Laennec AI, a Cardiff-based medical AI company specialising in AI-driven solutions for chronic disease management, has closed £375K in pre-seed funding. The investment came from SFC Capital (which recently invested in Tech1M and 4D Medicine) and OVC Ventures, along with grant funding from the Welsh Government, Innovate UK, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
This combined support will accelerate the development of affordable medical devices, bringing healthcare closer to patients and ushering in a new era of self-care. This investment is a testament to the growing recognition of innovative solutions in advancing healthcare and the importance of making these advancements accessible to all.
What challenges does it tackle?
Chronic diseases are leading causes of morbidity worldwide, especially in underserved areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. Traditional healthcare models struggle to meet the demands of growing populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions. Laennec AI’s solution addresses these challenges by making advanced diagnostic tools accessible and affordable, reducing healthcare inequalities, and improving patient outcomes.
Turns smartphones into AI-driven digital stethoscopes
Founded in 2022 by Dr. Jase John and Dr. Arathy Varghese, Laennec AI’s goal is to improve healthcare delivery by using advanced algorithms in a mobile platform. It transforms smartphones into AI-driven digital stethoscopes to detect, prevent, and manage asthma exacerbations at home. This solution empowers users to manage respiratory conditions and reduce emergency hospital visits.
This allows patients to monitor chronic conditions at home while clinicians remotely oversee them. It integrates advanced algorithms into a user-friendly mobile app, empowering patients to monitor chronic conditions from home while ensuring they are remotely monitored by clinicians.
How does it work?
Laennec AI does the following to make healthcare accessible and affordable.
- Virtual consultations: Connects seamlessly with healthcare providers for remote consultations without the need to leave home for physical examinations.
- Remote monitoring: Enables health professionals to consistently monitor patients’ health status and management of conditions from a distance.
- Guided self-care: Empowers individuals to proactively manage their respiratory and cardiac health through early detection of exacerbations and predictive insights.
How does it redefine healthcare?
As Laennec AI continues to develop and refine its AI-powered medical devices, it invites healthcare providers, clinicians, and research institutions interested in advancing remote monitoring and patient-led care. Be it respiratory care or chronic disease management, partnering with Laennec AI offers a unique opportunity to bring innovative, patient-focused solutions to life.
“We envision a world where advanced medical care begins at home, and with this funding, we’re one step closer to making that a reality for millions,” said Dr Jase John, MBBS, MPH, Co-Founder and CEO. “By empowering patients with innovative tools and ensuring they are remotely monitored by clinicians, we’re shaping the future of healthcare to be more accessible, personalised, and efficient. We are grateful to our investors and grant partners for their support in making this vision a reality.”
Dr Arathy Varghese, PhD, Co-Founder and CTO, added, “It’s a step towards a healthcare model where patients are active participants in their care. By integrating advanced technology into self-care practices, we’re enabling earlier detection, continuous monitoring, and better disease management.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning at the Welsh Government, said: “The revolutionary work of Laennec AI Limited aligns with our vision to create and nurture a vibrant innovation culture, improving standards and services, including in healthcare. I am pleased we have been able to support this cutting-edge project via our SMART Flexible Innovation Support programme, and look forward to seeing it benefit medical professionals and patients alike in the near future.”
Adam Beveridge, Investment Associate at SFC Capital, said: “We’re excited to lead the investment, as we support the team on their mission to improve respiratory conditions like asthma by using innovative tools. Their passion for addressing this challenge truly stood out to us, and we can’t wait to see the impact of their technology.”
Harrison Faull, Managing Director of OVC Ventures, said: “This highly skilled team and transformative approach to diagnostics stood out to us immediately. Their technology has the potential to elevate patient care while significantly reducing the operational costs that challenge the NHS and healthcare systems worldwide. We look forward to helping the team scale their operations and drive meaningful improvements for patients globally whilst generating a substantial return for our investors.”
