## Health Tech Funding: Back to Stability After Pandemic Boom?

Despite a dip from the peak seen immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic, health tech funding is showing signs of stabilization, suggesting a potential comeback for the sector.

**Early-stage investment and investor interest in AI are strong indicators of this trend.** Health tech startups raised $5.7 billion in the first half of 2024, putting them on track to surpass the $10.7 billion total raised in 2023, according to a report by Rock Health.

**The surge in health tech funding from 2020 to 2022 was fueled by low interest rates and ambitious projections for health care transformation during the pandemic.** However, with economic uncertainty, a more cautious outlook has emerged, leading to a decline in investment in 2023, which has remained relatively stable since.

**The focus on AI is a key driver for this potential resurgence.** Investors are increasingly optimistic about the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare, with several companies leveraging AI for various applications such as diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized treatments.

**This trend suggests a positive outlook for health tech startups.**  As the sector navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the focus on AI and innovative technologies presents opportunities for continued growth and advancements in healthcare.

Experts say that signs like early-stage investment, investor interest in AI, and a flurry of IPOs are good news for health tech startups.

Health Tech Funding: Is a Comeback Brewing After Pandemic Boom?

### Genie AI Secures Major Funding

**Legal tech startup Genie AI** has successfully raised **$17.8 million in Series A funding** from tech giants **Google** and **Khosla Ventures**. Founded in 2017, this **London-based startup** is positioning itself as a leading **AI-based legal assistant**.

### Innovative Editing Platform

Genie AI has developed an **editing platform** that leverages **AI technology** to draft and review legal documents efficiently. The platform not only creates personalized agreements across **global jurisdictions** but also provides users access to an **open-source library of templates**, including contracts, policies, and letters of intent.

### Addressing Legal Industry Challenges

According to **Rafie Faruq**, CEO and co-founder, the primary challenge for lawyers is being **overworked and understaffed**. Genie AI’s software allows legal professionals to **turn around contracts in minutes**, ultimately reducing costs and expediting deal closures.

### Impressive Growth and Business Model

With **over 100,000 companies** currently using its platform—an increase from just **26,000**—Genie AI operates on a subscription-based model, charging an annual fee based on usage. The startup is committed to transforming the traditional **billable hour** model in law, focusing on value creation instead.

### The Rise of Legal Tech Investment

The legal tech sector is gaining traction among investors, with notable startups like **Robin AI**, **Leya**, and **Harvey** also securing significant funding. Genie AI aims to distinguish itself through its **freemium model** and a proprietary editor that prioritizes **privacy** and **AI integration**.

### Future Plans and Expansion

The recent funding will enable Genie AI to expand its operations in the **U.S.** and enhance its **agentic AI capabilities**, which involve systems that can operate autonomously. This strategic move aims to further innovate their **legal-specific editing workflows**. 

**Don't miss the 13-slide pitch deck** that helped Genie AI secure this funding!

Genie AI has developed an editing platform that uses AI to draft and review legal documents for companies.

Genie AI: The Legal Tech Startup Revolutionizing Document Drafting Secures $17.8 Million from Google and Khosla Ventures

### The Contactless Store Revolution
**Amazon Go** pioneered the concept of **totally contactless stores**, and now major players like **7-Eleven** and **Walmart** are joining the trend. As the market expands, numerous startups such as **Standard Cognition**, **Zippin**, **AiFi**, **Grabango**, and **Trigo** are stepping up to offer their innovative technologies to retailers.

### Sensei's Growth in Europe
**Sensei**, a Portuguese startup, is making significant strides in the contactless store sector. Recently, it secured a **€15 million Series A funding round** led by **BlueCrow Capital**, with participation from notable investors like **Lince Capital**, **Explorer Investments**, **Kamay Ventures** (the investment arm of **Coca-Cola** and **Arcor Group**), and existing backers **Metro AG** and **Techstars Ventures**.

In **2021**, Sensei raised **$6.5 million** (€5.4 million) in seed funding, aiming to establish **1,000 fully autonomous points of sale by 2026**. Currently, it operates in **Portugal, Spain, France, Italy**, and **Brazil**, with plans to expand into **central and northern Europe**.

