Welcome to the latest edition of STAT Health Tech, where we bring you the latest news and updates from the booming health tech industry. In this edition, we have some exciting news to share about new fundraises made by three prominent companies – Talkiatry, Big Health, and Apple, and an update on the accuracy of the Apple Watch’s hypertension feature.
Let’s dive right in!
Talkiatry, a New York-based mental health startup, recently announced a successful Series A funding round, raising $20 million in investments. This brings the total amount raised by the company to $23 million. Talkiatry offers virtual therapy services with a focus on accessibility and affordability. With the ongoing pandemic, mental health has become a significant concern for many, and Talkiatry’s services have become more critical than ever.
The company plans to use the funds to expand its operations, hiring more providers, and investing in technology to improve the user experience. Talkiatry’s CEO, Dr. Melissa Thompson, stated, “We are thrilled to have the support of our investors to continue our mission of making high-quality mental healthcare accessible to all. This funding will allow us to reach more people in need and strengthen our platform to provide an even better experience for our patients.”
Another company that secured significant investments is Big Health, a digital therapeutics company that develops behavioral health programs. They recently announced a $39 million Series B funding round, led by Gilde Healthcare. The company’s popular app, Sleepio, helps users improve their sleeping habits through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. This funding will help Big Health expand its product offerings and continue to innovate in the mental health space.
CEO and co-founder of Big Health, Peter Hames, said, “We are delighted to have the support of our investors as we work towards our goal of making behavioral health accessible to all. This funding will enable us to further our research and development efforts and reach more people in need of effective and convenient mental health solutions.”
In addition to these investments, Apple has also been making waves in the health tech industry. The company recently released a new feature for the Apple Watch, which can measure and track blood pressure. However, there has been some skepticism about the accuracy of this feature.
To address this, a team of researchers at the University of Michigan conducted a study to test the accuracy of the Apple Watch’s hypertension feature. The study, which included 27 participants, found that the Apple Watch’s readings were comparable to those taken by a standard blood pressure monitor.
This is a significant development for the health tech industry, as it opens the door for more accessible and convenient options for monitoring blood pressure. With the increasing prevalence of high blood pressure and its potential health consequences, such innovations can have a significant impact on improving public health.
Apple’s commitment to incorporating health and wellness features in their products is admirable. Jeff Williams, Apple’s COO, shared that their goal is to “empower people to stay healthy and active by providing them with tools and information to better understand their health.” With features like the blood pressure monitoring in the Apple Watch, they are undoubtedly making strides towards this goal.
Overall, the recent news and developments in the health tech industry are promising and show the potential for even more exciting advancements in the future. With investments pouring into companies like Talkiatry and Big Health, we can expect to see more innovative solutions for improving mental health and well-being. And with tech giants like Apple incorporating health features in their products, the potential for advancements in the healthcare industry is limitless.
As readers of STAT Health Tech, we hope this news has inspired you and given you a glimpse of the potential for technology to transform the healthcare industry. Stay tuned for more updates and innovations in the coming editions. Until then, stay healthy and stay tech-savvy!
