“Vitrue’s technical roots reside in biomechanical analysis. In our early years, we studied the world of functional movement screens and assessments with professional athletes, with our first technology designed to detect injury risk in that area. What we learned is that the success of that approach in the sporting world, with the MSK systems of the world’s top athletes now routinely performing into their late thirties (think Tom Brady or Roger Federer), can absolutely work in the wider workspace.” Alexandra Haslehurst, co-founder of Vitrue Health.
Vitrue Health set out to prevent and reduce pain caused by musculoskeletal problems. Few technological solutions help prevent (rather than treat) musculoskeletal injuries, which impact 1.7 billion people worldwide. This is a major focus for employers, who lose over 30 million workdays to MSK-related issues in the UK each year. In the US, 90% of employers list MSK treatment as their top medical expense, totalling $167 billion annually (think repeated physiotherapist visits). In addition, many countries have increasingly tough regulatory environments which require companies to prevent workplace MSK injuries through regular risk assessment and training. Traditionally, compliance requirements are met through one-off in-person assessments or via tickbox questionnaires. Such approaches are time-consuming and add limited value to the employee. In many cases, the process is performed half-heartedly if at all, with no follow-up.
Vitrue uses computer vision technology and machine learning to assess users’ posture and understand their pain (or risk of pain), and then provides personalised digital training programs that promote healthy MSK habits. The impact is meaningful, with 92% of Vitrue users reporting a significant reduction in pain. In this way, the Vitrue platform enables employers to comply with regulations simply and cost-effectively, while also absenteeism within their workforce. The regulatory aspect is important to the story here because HR wellness budgets are under increasing cost scrutiny and can be seen as discretionary, which is not the case for compliance spending.
Vitrue demonstrates the characteristics we look for in stand-out investments. Shane and Alex are exceptional founders with relevant experience in computer vision technology and biomechanics. The route to market is unique, addressing the needs of both the customer and the end user. The product is focused on understanding and reducing existing pain and preventing injury before it occurs, delivering a tangible impact on the lives of users at scale through a non-invasive solution.
The product already has 30,000 users across 27 countries. The company recently closed a £3.2m funding round that allows the team to invest in further expanding this footprint. In time we think Vitrue could build the deepest pool of MSK data in the world, which would be foundational in improving our understanding of MSK pain and its prevention for everyone.
With 5.5 million businesses in the UK alone and few alternative digital solutions, we are excited to support the company as it continues to scale into a global greenfield market.
Read more about the round here.