### How Sensei Works
Leveraging **computer vision**, **AI-powered sensors**, and **real-time algorithms**, Sensei's system simplifies the shopping experience by automatically updating a customer's cart and presenting a ready-to-pay list of items while safeguarding their identity and privacy.

### Benefits of Contactless Stores
Contactless stores help **reduce checkout costs**, prevent **stock-outs**, and provide retailers with **real-time visibility** into store operations. According to **Vasco Portugal**, CEO and co-founder of Sensei, the company has seen substantial growth, particularly last year, and aims to tackle two main issues in the retail industry: poor customer experience and the challenge of processing sales information in real-time.

### Competitive Landscape
The competition is fierce, with rivals like **Standard Cognition** raising **$239.4 million**, **Trigo** with **$199 million**, **Grabango** at **$93.8 million**, **AiFi** at **$87.1 million**, and **Zippin** with **$44 million** in funding. The race for automation in retail is on, and Sensei is poised to be a key player in this transformative journey.

While Amazon Go helped pioneer the concept of the totally contactless store, others, like 7-Eleven and Walmart, have entered the territory. And the arena

The Rise of Contactless Stores: How Sensei Secured $16M to Transform Retail in Europe

### Introducing Agent Lumi

Luminance, a startup founded in 2015, is set to **revolutionize** the legal industry with its new AI assistant, **Agent Lumi**. This innovative tool is designed to **amend contracts** and mark up non-disclosure agreements, harnessing a **proprietary model** trained on over **150 million legal documents**. The product will be available for a limited customer test by the end of the year.

### The Competitive Landscape

The legal AI sector is **highly competitive**, with notable players like **Harvey** and **Clio** making waves. Harvey, backed by OpenAI, offers generative AI tools for lawyers, while Clio recently raised **$900 million** to enhance its services. Luminance differentiates itself by relying on a **unique legal dataset** and specialized machine learning algorithms.

### Founding and Growth

Founded by Cambridge mathematicians, Luminance initially focused on automating legal review processes. Early customers were law firms that provided access to their legal contracts, enabling Luminance to train its AI effectively. CEO **Eleanor Lightbody** emphasizes that Luminance’s model offers a comprehensive view into a business’s contracts, giving it a strategic advantage.

### Proactive vs. Passive AI

Previously, Luminance launched a passive chatbot known as **Ask Lumi**. However, Agent Lumi is designed to be **proactive**, capable of executing multiple tasks simultaneously through a **chain of reasoning**. This transition aims to alleviate the burden of repetitive tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on **strategic thinking**.

### Accuracy and Trust

A key feature of Luminance’s AI is its commitment to **accuracy**. Unlike generalist models that may produce incorrect answers, Agent Lumi is programmed to defer to human experts when uncertain. Lightbody points out that this is crucial in the legal field, where precise language is vital. Users will have the ability to **audit** Agent Lumi’s work, ensuring transparency and building trust in the AI’s capabilities.

### Expansion and Funding

Luminance has expanded its market reach beyond law firms, targeting corporate clients as well. The company secured a **$40 million Series B funding round** in April and has opened offices in the U.S., with over a third of its annual revenue now generated from this market. Lightbody notes that scaling operations significantly enhances product quality.

### Conclusion

Luminance’s focus on the **variations in legal language** further strengthens its AI’s efficiency, signaling a promising future for legal tech innovation. With Agent Lumi, the company is poised to reshape how legal professionals operate, emphasizing the importance of human oversight alongside AI assistance.

Luminance CEO Eleanor Lightbody says the company is leveling up from "passive" to "proactive" AI agents.

Meet Agent Lumi: The Revolutionary AI Assistant Transforming Legal Work

![23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki](https://c.ndtvimg.com/2024-10/rqu6rebg_anne-wojcicki_625x300_22_October_24.jpeg)

In a **stunning turn of events**, the entire board of directors at **23andMe**, a San Francisco-based DNA testing company, resigned following a **heated battle** over CEO **Anne Wojcicki's plans** to take the company private. Wojcicki, who holds **49.75% of the voting rights**, now stands as the **sole board member**.

The board's resignation came after a month-long dispute regarding Wojcicki's strategic vision for the company, especially her proposal to buy out shareholders, which was met with **disagreement** from prominent board members including YouTube CEO **Neal Mohan** and **Sequoia Capital's Roelof Botha**. In their **public letter**, they acknowledged their belief in the company's mission to **personalize healthcare** through genetic data but expressed concerns over Wojcicki's direction.

