Information on the Target

Aktiia, now rebranded as Hilo, is a pioneering blood pressure intelligence platform established in 2018. The company focuses on revolutionizing how blood pressure is measured and managed through innovative technology. With an extensive portfolio, Hilo has successfully sold over 120,000 devices, leveraging advanced AI algorithms integrated with vast datasets to provide convenient and insightful reports. This robust approach helps both individuals and healthcare professionals effectively monitor blood pressure.

The recent funding signifies a vital step in Hilo's journey, as they aim to enhance accessibility to cuffless, clinically validated blood pressure monitoring solutions globally. The company’s foundational Machine Learning model for blood pressure monitoring has been trained on billions of optical signals and refined through hundreds of millions of calibration points, establishing Hilo as a leader in the emerging cuffless blood pressure monitoring (CBPM) sector.

Industry Overview in Switzerland

Switzerland is recognized for its strong healthcare system, characterized by high standards of medical services and innovative health technologies. The country invests heavily in research and development, contributing to a thriving landscape for health tech companies like Hilo. The Swiss health tech sector is not only financially prosperous but also adept at fostering collaborations between private enterprises and public research institutions.

Moreover, Switzerland is positioned as a hub for startups, especially in the health and biotechnology fields, creating an environment ripe for innovation. Government support and favorable policies further augment the growth of health technology companies, encouraging advancements in medical devices and applications that enhance patient care.

The global emphasis on preventive healthcare is increasingly influencing the local industry, with a significant shift towards monitoring chronic conditions such as hypertension. This aligns with Hilo’s mission, as the need for efficient and accessible hypertension management solutions becomes more pressing in a country where health awareness is steadily rising.

With over half of all adults in Switzerland living with hypertension, innovative solutions like Hilo’s address a critical component of public health. The market for blood pressure monitoring is expanding rapidly, driven by technological advancements and an increased focus on personal health management, thus positioning Hilo for significant growth in both domestic and international markets.

The Rationale Behind the Deal

The $42 million Series B funding round was oversubscribed, indicating strong investor confidence in Hilo’s potential to lead the market in blood pressure management solutions. The fresh capital will enable Hilo to accelerate product development, expand into new markets, and enhance its blood pressure intelligence platform, which supports enterprise use cases. Given the company's track record of 76% compounded annual revenue growth and successful completion of pivotal clinical trials, the investment will provide the necessary resources to capitalize on these achievements.

This funding round not only reflects the confidence of existing investors but also brings in new partnerships from esteemed entities. As Hilo transitions into its rebranded identity, the investment will help materialize its vision of creating universally accessible blood pressure monitoring tools.

Information about the Investor

This funding round was co-led by Earlybird Health and Wellington Partners, both of which are reputable venture capital firms specializing in health technology investments. Earlybird Health is known for backing innovative companies in the health sector and has a portfolio that illustrates its commitment to improving health outcomes through technology. The firm’s Principal, Christoph Massner, is set to join Hilo’s Board of Directors, bringing invaluable expertise in steering health tech companies toward scalable success.

Wellington Partners, co-leaders of this financing round, share a similar vision of driving advancements in healthcare technology. Managing Partner, Johannes Fischer, emphasized the importance of Hilo’s innovations in delivering timely blood pressure information, which can significantly impact personal health management globally. Both investors are poised to play a critical role in Hilo’s growth trajectory, leveraging their industry knowledge to navigate the complexities of health tech innovation.

View of Dealert

The investment in Hilo can be regarded as a strategically sound decision, driven by the company’s innovative approach to blood pressure management and its established market presence. The demand for convenient and accurate blood pressure monitoring solutions continues to grow, especially as awareness around hypertension increases internationally. Hilo's technical advancements, particularly in cuffless blood pressure monitoring, set it apart from competitors.

The healthcare landscape is evolving towards preventive care, and Hilo is at the forefront of this transition. The company's expansion into new markets and the roll-out of its rebranding to Hilo aligns with global health trends. Their innovative, user-friendly technology places them in a strong position to attract both consumers and healthcare professionals looking for effective management tools.

Furthermore, the strong backing from experienced investors like Earlybird Health and Wellington Partners enhances Hilo's credibility, allowing it to leverage these relationships to facilitate growth. As the company continues to demonstrate significant milestones, such as securing regulatory approvals and achieving milestone revenue growth, the long-term investment outlook remains positive.

In conclusion, the funding round represents a crucial inflection point for Hilo. Given the pressing need for innovative solutions in blood pressure management, the successful execution of their strategy could establish them as a leader in the health tech space, making this investment not only promising but also essential for improving public health outcomes around the globe.

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