Horizons Ventures focuses on investing in disruptive and technology-focused start-ups. The firm was founded in 1999 and is based in Hong Kong. Some of the latest exits are Skype, Siri, Facebook, Summly, and Waze.

Horizons Ventures

Root Ventures is a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in technical teams working on deep tech. The firm specializes in the fields of financial services, venture capital, and investments. It was founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Root Ventures

Global Brain Corporation is a venture capital firm that invests in companies from seed or early to pre-IPO startups.  Global Brain has invested in 300+ startups from seed/early to pre-IPO startups and achieved 25 IPOs and 61 M&As as a result of providing hands-on support services and resources to its portfolio startups. Global Brain has managed a pure investment fund as well as multiple corporate venture capital funds partnered together with tier 1 public companies of telecom, real estate development, financial service, beverages, agriculture food, logistics, and electronic devices.

Global Brain Corporation

Sinovation Ventures is a full-service venture capital firm that actively invests in the Chinese technology market.

Sinovation Ventures

The world's first investment firm aimed at actively creating companies of consequence out of emerging robotics breakthroughs. Their team, headquartered in Pittsburgh but reaching nationally, is positioned to use unique resources to develop the kind of organizations that will one day redefine the way we live and work. Their investment approach is designed to rapidly identify the most viable ideas and strategies, concentrate resources around them, and get these ideas quickly to their growth phase. They work to provide a level of active support much closer to that of cofounder than a typical venture investor.

The Robotics Hub

Seismic

Seismic produces and develops custom garments with built-in flexible electric motors that help the wearer with everyday tasks. Seismic has hired a team of leaders in textiles, industrial design, robotics, biomechanics, and data science to develop the new category of Powered Clothing: lightweight, connected apparel, comfortably worn under any outfit, with integrated electric “muscles” that add intelligent wearable strength and natural mobility to muscles and joints, enabling everyone — from seniors to athletes, to people with a wide range of physical disabilities — to achieve their full physical potential. Seismic technology was originally developed at SRI International for a DARPA-funded program to reduce injury risk and enhance soldier endurance. Recognizing its profound application beyond the military, Seismic spun out of SRI to explore the technology for a wide range of consumer applications, starting with the aging market because of the size of the opportunity and the need this population faces.

Seismic (known as Superflex up until August 2018) is a spin-off of R&amp;D company SRI International. The company develops apparel fused with robotics to assist users with daily tasks by improving their independent mobility. The company primarily focuses on supporting the elderly; however, its technology could be used in sports and recreational markets as well.&nbsp;

A concentration of wealth and a willingness to adopt age-in-place technologies present new opportunities.

Age Tech

Seismic is an apparel company that designs and manufactures Powered Clothing, a fusion of apparel and robotics technology. Their flagship product, the Seismic Suit, is specifically designed for the Worker Safety market. Introduced in June 2022, the Suit is a vest-style garment inspired by traditional workwear, featuring a tool belt form-factor hardware carrier at the waist.

Seismic Powered Clothing equipped with electromechanical muscles

Seismic Powered Clothing

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Seismic (known as Superflex up until August 2018) is a spin-off of R&amp;D company SRI International. The company develops apparel fused with robotics to assist users with daily tasks by improving their independent mobility. The company primarily focuses on supporting the elderly; however, its technology could be used in sports and recreational markets as well.&nbsp;The garments work with flexible electric motors, which helps the wearer with simple tasks such as standing up, walking around, and carrying groceries and laundry, by enhancing core strength in the torso, hips, and legs. Moreover, the clothes function as intelligent powered clothing, as they can detect actions automatically, such as standing up, and provide the necessary power automatically.&nbsp;The company launched its first collection of powered clothing in September 2018, about a year after it was founded.&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsIn January 2019, Seismic entered four strategic partnerships with Cintas Corporation, Obayashi Corporation, Transforming Age, and Solid Biosciences for the distribution of its product.

Honor provides a platform for elderly persons and their families to find home care providers, and is claimed to be one of the largest on-demand home care networks in the US. The company’s key offerings include Home Care, Family Caregiver Resources, and the Honor Family App and Honor Family Care Network for remote monitoring.In August 2021, Honor announced the acquisition of home care provider Home Instead at an undisclosed value. The merged entity was expected to combine for over USD 2.1 billion home care services revenue.&nbsp; Key customers and partnershipsAs of August 2021, Home Instead had around 90,000 caregivers serving at 1,200 locations across the US and global markets. Home Instead acquired UK-based online platform SuperCarers in June 2020. It connects professional caregivers to elderly people seeking at-home care. Prior to the acquisition, SuperCarers had raised a total of GBP 4.9 million (USD 6.6 million).It also partners with the Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Applications (ORCHA) to provide quality assured apps for psychological wellbeing, physical activity, and mental stimulation.

