€3 Million Seed Funding for AI Healthcare Startup Akina
Freigeist Capital, the Deep Tech VC founded by Frank Thelen, makes its first investment in the healthtech sector.
Swiss company Akina, a spin-off from ETH Zurich and the ETH AI Center, has developed AI software certified as a medical device that supports patients undergoing physiotherapy at home. Akina’s software enables a personalized hybrid treatment approach that combines the flexibility of digitally supported home therapy with in-person appointments with physiotherapists. The focus is on treating musculoskeletal disorders such as back or joint pain, which are among the most common and costliest physical complaints globally. Guideline-compliant treatment for these conditions relies on active movement therapy, which is often not implemented effectively in practice due to logistical challenges, limited availability of qualified professionals, and poor tracking of home exercises.
These gaps result in billions of euros in avoidable costs for healthcare systems annually due to unnecessary diagnostics and surgical procedures. Akina Cloud allows physiotherapists to delegate repetitive treatment components to the software through a digital training plan, enabling them to dedicate their valuable time to the core aspects of therapy during personal patient interactions.
“Akina’s AI supports therapists in providing care beyond the clinic. This ensures high-quality therapy at home, seamlessly integrated into familiar, established in-person treatments.” – Dr. Florian Haufe, CEO Akina
Akina Cloud uses machine learning and camera-based motion analysis to guide patients with musculoskeletal conditions through therapeutic exercises at home. The system provides real-time feedback on exercise execution, as well as automated progress reports and monitoring tools for healthcare professionals. This hybrid treatment approach, combining in-clinic sessions with digitally guided home therapy, delivers significantly better and more sustainable treatment outcomes. Thousands of training sessions have already been successfully completed.
With a €3 million seed investment (CHF 2.8 million), led by Freigeist Capital and supplemented by FAIR VC, Dr. Sattler Capital, and prominent Swiss healthcare experts, Akina aims to expand access to effective movement therapy. Initial efforts focus on business development in Switzerland, advancing AI technology, and preparing for European expansion.
“Akina enables patients to access physiotherapy guided by trusted professionals from the comfort of their homes. This helps more people and eases the strain on healthcare systems. Given the ongoing shortage of skilled professionals, I see immense potential in the healthtech sector.“ – Frank Thelen, Founder & CEO Freigeist Capital
Picture Founder Team Akina
Source Freigeist Capital
