Systole Health, a tech-enabled virtual care platform focused on women’s heart health, has secured $2 million in pre-seed funding led by Benchstrength, with participation from January Ventures, J Ventures, and One Medical founder Tom X. Lee.
The Boston-based startup aims to address critical gaps in cardiovascular care for women through group virtual visits that combine medical care, personalized coaching, and community support. Each hour-long appointment allows women at risk for heart disease to meet with both a doctor and health coach, contrasting with traditional 18-minute doctor visits that primarily focus on medication management.
The launch addresses a significant healthcare need, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, with 90% of women having at least one heart disease risk factor and 45% already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
“Our mission is to bend the curve of heart disease in women by introducing a new care model that prioritizes outcomes and connection. As a cardiologist, I have witnessed firsthand the struggles women face in managing their heart health. Our solution is built for women by women, addressing the unique challenges we experience and expanding access to the kind of care we want for our mothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters,” said Dr. Simin Lee, CEO and founder of Systole Health.
“When we look at investments, we prioritize new companies that address an unmet need with a novel approach, brought to us by founders who have both vision and a distinct ability to execute,” said Ken Chenault Jr., Managing Partner at Benchstrength. “Systole Health meets all these criteria with its innovative group virtual care model, which leverages technology to provide scalable and sustainable solutions for women’s heart health.”
The platform is currently being piloted in Massachusetts and Florida in the U.S., with plans to expand into additional U.S. markets. The company also aims to form strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and payers to integrate its services into the broader healthcare ecosystem.