Honor

Eargo specializes in developing hearing aid and related services. Eargo has four products in its lineup: Link by Eargo, Eargo SE, Eargo Neo HiFi, Eargo 6, and Eargo 7. The company’s products are unique due to its design meant to keep the device invisible when plugged in.The products are priced between USD 749 (Link by Eargo) and USD 2,490 (Eargo 7). The Eargo Neo HiFi comes alongside an app and offers connected smart features such as audio personalization and control. The app allows the user to control the audio to suit their surroundings, customize settings, and contact Eargo's licensed hearing professionals for consultation and support.In October 2020, Eargo was listed as a public company and then acquired by Patient Square Capital In October 2023. Via the acquisition, Patient Square Capital acquired all outstanding shares of Eargo—that were not owned by Patient Square—at USD 2.55 per share. Key customers and partnershipsThe company utilizes a business-to-consumer (B2C) online retail strategy compared to traditional business-to-business (B2B) model deployed by other manufacturers who sell their products through clinics. The strategy has proven beneficial through the Covid-19 pandemic as consumer footfall for brick-and-mortar clinics have declined.

Eargo

K4Connect provides technology solutions to residents and staff members in senior living communities through its K4Community platform. The company was co-founded by Scott Moody who sold his fingerprint sensor technology company AuthenTec to Apple for USD 356 million in 2012, which then became the basis for Touch ID.The platform's offerings include digital voice and video communication, and community updates for residents. It also provides smart home automation through the provisioning of plug and play Alexa devices for residents and supports smart thermostats, smart lights, motion sensors, and sleep tracking devices. In addition, community staff members have access to tools for resident surveys, resident and family management, and communications. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the platform also established an expanded video chat service to facilitate resident-to-resident communication, staff requests, yoga classes, and dining room bookings. Further, in March 2020, it partnered with software communications firm Bandwidth to introduce a hotline for staff and residents as a means of keeping all parties up to date with community information.The platform is built on the company’s patented operating system, FusionOS. The company claims that FusionOS is an advanced multi-modal edge-cloud architecture, the first of its kind in the senior living industry. Residents and staff can access the platform using a smartphone app or pre-provisioned tables in the living communities priced on a per-resident basis.As of July 2020, the platform served over 800 independent and assisted living senior living communities across the US. The platform serves over 29,000 users at more than 125 senior living communities across 27 customers as of February 2020, more than doubling its users from 2018, which it expects to repeat in 2020. The company has established channel partnerships with Allbridge (a data, video and voice solution provider for senior living) in July 2020, and Eskaton (a senior services provider) and White Horse Village (a continuing care retirement community) in May 2019. It collaborated with GlobalLogic (a digital product engineering company) in July 2020 to expedite the development schedule of its K4Community Plus app in response to Covid-19.

K4Connect

CarePredict was founded by Former IBM consultant and tech veteran, Satish Movva, and produces Tempo smart wearables for the elderly community. Using machine learning (ML), the company claims the app can reduce the chance of a fall, and predict urinary tract infections (UTIs) and depression ahead of a clinical diagnosis. The device aims to assist caregivers in taking preventive action by detecting activities and behaviors which are precursors to health declines. The data from the device can also be shared with family members.The company generates revenue from device sales and subscriptions. Independent research conducted in September 2020 indicated that facilities using CarePredict’s wearables reported 40% fewer hospitalizations 69%, lower fall rates, 67% increased length of stay, and a 37% improved staff response rate than facilities that did not use CarePredict.The company expanded its operations in 2018 through its acquisition of WiseWare, a company selling activity-tracking jewelry for older users. In April 2020, it launched the PinPoint contact-tracing tools to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.Key customers and partnershipsIn February 2021, the company announced its partnership with Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging (M4A). M4A is the agency behind the “Providing Alzheimer's N' Dementia Assistance” (PANDA) project. The company will be the first tech platform to be part of the project and will provide caregivers assistance in remote monitoring and preventive care using its smart wearables.

CarePredict

Eversound develops wireless headphone systems to enhance the level of engagement and social interaction for the elderly living in assisted living or memory care centres. The platform provides a library of programmed content on a variety of topics. The headphone system can be used to communicate with caregivers, during group events, family visits, and for music therapy. The headphones are equipped with a wireless transmitter and volume controls. It connects to external audio sources such as community A/V systems, televisions, and audio devices.The product was unveiled in May 2016. In a subsequent six month study conducted by LCB Senior Living community, group events leveraging the Eversound system resulted in an 18% reduction of residents falling asleep and a 28% increase in engagement during group events. In December 2016, the company expanded to 18 states across the US.In March 2020, as a part of its Covid-19 response, the company launched a live streamed, interactive content service to help seniors combat isolation. Further, as in-person visits at assisted living communities were interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of Eversound’s visitation package proved to be crucial for socially distanced in-person visits. Key customers and partnershipsAs of December 2020, the company’s product is being used in more than 700 senior living communities across the US. Its clients include senior living communities such as Brightview, Commonwealth, and Oakmont. In addition, Eversound has established partnerships with senior living communities (such as The Arbor Company, Bridges by EPOCH, Christian Horizons, and Kisco) to roll out its devices for family visitations, and programmable and live streamed content.

