Manual Secures $30 Million in Series A Funding

Manual, a startup dedicated to men’s health and wellness, has successfully closed a $30 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by U.S.-based firms Sonoma Brands and Waldencast, alongside contributions from existing European investors Felix Capital and Cherry Ventures.

Additional participation in this funding round came from FJ Labs and the GISEV Family Office. The newly acquired capital will be strategically allocated towards further product development and ambitious plans for international expansion.

Expansion Plans and Services Offered

Manual’s core offering centers around providing diagnostics, effective treatments, and continuous ongoing care. The company intends to broaden its reach across multiple continents, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Initial expansion efforts have already been realized with a launch in Brazil, demonstrating the company’s commitment to global accessibility.

Competitive Landscape

The men’s health market is becoming increasingly competitive. Manual faces competition from companies like Numan, another UK-based startup that has raised $13 million. Manual actually launched one month prior to Numan.

In the United States, Manual is positioned against established players such as Ro, which has secured $876.1 million in funding, and the publicly listed company Hims.

These brands commonly concentrate on areas like vitamins and erectile dysfunction, frequently emphasizing the importance of “normalizing” proactive health management for men and dismantling stigmas surrounding sexual health.

Diagnostic Capabilities

Manual utilizes a range of diagnostic tools, including blood tests and other analyses, to assess key health indicators. These assessments cover areas such as heart health, gut health, testosterone levels, sleep quality, energy levels, and immunity.

The company is targeting a significant market opportunity, recognizing that men have historically been less inclined to seek regular medical attention.

Leadership and Vision

George Pallis, the CEO and founder of Manual, brings extensive experience from leadership roles at Wise and Deliveroo, where he previously headed marketing efforts.

In a recent statement, Pallis noted: “We’ve been encouraged to see men of all ages increasingly turning to Manual to solve multiple health problems, with almost half of our customers seeking help for more than one issue.”

He further explained: “It’s clear that a health concern may have more than one cause, and we can provide customers with the ability to treat their health in a more holistic way. Using different treatments to understand and improve their wellbeing.”

Teleconsultation and Ongoing Support

During an interview, Pallis elaborated on the company’s technological infrastructure. “We built our own teleconsultation product and have different applications for the blood test offering.”

He continued: “When you get your results we will offer a clinician, we’ll walk you through all the data and the learnings. We offer tools where people can monitor their progress and have regular check-ins with our medical team.”

Investor Perspectives

Antoine Nussenbaum, co-founder and partner of Felix Capital, emphasized the ongoing need for cultural shifts. “There is still much work to be done to remove the taboo when it comes to men looking after their well-being and talking openly about health concerns.”

He added: “But we’re starting to see a shift happen amongst consumers.”

Kevin Murphy, managing director of Sonoma Brands, stated: “Manual exists to empower men to take better care of themselves and to live fuller lives by doing so.”

Murphy concluded: “George and his team have the clarity of vision and the skill to make Manual a leader in this exciting and important area.”