A South Korean start-up has closed an undisclosed pre-A series funding round to develop an AI clinical decision support tool for embryo selection.
Kai Health is developing the first AI solution in Korea to increase the success rate of infertility procedures.
The algorithm, based on data from more than 20 hospitals in Korea, the US and Malaysia, was developed to select the most viable embryos for transfer during IVF and obtained European medical device certification in September last year.
The tool aims to encourage fertility clinics to make “data-driven” decisions, increasing patients’ chances of having a healthy baby.
South Korea has recorded the world’s lowest fertility rate. The rate in the country first dropped lower than one child per woman in 2018. In 2022, its fertility rate dropped to a record low of 0.78. In comparison, the average rate across the world’s most advanced economies is 1.6 children.
Countries need at least two children per couple – a 2.1 rate – to keep their population at the same size, without migration.
“To overcome the low birth rate, the most effective way is to help infertile couples who desperately want to have a baby,” said Hyejun Lee, Kai Health CEO and former OB/GYN specialising in infertility.
“Through this investment, we will obtain certification from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and actively pursue global expansion.”
She added: “This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our team, investors and partners.”
IMM Investment and SBVA (formerly Softbank Ventures) participated as new investors in this investment, along with existing investors Smilegate Investment and Translink Investment. The cumulative investment amount was not disclosed.
Yeo Jung Moon, IMM Investment executive director and former OB/GYN, said: “As the childbirth age increases and family types become more diverse, the need for infertility treatment is gradually increasing.
“Kai Health is Asia’s first infertility solution company, securing data at a rapid pace and expanding partnerships. We decided to invest based on the judgment that we are doing well and have global competitiveness.”
KaiHealth plans to use the investment to focus on the expansion of its AI solution, Vita Embryo.
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