Empo Health, Inc. has announced the commercial launch of its advanced diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) management solution, following the close of a $7 million funding round. Story Ventures led the investment, joined by VTC Ventures and returning supporters such as Ulu Ventures, SeaX Ventures, Arben Ventures, and Gaingels. With this latest round, Empo’s total capital raised now stands at $15 million.
More than 20 million Americans live with diabetic neuropathy, placing them at substantial risk for DFUs—a condition responsible for up to $80 billion in annual U.S. healthcare expenditures. Without effective monitoring, patients are vulnerable to serious complications including disability, hospitalization, and amputation. The majority of these outcomes are preventable with timely, proactive intervention.
Empo’s platform is prescribed to individuals with neuropathy who have lost normal foot sensation. The system integrates the FDA-listed Empo® Footprint imaging scale and HIPAA-compliant Empo® Remote Health Link, supporting continuous at-home foot surveillance and early clinical intervention. Patients simply step on the scale to capture a clear, color image of their feet, which is then automatically shared with their care team for review and early identification of potential concerns. In pilot studies, Empo achieved high engagement rates and enabled early detection of ulcer risk in half of participating patients.
“Those who most need health monitoring often face the biggest barriers to access. Our mission at Empo is to bridge that gap, delivering in-home solutions and empowering clinicians to dramatically reduce diabetes-related amputations and associated costs,” shared Anuj Khandelwal, Co-Founder and CEO of Empo Health. “We’re excited to make this solution available to patients, providers, and payors.”
The company’s Board of Directors has welcomed three new members following this round: Brian Yormak (Story Ventures), Steve Reale (Ulu Ventures), and Partha Ray (formerly with Dexcom and Johnson & Johnson).
“Empo is pioneering a vital shift in healthcare technology,” commented Brian Yormak of Story Ventures. “By connecting hardware and software, informed by real-world data, Empo’s Footprint scale is setting a new standard for diabetes care. We look forward to supporting their market expansion.”
A hallmark of Empo’s offering is its user-centric design. “The Empo Footprint was built for simplicity, making it fast and intuitive for patients,” said Eric Dahlseng, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. “Our Remote Health Link delivers easy-to-interpret foot imagery to clinicians exactly when they need it, streamlining remote decision-making.”
SeaX Ventures invests globally in deep-tech solutions. “Empo tackles an urgent challenge with technical excellence and real empathy,” stated Dr. Kid Parchariyanon, SeaX Ventures Founder and Managing Partner. “Their work epitomizes our commitment to science- and mission-driven innovation with tangible impact on health.”
VTC Ventures aligns closely with Carilion Clinic’s mission to enhance community health through patient-centered care. “We’re proud to support Empo Health’s vision and facilitate its ongoing collaboration with Carilion,” said James Ramey, Managing Director at VTC Ventures. “The company’s next focus includes further technology development and a new clinical study with our team.”
With strong backing from its investor network, Empo Health remains committed to delivering its monitoring solution to diabetic patients and demonstrating value across healthcare stakeholders. To learn more, visit https://empohealth.com/#/video.