Falls are a significant concern for older adults, leading to slow recoveries, loss of independence, and difficulty in getting help. German healthtech company Gardia is addressing this issue with a mobile emergency system designed specifically for the elderly.
Recently, Gardia secured €8.5 million in Series A funding, led by Peak, with contributions from amberra, butterfly & elephant, existing investors, and various business angels like BONVENTURE, DvH Ventures, and Beurer.
This funding will help Gardia expand its services in the DACH region and other international markets, while enhancing its presence in B2B healthcare and caregiving sectors.
Founders with a Personal Drive
Gardia is part of microsynetics GmbH, founded in 2019 by Marlon Besuch and Michael Hummels. Based in Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia, the company currently has over 30 employees dedicated to developing advanced emergency response technology.
Marlon Besuch serves as the co-founder and CEO, bringing over ten years of experience in health technology and electronics. His previous role was Head of Finance and Purchasing in the electronics field. At Gardia, he focuses on creating a reliable product that is easy for seniors to use.
Co-founder and CTO Michael Hummels leads the technical development of Gardia’s artificial intelligence and embedded systems. With over ten years in his field, he oversees the creation of the company’s AI-based fall detection and its supporting platform.
A Wristband Designed for Emergencies
Gardia has designed a discreet wristband that can automatically detect falls, functioning both indoors and outdoors without needing a smartphone. The company handles all aspects of the hardware, software, and detection technology internally, which ensures reliability.
This focus on independence has allowed Gardia to build a significant user base in the DACH area. Moreover, the system is fully covered by German health insurance, enhancing user retention.
Gardia explained their mission by stating, “We address the issue that many seniors cannot call for help after a fall, especially those living alone. Many current emergency systems fall short because they aren’t consistently worn, are limited to home use, rely on smartphones, or do not cater to older users’ needs.”
The founders were inspired to start Gardia after witnessing serious fall incidents in their families, highlighting the dangers of delayed assistance following a fall.
Bridging the Care Gap in an Aging Europe
As the population ages, Europe faces an increasing demand for independent safety solutions. The company notes, “The demographic shift is significant; around 97 million people in the EU are 65 or older, and this number is expected to surpass 110 million by the mid-2030s. In Germany, 96% of seniors prefer to remain at home, even as the number of professional caregivers dwindles.”
“At the same time, fall incidents pose a serious and often overlooked risk, with approximately 5.7 million people over 65 in Germany experiencing falls annually. Delays in assistance can lead to severe injuries and increased long-term care needs, making reliable safety solutions crucial for those living independently.”
Gardia’s mobile emergency system is stepping in to fill this gap, providing vital support for seniors who wish to live independently without compromising on safety.
What Sets Gardia Apart?
Gardia stands out in competition with smartwatch solutions and traditional home emergency call systems designed solely for indoor use.
They describe their product: “Gardia’s emergency wristband is tailored for seniors, usable indoors and outdoors without a smartphone. All hardware and software, along with the AI-based fall detection system, are developed in-house, ensuring the technology meets seniors’ needs. The device uses GPS, cellular, WLAN, and Bluetooth for accurate positioning, automatically connecting users to a 24/7 emergency response center run by Bosch. The design is discreet, user-friendly, and robust, with a battery life of up to 21 days, encouraging consistent wear.”
Empowered by Strategic Collaborations
A crucial part of Gardia’s service is its partnership with Bosch, which manages the round-the-clock emergency response with trained specialists. Each case follows established procedures to guarantee effective and rapid support during emergencies.
Additionally, through collaboration with Beurer, a prominent leader in health-related consumer products, Gardia is now available through a broad retail network across over 100 countries, increasing visibility for families seeking dependable safety options for their elderly loved ones.
Fostering Diversity
On diversity, Gardia shares, “We are a health tech startup passionate about enhancing seniors’ lives. Our diverse team consists of 36 specialists in various fields, with around 20% coming from countries outside Germany, emphasizing our commitment to inclusivity.”
“Our hiring approach prioritizes diversity, focusing on increasing the representation of women and individuals from different backgrounds. This not only strengthens our commitment to gender equality but also fuels innovation by incorporating various perspectives into our team.”
