UK-based healthtech platform HealthKey has acquired fellow startup Syndi Health in a move aimed at deepening AI capabilities and strengthening its personalised healthcare offering, particularly in the employer wellbeing space.
The acquisition, finalised in May, is the latest sign of a fast-evolving shift in how companies approach preventative care amid a growing global mental health crisis and increasing expectations for tailored benefits.
Founded in 2020 and backed by Entrepreneur First, Syndi Health offers AI-driven assessment tools that help users identify which digital health services best fit their individual needs.
HealthKey, which operates a digital marketplace connecting users to a broad range of vetted healthcare services, will now integrate Syndi’s technology to enhance its personalisation engine.
UK employers are now losing an estimated £138 billion annually to absenteeism, while U.S. employers face an even steeper bill of $575 billion, according to industry estimates. Traditional workplace wellbeing programs, often underutilised, are increasingly being replaced by platforms that offer more personalised and data-driven engagement.
"This acquisition combines two companies with similar roots and fully aligned missions," said David Joerring, CEO of HealthKey. "We have both been focused on supporting people with better access to healthcare through technology, making preventative care more personalised and affordable."
“Together, we’re going to be able to empower organisations to support the diverse needs of members and employees, guiding them to find precisely the right solutions for their individual needs at a scale which puts an incredible array of options on the table for our customers and end-users,” added Ben Lakey, Co-Founder and CEO of Syndi Health.
“For someone wondering if they should use a meditation app or speak with a therapist, or which specific service would work best for their situation, our combined technology will provide clear, clinically-backed guidance,” Joerring added.
As part of the deal, Syndi CEO Ben Lakey will join HealthKey as Director of Operations, bringing experience from both the healthtech and medtech sectors.
The acquisition also brings new employer partnerships into HealthKey’s portfolio, with customers from both startups, including workplace benefits providers like Each Person and JustGo having access to the combined products.
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