In her first interview since the resignations, Wojcicki acknowledged the **complexity** of the situation yet expressed **confidence** in steering the company through its challenges. The conflict arose as the company’s valuation **plummeted from $6 billion in 2021 to under $150 million**, primarily due to disappointing stock performance post-IPO, where shares fell from an initial price of $10 to a mere **$0.30**.

Despite these setbacks, Wojcicki’s leadership style has come under scrutiny. While publicly charming, former colleagues described her as **stubborn** and **controlling**, leading to significant **power struggles** within the company. As the board resigned, Wojcicki maintained that her voting power reflects her commitment to the company, stating, "**I don't need to be in charge**. There's no ego for me. I care about the vision and the mission."

With the board's departure, **23andMe** faces uncertain times ahead as it navigates its future under Wojcicki's sole leadership, aiming to restore the company's **financial health** and reputation amidst ongoing challenges.

CEO Anne Wojcicki, who controls 49.75% of the voting rights, remains the sole board member of the San Francisco-based company.

Mass Resignation Shakes 23andMe: What’s Next for CEO Anne Wojcicki?

### Key Takeaways
- **Oklo shares soared 22%** to a new record high as investors flock to this **Sam Altman-backed nuclear energy startup**.
- The stock has **more than doubled** in the past month amid a growing consensus that nuclear energy will power **AI data centers**.
- The **relative strength index (RSI)** indicates bullish momentum but warns of **overbought conditions** that could lead to short-term declines.
- A technical analysis suggests a potential upside target of **$35**, following a basic **Elliot Wave pattern**.
- Key support levels to monitor are around **$16**, **$12.25**, and **$9.50**.

### Volume Confirms Bullish Price Momentum
Since breaking out from a falling wedge pattern, Oklo's stock has shown a sharp upward trend, supported by **above-average volume** and increased share turnover, reflecting strong buying interest.

### Chart-Based Price Target
Using a bars pattern analysis, we can predict a bullish price target of about **$35**, assuming the stock is following a distinct **Elliot Wave pattern** with five swings.

### Key Support Levels to Watch
Investors should keep an eye on the **$16 support level** during pullbacks. If the stock closes below this, it may retrace to around **$12.25**, with a deeper fall potentially leading to a retest near **$9.50**. These levels are critical for identifying buying opportunities in the event of a market correction.

---
*The comments, opinions, and analyses expressed here are for informational purposes only.*

*As of the date this article was written, the author does not own any of the above securities.*

Oklo shares soared to a new record high Monday as investors continue piling into the Sam Altman-backed Nuclear energy startup. Monitor these important chart levels.

Oklo's Stock Skyrockets 22%: Key Levels Investors Should Watch Now!

### **Startups Targeting Rural Markets**  
Indian start-ups are increasingly focusing on rural consumers to tap into a **new wave of growth**. In Haryana, the tiny villages are becoming unexpected centers of activity as filmmakers use farmers' homes as movie sets, creating a burgeoning local film industry.  

![Indian woman using a mobile phone outdoors in a rural setting](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/fdfb/live/dd964af0-8f98-11ef-9ac9-ab23a8aab185.jpg.webp)  
*Getty Images*  

A start-up named **STAGE** is at the forefront, producing over **200 Haryanvi films** since 2019, catering to the rural audience with culturally relevant content. They currently serve three million paying subscribers and plan to expand into more dialects.  

### **Investment in Rural Startups**  
Interestingly, the rural market, which comprises **two-thirds of India's population**, has been largely ignored by tech start-ups. However, this trend is changing as investors are now willing to fund ventures aimed at rural consumers. **Accel Ventures** has announced investments of up to **$1 million** for rural start-ups, while **Unicorn India Ventures** reports that **50%** of their investments are now in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.  

### **Market Potential**  
The untapped market opportunity is vast; rural consumers spend about **$500 billion annually**, with the wealthiest 20% spending more than half of what urban dwellers do. The growing use of **smartphones** and digital payment systems like UPI is revolutionizing how businesses can reach rural customers.  

