Each week we spotlight one of our DigitalHealth.London businesses, founders or NHS fellows. Today, to commemorate Dementia Awareness Week, we are delighted to feature Anna Muñoz Farré, who is currently participating in the DigitalHealth.London Leap programme.
What was your motivation for starting your own business?
My grandfather’s battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia exposed me to the immense challenges patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals face in managing cognitive decline. Witnessing the toll it took on him and my grandmother, his primary caregiver, sparked my mission to transform care for neurodegenerative diseases. As an engineer specializing in AI and clinical data, I realized the vast potential of technology to redefine these models of care. With the next generation of patients being my parents, it is crucial to empower them to take more control of their health.
What challenges have you faced as an underrepresented founder in digital health?
As a technical founder in the male-dominated tech/AI industry, I’m used to being challenged. Unfortunately, the world of founders is no different, making female technical founders as role models rare. Inherent bias and skepticism make it harder for underrepresented founders to gain credibility and secure funding. In addition, the absence of a network in this space has aggravated the difficulties encountered in meeting our current cycle. To overcome these obstacles, I actively sought out mentors, attended industry events, and joined supportive communities like DigitalHealth.London. Having a strong support network of family and friends has also been invaluable in keeping me motivated during the most difficult times.
What is the problem you are trying to solve?
Dementia is a growing global challenge, with more than 78 million people expected to live with the condition worldwide. In the UK, an estimated 850,000 people suffer from dementia, a number expected to increase significantly as the population ages. The impact extends beyond those affected, with around 540,000 carers in the UK, many of whom are reducing their working hours or leaving work altogether to provide care. The economic cost is enormous, estimated at £23 billion a year in the UK, and expected to triple by 2040.
It is time to redefine cognitive care models. Punto Health’s AI-powered platform addresses gaps in fragmented support for patients suffering from cognitive decline and their caregivers. Connecting patients, families and providers allows us to enable seamless, comprehensive care. Our personalized platform leverages AI to provide tailored resources, remote monitoring and early detection tools, enabling patients to maintain their independence and easing pressure on caregivers and healthcare systems. From early detection of mild cognitive impairment to advanced stages of dementia, Punto Health is a trusted companion, revolutionizing the accessibility and effectiveness of dementia care.
What successes have you had so far through successful pilots/trials/contracts?
A key milestone was our strategic partnership with Ace Alzheimer’s Center, a leading European research institution and clinic. Co-designing our solution with their clinical team, patients and caregivers ensures our platform meets real-world needs. This partnership will be instrumental in validating our cutting-edge digital biomarker for early cognitive assessment and monitoring, with studies planned for June 2024. Being part of the DigitalHealth.London Leap program has also been invaluable, providing access to mentors, networking opportunities and advice for navigating NHS procurement.
What are your future goals? What does success look like to you as a founder?
My vision is for Punto Health to become the leading integrated dementia care management platform globally, expanding to other conditions in the future. Key milestones over the next two to three years include clinical validations, pilot projects and securing commercial contracts with healthcare providers and payers in Spain, followed by entry into the UK market. Success would be to see our solution widely adopted, improving outcomes and quality of life for millions of patients and caregivers around the world. I also hope to inspire and support other underrepresented founders, especially women in the health tech industry, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and drive meaningful change.
We are actively seeking collaborations with NHS providers to launch our first pilot projects in the UK, bringing our innovative solution to those who need it most. If you are interested in working with us to transform dementia care, please contact us. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people affected by cognitive decline.
How has your participation in the DigitalHealth.London Leap program helped you achieve these goals?
The Leap program aligns perfectly with our mission and values, making it an ideal platform to support our growth. This will help refine our marketing strategy and prepare us for a successful entry into the UK healthcare market. Mentoring, workshops and connections through Leap will be invaluable in understanding the NHS procurement landscape, identifying pilot opportunities and building relationships with key stakeholders. This support will undoubtedly accelerate our ability to achieve our goals and increase our impact in the UK and beyond. Finally, being part of a cohort of like-minded founders has created a supportive community where we can share our learnings and best practices.
Do you have any advice for future digital health founders?
My advice is to deeply understand the problem you are solving and maintain an unwavering focus on achieving meaningful impact for patients and caregivers. Stay in close contact with healthcare professionals who truly understand these challenges. Surround yourself with a diverse team that complements your skills and shares your passion. Seek mentorship from experienced digital health professionals and stay up to date with the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices to ensure your solution remains compliant and relevant. Perseverance and resilience are essential, as the journey will inevitably have setbacks. Seek out supportive communities like DigitalHealth.London for advice, resources, and connections to help you navigate the complexities of being a founder in the healthcare ecosystem. Finally, focus on securing funding and building relationships with investors that align with your mission and values.
Learn more about Anna Muñoz Farré and Punto Health in our innovation repertoire.
Anna Muñoz Farré is currently participating in the DigitalHealth.London Leap program.
THE DigitalHealth.London Leap Program is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is delivered by the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London in partnership with the Office of Life Sciences, CW+, Medicity, NHS England, the Mayor of London and the Leveling Up Fund.
For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-
Shared Prosperity Fund prospectus.
