PitchIT No. 13 - Hale
In this women's day special, we're highlighting Hale: a startup aiming to simplify and optimize the treatment of complex gynecological conditions.
Hello! I’m Alessio from Ulixes Capital Partners and this is the women’s day special of PitchIT. In this issue, we'll be taking a look at Hale: a startup aiming to simplify and optimize the treatment of complex gynecological conditions.
In a sentence:
The virtual-first clinic for complex gynecological conditions which offers an ecosystem of digital services to make diagnosis and treatment more accessible, affordable, and effective.
Problem:
The healthcare system fails to properly address many gynecological conditions, including endometriosis and vulvodynia, which causes significant issues for patients. These include delayed diagnoses, which can take up to 10 years, and excessive annual out-of-pocket expenses averaging €3,000. This inefficiency results in lost productivity and poor clinical outcomes, and is compounded by a lack of centralized data and coordination among healthcare providers.
Why now?
Women are more aware than ever of the importance of their gynecological health. This surge of interest combined with increased research efforts and pharmaceutical investments, evidenced by the entrance of major names like Pfizer, Bayer, and Myovant into the field, signals a critical demand for innovative solutions in women's health. Despite the rising demand and awareness in the market, there has been a historical lack of structured solutions due to a lack of research and interest into women's health.
Market:
The TAM for gynecological conditions in Europe is estimated at €145 billion, with a SOM of €11 billion. The Italian market alone presents a substantial opportunity, valued at €1 billion.
Business model:
Hale plans to generate revenue from its solution through two primary channels:
B2C, focused on providing comprehensive digital healthcare services directly to consumers, offering convenient access to consultations, prescriptions, and support through its online platform;
B2B, partnering with healthcare providers and offering Hale’s technology and expertise to enhance their services and streamline their operations, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
Team:
Gaia Salizzoni, CEO and Founder: Previously, Gaia was a Tech Analyst & PMO at the Italian scaleup NeN, and gained experience through operating roles at various startups and impact projects. At Hale, she is leading strategy and business development. She holds a joint MSc in Innovation Management from Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and Università di Trento.
Vittoria Brolis, COO and Founder: Previously, Vittoria was a Project and Network Manager at BASIS Vinschgau Venosta, an innovative Social Activation hub. At Hale, she is spearheading product development and partnerships. She holds a Bachelors in Economic and Social Sciences from Free University of Bozen-Bolzano.
Luca Bello, M.D., Clinical Lead: Luca is a renowned gynecologist, currently active in roles ranging from public administration to academics. At Hale, he is instrumental in defining the clinical and scientific strategy. He holds an M.D. and Specialization in Gynecology and Obstetrics from Università degli Studi di Torino.
Hale’s extended team includes Fabrizio Spadaro, Head of Tech, and Giulia Romagnosi, Head of Marketing.
Traction/Achievements:
Built a strong online community of over 15,000 members in Italy
Signed up over 3,000 patients, with a €0.50 Cost-to-Register
Registered 25% MoM revenue growth over the past 4 months
Conducted a pilot program on the diagnostic protocol, generating early clinical results
Formed a network of partner labs and specialized clinics to supplement the services offered on the platform
Raised a €350K angel round, led by Exor
Listed among the 73 Digital Health startups to watch in 2024 according to Sifted
Basic info:
Company Name: Hale UG
Founding Date: 15/09/22
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
P.IVA: N/A
Employee Count: 4 FTE
Past Investors: Exor, BHeroes, Catalisi, Moonstone
Stage: Seed
Contact info:
For more information about Hale, please reach out to Gaia:
Email: gaia@halecommunity.com
Website: https://www.halecommunity.com/
If you’d like to get in contact with us, please feel free to leave a comment or send us an email at pitchit@substack.com
To founders: if you’d like to be considered for a future issue of PitchIT, please feel free to send an email to pitchit@substack.com with a brief description of your startup. Also, if you’re looking to fundraise and you fit within Ulixes Capital Partners’ investment thesis, feel free to fill out an application here.