Losing weight sucks. It’s a deeply individualized experience that’s bogged down by all sorts of societal expectations and passing promises. Many have made fortunes promising silver bullets, all knowing full well that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The core promise of Lumen’s offering is a personalized health solution, based on individual metabolism. It certainly appeals, especially to those who have struggled to reach their individual weight goals through more traditional methods.
We’ve been following the Israeli firm’s own journey for several years, including a crowdfunding round. in 2018. The following year, the company raised $8.5 million. Today he announces a $62 million Series B. The round, led by Pitango Venture Capital, is easily the startup’s largest to date. Hanwha Group, Resolute Ventures, RiverPark Ventures, Unorthodox Ventures, Almeda Capital and Disruptive VC also participated.
lumens developed a portable hardware device that looks a bit like a vaporizer. An integrated sensor measures the CO leveltwo produced to determine “metabolic fuel usage,” whether the body is burning carbohydrates or fat for fuel. It connects to a smartphone and the associated app gives you personalized recommendations for food, exercise and sleep.
The company claims it can accomplish in a $250 package (custom plans go up from there) what previously required expensive lab equipment. It’s an attractive promise, for sure.
“Until now, studying metabolism with standard equipment was challenging for both researchers and participants,” co-founder and chief scientist Merav Mor said in a statement. “Data collection was minimal and would require participants to visit a clinic for each measurement and a physician to discuss the results. Investigators can now easily collect multiple data points from participants and create more complex research protocols that reveal new physiological findings.”
The company hasn’t offered specific sales figures, but says two million metabolic measurements are taken each month with its devices. The new funding will go to “support[ing] business growth and new research”.
