managing Partner at Wellington Partners, expressed excitement about supporting Hilo’s innovative technology. He heralded it as a transformative force for millions facing elevated blood pressure, noting the potential of real-time monitoring to redefine management practices surrounding this common health risk.

Hilo aims to integrate advanced AI algorithms with vast datasets to deliver valuable and easy-to-understand reports for individuals and healthcare professionals alike. The company’s foundation model, trained on billions of optical signals, places it at the forefront of the cuffless blood pressure monitoring category, supported by an accomplished team of biomedical experts with over 120 peer-reviewed publications and more than 35 patents.

As Hilo continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to transforming the understanding and management of blood pressure. While the Hilo system is not designed for diagnostic use, it provides critical data that should always be interpreted in consultation with healthcare providers. To explore more about their offerings or for additional information, you can visit their website at www.hilo.com.

The future looks bright for Hilo as it seeks to innovate and elevate blood pressure management for a healthier world.