Target Information

We are pleased to announce our investment in Hilo, an innovative blood pressure intelligence platform founded by Mattia Bertschi and Josep Solà. Hilo is revolutionizing the monitoring and management of hypertension on a global scale. Our participation in their $42 million Series B funding round was alongside esteemed investors such as Earlybird Health, Wellington Partners, naturalX Health Ventures, among others. This funding round also allows us to join a distinguished group of earlier investors, including Khosla Ventures, Redalpine, Molten Ventures, Translink Capital, and Verve Ventures, who have supported Hilo since its inception.

This investment brings Hilo’s total funding to over $100 million, underscoring the critical issue they are addressing and the effectiveness of their solution. With this new capital, Hilo aims to accelerate its mission to globally manage blood pressure and expand its reach into new markets like Spain.

Industry Overview

Hypertension is a major global health concern, affecting more than 1.28 billion individuals worldwide. It is a leading cause of premature mortality, contributing to strokes and heart attacks. Despite the gravity of this issue, the methods used for monitoring blood pressure have seen little innovation over the past century. Most individuals rely on traditional cuff-based devices that are often uncomfortable and can only be used intermittently, hindering continuous and effective management of hypertension.

Although there have been subtle enhancements in monitoring tools—from invasive procedures to cuff-based devices and digital monitors—no solution has eliminated the discomfort of traditional methods while facilitating ongoing, actionable monitoring of blood pressure levels.

Hilo addresses this gap by providing a unique, continuous blood pressure monitoring solution that employs photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. This system captures blood pressure data passively from the wrist and is engineered to provide regular monitoring without user intervention, effectively eliminating the challenges associated with conventional methods.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The rationale for our investment in Hilo stems from the innovative nature of their technology and the urgent need for effective hypertension management solutions. Given the alarming prevalence of hypertension globally and its associated health risks, Hilo's continuous, cuffless monitoring method represents a significant advancement in how individuals can manage their cardiovascular health. The company’s growth trajectory and early market validation further support the potential for a strong return on investment.

Information About the Investor

Kfund is dedicated to supporting founders who confront fundamental health challenges with groundbreaking technological solutions. By investing in Hilo, we align ourselves with a visionary team that is committed to redefining the standards of health monitoring. Hilo operates at the convergence of hardware, software, and health data, which we believe will be essential in advancing healthcare innovation over the next decade.

The necessity for proactive healthcare solutions is becoming even more pronounced as populations age and chronic conditions like hypertension become increasingly prevalent. With a strong belief in Hilo’s mission, we are excited to contribute to their journey of transforming blood pressure management for millions worldwide.

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From an expert perspective, Hilo represents a promising investment opportunity. The company is tackling a significant global health issue with a solution that stands out in a saturated market. The adoption of continuous, cuffless blood pressure monitoring not only addresses user discomfort but also enhances data collection and adherence to management protocols, which is crucial for better health outcomes.

Additionally, Hilo's integration with platforms like Apple Health and Google Fit further solidifies its value proposition, making health monitoring seamless for users and providing comprehensive health insights. As healthcare shifts from reactive to proactive approaches, solutions like Hilo's will likely become integral to managing chronic conditions effectively.

Moreover, the backing from various reputable investors signifies confidence in Hilo's vision and potential market impact. The robust growth observed in their B2C sales demonstrates strong customer demand, while their expanding B2B segment indicates a diverse revenue strategy, which enhances overall financial viability.

In conclusion, the strategic investment in Hilo aligns with Kfund's goals of fostering impactful health innovations. Given the growing demand for effective hypertension management solutions, Hilo is well-positioned for success, marking this investment as a calculated and rewarding decision.

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