Bisu Raises $3.2M Seed Funding for Lab-on-a-Chip Technology

Telehealth Expansion Drives Innovation in At-Home Diagnostics

The utilization of telehealth services experienced substantial growth during the pandemic, increasing by a factor of 38 since January 2020, as detailed in a McKinsey report. While much focus has been directed towards companies developing communication platforms for remote healthcare, a parallel surge is occurring in the creation of devices designed to broaden the scope of monitoring and treatment within a telehealth setting.

Bisu Secures $3.2 Million Seed Funding

Bisu, a healthcare startup headquartered in Tokyo, has successfully raised $3.2 million in seed funding. This capital will be allocated to the launch of its innovative portable home health lab, the Bisu Body Coach.

The Bisu Body Coach delivers personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance through simple and precise urine and saliva analysis. This latest investment brings the company’s total funding to $4.3 million.

Strategic Investors and Partnerships

The seed round was spearheaded by QUAD, with contributions from ASICS Ventures Corporation, 15th Rock Ventures, Pacifico Investments, and SOSV.

ASICS, the renowned athletic shoe manufacturer, is acting as a strategic investor and intends to collaborate with Bisu on joint health and fitness initiatives. Furthermore, Bisu is currently exploring partnership opportunities with companies in the fitness, pet care, and bathroom product industries, according to co-founder and CEO Daniel Maggs.

Company History and Origins

Founded in 2015, Bisu commenced operations in 2017 after participating in the HAX accelerator program.

How Bisu Body Coach Works

The Bisu Body Coach system utilizes disposable test sticks and a reader that seamlessly integrates with a smartphone application. These test sticks allow users to measure a variety of biomarkers within a mere two minutes, leveraging microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” technology.

This “lab-on-a-chip” technology employs spectrometry and real-time, end-to-end measurement to overcome the timing limitations inherent in traditional test strips. It also involves manipulating minute samples – such as blood, urine, saliva, or sweat – within a tiny channel to execute chemical or biological processes.

Differentiation Through Comprehensive Biomarker Analysis

Bisu distinguishes itself from competitors utilizing similar “lab-on-a-chip” technology by concentrating on the simultaneous assessment of multiple biomarkers. This approach empowers users to gain insights and implement positive dietary and lifestyle changes independently, without requiring a doctor’s consultation.

Conversely, many other systems typically focus on detecting single biomarkers of critical importance, like those associated with COVID-19 or influenza, which would then prompt a user to seek medical attention.

Personalized Insights and Future Developments

The Bisu application provides feedback on essential nutritional indicators, including hydration levels, mineral and vitamin concentrations, pH balance, uric acid levels, and ketone presence.

Taking into account user goals, preferences, activity levels, sleep patterns, and weight, the Bisu Body Coach offers tailored recommendations. Plans are underway to incorporate zinc and Vitamin B measurements, and the company anticipates releasing a pet health test kit designed for cats and dogs.

Market Entry and Expansion Plans

Currently, the Bisu Body Coach is undergoing beta testing in the United States and the European Union. The company intends to begin commercialization in these regions in 2022, with plans to expand into Asian markets, such as Japan and Korea, in 2023.

Global Team and Operations

Bisu’s core research and development, along with its production team, are located in Tokyo. The company’s software and marketing teams are based in the United States.

Market Potential and Growth

The conventional at-home diagnostics market, primarily serving patients, is estimated at around $5 billion and is experiencing continued growth.

However, Bisu’s at-home test also appeals to a broader market – individuals who are not currently under a physician’s care but are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of their internal health. The market for this non-patient, at-home diagnostics segment is currently valued at approximately $10 billion.