Simplifed Raises $500K Pre-Seed for Infant Nutrition

Navigating Infant Feeding: SimpliFed Secures Pre-Seed Funding

The process of nourishing babies can manifest in numerous ways, and often presents a challenge for new parents who may find themselves lacking adequate support during this significant transition.

SimpliFed's Mission and Funding

SimpliFed, a company headquartered in Ithaca, New York, is addressing this need by offering a virtual platform dedicated to lactation support and comprehensive baby feeding guidance. The startup recently announced the successful completion of a $500,000 pre-seed funding round, spearheaded by Third Culture Capital.

Andrea Ippolito, the CEO and a biomedical engineer, conceived the idea for SimpliFed three years ago. Her personal experience with the difficulties of breastfeeding after her first child sparked a desire to make accessible information and support available to all parents regarding infant feeding.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Postpartum Care

“The period following hospital discharge is where real-world challenges begin,” Ippolito explained to TechCrunch. “This represents a substantial issue for Medicaid, extending beyond mere access to encompass sustained support for feeding and the complexities of health insurance. Our aim is to empower mothers to achieve their individual infant feeding objectives, regardless of their chosen method, and to define what successful feeding looks like for them.”

While the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for nursing for up to six months, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that approximately 60% of mothers do not sustain breastfeeding for their intended duration. Common reasons include difficulties with lactation, latching issues, illness, or a lack of support in the workplace.

A Supportive and Evidence-Based Platform

SimpliFed’s platform provides a non-judgmental environment offering evidence-based information concerning infant nutritional health. It is designed to complement, not replace, the standard care received by mothers and babies before and after delivery, offering additional support when challenges arise, according to Ippolito.

Parents can initially schedule a complimentary 15-minute virtual consultation with a lactation specialist. Follow-up sessions, lasting 60 minutes, are available for $100 each. A future membership option is also planned for those requiring ongoing care.

Future Development and Expansion

The newly acquired funds will be allocated to expanding the team and further refining the telelactation platform, as well as broadening the company’s reach, Ippolito stated. The platform is preparing for a clinical study involving 1,000 mothers to collaboratively design the program.

A key objective is to establish partnerships with payers and healthcare providers, ultimately aiming for in-network status and reimbursement through health insurance plans.

Investor Confidence

Julien Pham, managing partner at Third Culture Capital, first encountered Ippolito a decade ago at MIT Hacking Medicine. As a trained physician, he recognized the significant potential in simplifying the provision of optimal nutrition for babies.

“Cultural norms surrounding infant feeding have evolved, and millennial mothers are seeking a different approach,” Pham noted. “SimpliFed is positioned to meet this demand at precisely the right time. Andrea’s dedication and firsthand experience as a mother make her uniquely qualified for this endeavor, and we are proud to support her.”