### **Challenges Ahead**  
Despite the potential, entering the rural market poses challenges. Consumers are often **price-sensitive** and geographically dispersed. Infrastructure issues and trust factors can hinder growth. Start-ups like **Frontier Markets** emphasize the need for local partnerships to build trust and ensure successful delivery.  

The commitment to understanding and serving the rural market will be crucial for capitalizing on this **$200 billion** opportunity.

Indian start-ups are shifting their focus to rural consumers, hoping to tap into a new wave of growth.

Unleashing India's Rural Potential: How Startups are Transforming Village Markets

Feeling **unproductive** at work? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of us experience days when it feels like we’re just spinning our wheels. However, adopting a few simple habits can turn your productivity around. Here’s a dive into **8 transformative habits** that can help you regain your focus and efficiency at work.

## 1) Prioritizing Tasks
Feeling **overwhelmed**? Prioritization is key! By deciding which tasks are more important, you can eliminate the chaos of your to-do list and tackle what truly matters first. This habit, developed over time, can significantly boost your productivity.

## 2) Taking Regular Breaks
Counterintuitive as it may seem, taking breaks can actually enhance your productivity. Techniques like the **Pomodoro Technique**, which involves 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, can prevent mental fatigue and keep you sharp throughout the day.

## 3) Setting Specific Goals
Research shows that individuals who set **specific, measurable goals** perform up to 90% better. Instead of vague objectives, define what success looks like for you. Clear goals lead to better focus and motivation.

## 4) Creating a Dedicated Workspace
Your environment significantly influences your productivity. A clean, organized workspace signals your brain that it’s time to work. Personalizing this space can also help you feel more comfortable and motivated.

## 5) Practicing Self-Care
In the pursuit of productivity, don’t forget to take care of yourself. **Self-care** is essential for maintaining your physical, emotional, and mental health, leading to improved focus and energy.

## 6) Embracing Failure
Shift your perspective on failure. Instead of seeing it as a setback, view it as a **learning opportunity**. Analyzing mistakes can help you grow and take calculated risks, which is vital for productivity.

## 7) Eliminating Distractions
In our digital age, distractions can derail our focus. Eliminate unnecessary distractions by turning off notifications and setting specific times to check emails. This habit can create a more conducive work environment.

## 8) Maintaining a Positive Mindset
Your mindset is crucial. Cultivating a **positive outlook** helps you stay motivated and focused, even during challenges. Celebrate small victories and learn from failures to fuel your progress.

The essence of productivity lies in **habits**. By integrating these eight practices into your daily routine, you can gradually transform your work life and enhance your productivity. Remember, change takes time, but with perseverance, you can achieve significant results.

Feeling unproductive at work? Don&#8217;t worry, I&#8217;ve been there too. Sometimes, it seems like no matter how hard we try, we&#8217;re just spinning our...

Health Tech Funding: Is a Comeback Brewing After Pandemic Boom?

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Health Tech Funding: Back to Stability After Pandemic Boom?

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Other Latest News

Genie AI: The Legal Tech Startup Revolutionizing Document Drafting Secures $17.8 Million from Google and Khosla Ventures

The Rise of Contactless Stores: How Sensei Secured $16M to Transform Retail in Europe

Meet Agent Lumi: The Revolutionary AI Assistant Transforming Legal Work

Mass Resignation Shakes 23andMe: What’s Next for CEO Anne Wojcicki?

Oklo's Stock Skyrockets 22%: Key Levels Investors Should Watch Now!

Unleashing India's Rural Potential: How Startups are Transforming Village Markets

Transform Your Work Life: 8 Habits to Skyrocket Your Productivity

Other Latest News

Genie AI: The Legal Tech Startup Revolutionizing Document Drafting Secures $17.8 Million from Google and Khosla Ventures

The Rise of Contactless Stores: How Sensei Secured $16M to Transform Retail in Europe

Meet Agent Lumi: The Revolutionary AI Assistant Transforming Legal Work

Mass Resignation Shakes 23andMe: What’s Next for CEO Anne Wojcicki?

Oklo's Stock Skyrockets 22%: Key Levels Investors Should Watch Now!

Unleashing India's Rural Potential: How Startups are Transforming Village Markets

Transform Your Work Life: 8 Habits to Skyrocket Your Productivity