Eversound

Tech-enabled equipment or companionship services that help elderly people function independently.

Platforms that match seniors with home care providers as well as app-based products to facilitate communication between senior families and caregivers

Tech-enabled products used to diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions common among seniors.

Remote monitoring, medical diagnosis, communication, and coordination between caregivers and families of the elderly.

Platforms that help seniors interact socially and communicate with others.

Platforms that help seniors and their families plan and make arrangements to settle the senior’s estates and affairs in the event of death.

Companies that use GenAI as a core part of their product offering for Age Tech

Offers digital platforms that support the wellness of the senior population

Age Tech providers incorporate GenAI to enhance both seniors’ and caregivers’ experiences

Many devices that help seniors operate independently and receive remote treatment use IoT

Some companies use VR to help treat seniors with conditions such as isolation and dementia

Seismic is an apparel company that designs and manufactures Powered Clothing, a fusion of apparel and robotics technology. Their flagship product, the Seismic Suit, is specifically designed for the Worker Safety market. Introduced in June 2022, the Suit is a vest-style garment inspired by traditional workwear, featuring a tool belt form-factor hardware carrier at the waist.
The Seismic Suit automatically senses and responds to workers' movements, delivering powered strength from its seven twisted string actuators in awkward and hazardous postures such as standing, leaning forward or backward, squatting, stooping, and kneeling. It can provide 100% sustained powered support, essentially suspending the wearer without any muscle engagement required. The battery-powered Suit has a runtime of up to 10 hours per shift.
Lightweight, breathable, and comfortable, the Seismic Suit incorporates the latest cooling materials and an integrated lumbar mechanism. It meets OSHA standards, doesn't interfere with existing PPE, and can be put on or removed in under 60 seconds. The garment is designed for over 50 industrial laundry cycles and easy servicing.
Seismic's technology originated from research at SRI International for a DARPA program aimed at reducing injury risk and enhancing soldier endurance. In addition to worker safety apparel, Seismic offers Powered Clothing for wellness and mobility, providing core support and sit-to-stand assistance.

Biostrap is a company that provides scalable and customizable biosensor-based precision health monitoring solutions. Their innovative wearable devices, such as the Biostrap Kairos launched in July 2023, offer advanced autonomic nervous system analysis and quantification of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches through wrist-worn devices. Kairos utilizes a high-sensitivity CMOS optical sensor to capture raw photoplethysmography (PPG) data, enabling accurate computation of biometrics like heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), beat-to-beat intervals, respiratory rate, and sleep-related parameters.
Biostrap's key differentiator lies in its commitment to delivering clinically reliable nervous system analysis through detailed and transparent biometric measurements. The Spot Check feature provides real-time visualization of the underlying PPG signal, signal quality, and R-R intervals, granting untethered access to every data point captured. This configurability and data integrity attracted clients like the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) in the UK for their sleep, fatigue, and recovery program.
Kairos underwent extensive testing by HRV experts and achieved impressive accuracy levels, comparable to ECG chest straps. The launch marked Biostrap's pivot from the consumer wearable market to offering configurable hardware and software solutions for enterprise and research purposes.

Biostrap

Caeden is a wearable technology company that develops smart bracelets focused on promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. Their flagship product, the Sona smart bracelet, combines fashion and technology by integrating an advanced heart rate sensor into a genuine leather bracelet design. Launched in May 2016, the Sona retailed for USD 200 and offered a unique "Resonance" program, consisting of various breathing exercises tailored for different moments throughout the user's day.
The Sona aimed to provide a reprieve from the fast-paced city life by enabling users to start their day with a moment of zen, find calm and focus before important meetings, and unwind after workouts through concentrated breathing exercises. Caeden's founders, Nora Levinson and David Watkins, believed that regular use of the Resonance program could help build the user's resistance to stress, addressing a significant health issue faced by many.
Differentiating itself from step-tracking devices like Fitbit and smartwatches acting as smartphone extensions, the Sona positioned itself as a luxury item powered by technology designed to improve the wearer's overall quality of life through mindfulness. With its discreet design concealing the technology, the Sona aimed to offer mindfulness without drawing attention to the wearer's use of a device for that purpose.

