#United States #San Diego #Cooler Heads #Amma Scalp Cooling #Chemotherapy Care

Cooler Heads Secures $11M in Series A Funding

Cooler Heads, a trailblazing company in the medical device industry, recently announced the completion of an oversubscribed Series A funding round, raising an impressive $11 million. This funding is a significant milestone for the company, which is dedicated to improving the lives of chemotherapy patients through its innovative product, the Amma™ Portable Scalp Cooling System. This device has gained the distinction of being the only FDA-cleared system designed to help patients maintain their hair and uphold their privacy during treatment.

Hair loss is an emotionally devastating experience for many undergoing chemotherapy; reports indicate that as many as 8% of eligible patients choose to forgo treatment due to the fear of losing their hair. As Kate Dilligan, breast cancer survivor and the visionary founder and CEO of Cooler Heads, notes, the emotional trauma associated with hair loss leads to significant decisions about treatment. "Amma™ provides infusion centers with a seamless integration for scalp cooling within their workflows, enhancing accessibility for patients. The recent decision by the American Medical Association to elevate scalp cooling reimbursement codes to Category I starting in January 2026 adds powerful momentum to the acceptance of this technology in cancer care."

The Amma™ system achieves its effectiveness through continuous cooling before, during, and after chemotherapy sessions. By minimizing blood flow to hair follicles, Amma™ assists in safeguarding these follicles from the harmful effects of chemotherapy drugs. Additionally, the system eliminates the inconvenience of traditional methods, such as the use of dry ice and frequent cap changes, thus making the treatment more practical and user-friendly.

The Series A funding round saw participation from significant players in the venture capital realm, including Mutual Capital Partners, a Cleveland-based healthtech venture firm, alongside investors such as SHD Partners, Crescent Ridge VC, and several others. According to Liz Todia Zambory from Mutual Capital Partners, investing in Cooler Heads represents not just a financial commitment but a belief in the company's potential to transform cancer care. By making scalp cooling available where patients receive care, Cooler Heads is paving the way for an enhanced quality of life for those undergoing treatment.

In addition to the notable financial backing, governance of Cooler Heads is strengthened by experienced advisors; Mike Schotzinger from SHD Partners has joined the Board of Directors, along with Jason Pesterfield, a healthcare industry veteran. These strategic partnerships are designed to steer Cooler Heads towards its goal of broadening the availability of scalp cooling options, promising hope and empowerment for cancer patients.

Amma™ is not merely a device; it stands as a beacon of hope for many. Jennifer George, a user of Amma™ during her 16 cycles of chemotherapy in 2024, shared that scalp cooling provided her a sense of normalcy, keeping part of her identity intact amidst a challenging period. "In a process where so much is stripped away, scalp cooling helped me keep a part of myself intact, and that gave me strength," she expressed.

Cooler Heads, based in San Diego, is driven by a profound commitment to ease the burden of cancer treatments on patients. Founded by a survivor, the company aims to deliver evidence-based products and services that address the challenging side effects of cancer therapies.

The recent funding not only marks a significant achievement for Cooler Heads but also reflects a promising evolution in cancer care, where scalp cooling is becoming an increasingly recognized standard. As innovations continue to emerge, Cooler Heads is at the forefront of ensuring that patients undergoing chemotherapy retain their dignity and comfort during treatment. With the financial backing and supportive advisory board, the future seems bright for both Cooler Heads and the patients who stand to benefit from its groundbreaking technology.