In the world of health technology, there is always something new and exciting happening. This month, we saw some impressive fundraises by Talkiatry and Big Health, as well as a discussion on the accuracy of the Apple Watch’s hypertension feature. Let’s dive into the latest edition of STAT Health Tech and explore these developments.
Talkiatry, a mental health startup, recently announced a successful Series A funding round of $20 million. This brings their total funding to $24 million, a remarkable feat for a company that was only launched in 2019. Talkiatry offers virtual therapy sessions with licensed psychiatrists and therapists, making it easier for people to access mental health services from the comfort of their own homes. Their platform has proven to be especially valuable during the ongoing pandemic, as mental health concerns have increased significantly.
The fundraising was led by Left Lane Capital, with participation from City Light Capital and other existing investors. This is a testament to the potential of Talkiatry and their innovative approach to mental healthcare. The company plans to use the funds to expand their team of clinicians, enhance their technology, and increase their reach to more patients in need.
In a statement, Talkiatry CEO and co-founder, Dr. Georgia Gaveras, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the support from investors. She also emphasized the importance of accessible and affordable mental health services, especially during these challenging times. With this latest round of funding, Talkiatry is well-positioned to continue providing high-quality care to their patients and making a positive impact in the mental health space.
Another notable fundraiser this month was by Big Health, a digital therapeutics company that focuses on mental health. They raised $39 million in a Series B round, led by Gilde Healthcare. This brings their total funding to $54 million, and the company plans to use the funds to expand their team, enhance their technology, and support the launch of their new product, Daylight.
Big Health’s flagship product, Sleepio, is a digital program that helps people overcome insomnia. It has been clinically proven to improve sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. With the launch of Daylight, Big Health aims to expand their reach and help even more people struggling with mental health issues. Daylight is a digital program that provides evidence-based support for people experiencing worry and anxiety, which has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society.
Peter Hames, CEO and co-founder of Big Health, stated that the company’s mission is to help millions of people around the world lead happier, healthier lives. The successful fundraising round is a testament to the effectiveness of their products and the potential for growth. With their innovative approach to mental health, Big Health is making a significant impact and changing the way we think about treating mental health issues.
In addition to these exciting fundraises, there has been a lot of buzz around the accuracy of the Apple Watch’s hypertension feature. The feature, which was introduced in 2018, uses sensors to measure blood pressure and heart rate to detect potential signs of hypertension. This has been hailed as a game-changer, as hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
However, a recent study published in JAMA Cardiology has raised questions about the accuracy of the Apple Watch’s hypertension feature. The study found that the feature had a 70% accuracy rate in detecting hypertension, which is lower than the 85% claimed by Apple. This has sparked a discussion about the reliability of consumer-grade health devices and the need for more rigorous testing and regulation.
While this study may raise some concerns, it is important to note that the Apple Watch’s hypertension feature is not intended to replace medical advice or diagnosis. It is meant to serve as a screening tool and encourage people to seek medical attention if necessary. The study also noted that the feature was more accurate in detecting high blood pressure in individuals with a history of hypertension, indicating that it may still be useful for monitoring and managing the condition.
As with any new technology, there will always be room for improvement and further research. The Apple Watch’s hypertension feature is a step in the right direction, and as technology continues to advance, we can expect more accurate and reliable health devices in the future.
In conclusion, this edition of STAT Health Tech has been filled with exciting developments and advancements in the field of health technology. The impressive fundraises by Talkiatry and Big Health highlight the potential for innovation and growth in the