Caeden

MyKronoz is a Swiss company that specializes in producing innovative hybrid smartwatches. Their flagship product, the ZeTime, was first launched in 2017 after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The ZeTime features a unique design that combines traditional mechanical watch hands with a full-color touchscreen display, allowing it to function as both an analog watch and a smartwatch.
The watch offers activity tracking capabilities, including monitoring steps, calories burned, and sleep patterns using built-in sensors such as an accelerometer and optical heart rate monitor. It also provides smartwatch functionalities like displaying notifications, controlling music playback, and viewing incoming calls. The ZeTime's mechanical hands intelligently adjust their position to avoid obstructing the touchscreen display when interacting with the device.
One of the key advantages of the ZeTime is its impressive battery life. In watch mode, the battery can last up to 30 days on a single charge, while the smartwatch mode offers around 3-4 days of usage. The device also allows users to customize watch faces, either by selecting from pre-set options or creating their own designs using templates or personal photos.
The ZeTime received praise for its innovative concept and strong battery life. Some reviews, however, criticized its half-baked operating system, unresponsive touchscreen, and inconsistent activity tracking. Despite these drawbacks, MyKronoz's hybrid smartwatches garnered global recognition for their unique approach to wearable technology.

MyKronoz

Ringly is a company that produces fashionable smart jewelry, primarily rings and bracelets, aimed at the female market. Their devices are designed to discreetly notify wearers of incoming calls, messages, and app notifications through vibrations and LED lights. The rings are made from materials like 14k gold, sterling silver, and semi-precious gemstones like onyx, labradorite, and moonstone.
Ringly's core product is a smart ring that connects to the user's smartphone via Bluetooth. Through the Ringly app, users can customize which notifications trigger the ring's vibrations and colored LED lights. The app supports over 100 apps like calls, texts, emails, calendar alerts, and social media platforms. The rings are water-resistant and have a battery life of 2-3 days.
While technologically simple, Ringly's rings prioritize a fashionable and discreet design over advanced features. The idea is to provide a stylish alternative to smartwatches that seamlessly blends into the user's wardrobe and lifestyle without being obtrusive. Ringly has focused on creating fashionable jewelry pieces that also offer practical notification capabilities.

Ringly

Healbe Corporation is a technology company that develops wearable devices and associated software for health and wellness monitoring. The company's flagship product is the Healbe GoBe, a smart band that utilizes proprietary FLOW Technology to automatically track various body parameters. The GoBe device employs a combination of sensors, including an accelerometer, piezo pressure sensor, and impedance sensor, along with advanced algorithms to provide insights into users' overall health.
The GoBe smart band is designed to automatically measure calorie intake through the skin, eliminating the need for manual food logging. It also tracks calories burned, hydration levels, stress levels, sleep quality, heart rate, blood pressure, and physical activity. In November 2015, Healbe introduced automatic hydration level monitoring to the GoBe device, making it the first wearable to offer this feature without requiring manual input of fluid consumption.
Healbe's technology adapts to individual body characteristics, providing personalized insights and recommendations. The device monitors hydration levels continuously and alerts users when they need to drink more water. It also tracks emotional stress and helps users correlate it with their body's physical responses. The GoBe smart band measures energy expenditure throughout the day, including basal metabolism, regardless of physical activity levels.
The company's latest model, the GoBe3, incorporates additional features such as EDA-based Neuroactivity tracking and physiological stress estimation. It also offers improved sleep tracking capabilities, including detailed analysis of sleep phases and smart alarm functions designed to wake users during optimal sleep stages.
Healbe has developed a companion mobile application that synchronizes with the GoBe device in real-time, allowing users to view and analyze their data. The app provides detailed information on various health parameters and offers integration with Google Fit for a more comprehensive health data ecosystem.

Healbe

Wearable devices in form factors, such as wristwear and rings, designed to monitor and track various aspects of a person's physical activity, health, and wellness

Wearable entertainment devices designed primarily for entertainment and leisure purposes. These come in the form of hearables, wearable cameras, personalized smart devices, etc.

Apparel that incorporate electronic components, sensors, and connectivity features to provide functionalities beyond traditional clothing and accessories

Specialized wearable devices designed for use in industrial and work settings. These include safety wearables that come in the form of head-mounted devices, smart gloves, exoskeletons, etc.

Wearable devices, which are designed to monitor, collect, and transmit various health-related data, and wearable assistive devices. These come in the form of cardiac monitoring devices, glucose monitors, wearable pulse oximeters, hearing impairment aids, visual aids, etc.

Enhances the user experience by enabling language translation, contextual awareness, and personalized recommendations, making wearables more versatile and user-centric

Leveraging technology to collect data about the user's activities, preferences, and health metrics before using this information to provide personalized experiences

Industrial wearables contribute to increased efficiency, safety, and productivity in industrial settings by providing real-time data and connectivity solutions for workers and equipment

Empowers wearable devices to continuously improve and adapt to user preferences, offering personalized insights and recommendations based on user data

Enhances the functionality of wearables and allows users to access and interact with data through various devices and services in the broader IoT ecosystem

Seismic

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