Belgian startup offering smart lamp for older adults raises €13 million to redefine health care

The aging population continues to grow at a rapid pace. Currently, one-fifth of the European population is already older than 65. By 2040, it is estimated to reach no less than a quarter. With an acute shortage of healthcare personnel, the European healthcare system is reeling under heavy financial pressure. Hence, age tech technology which brings innovative solutions for the aged is gaining momentum.

Enter Belgian scaleup Nobi, which is known for its smart lamp that focuses on fall detection and prevention in the elderly. The age tech startup has raised €13 million from LSP Health Economics Fund 2, LSP Dementia Fund, the Flemish investment company PMV and BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity.

The startup is on a mission to make a fundamental difference in the lives of the elderly in residential care centres, in their assisted living home, or simply at home. The smart lamp also serves the wider society as healthcare cost soars. The new capital will be used to further develop long-term partnerships with nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals around the world, and to launch Nobi in people's homes.

It will also invest in the redesign of the first generation of lamps: for example, despite the rising raw material prices, the company aspires to have a cheaper lamp in order to be able to help as many people as possible. To be able to realize all this nationally and internationally, team Nobi will grow from 10 to more than 40 employees by the end of 2022.

Roeland Pelgrims, Co-founder, Nobi said: “Nobi’s mission is to help the elderly live at home on their own as long as possible without a care in the world. In serious falls, every minute counts. The faster people are helped, the more life we can gain.”

Rudy Dekeyser, managing partner, LSP Health Economics Fund 2 said: "Thanks to Nobi 's unique technology for fall detection and prevention, it already brings a lot of added value today. However, the intelligent lamp can do so much more! For example, the integrated communication technology allows attractive applications to develop that, among other things, help prevent diseases, help follow up therapies, but above all contribute to a more pleasant life for the elderly. With our investment, we also want to unleash that potential.”