In a transformative leap towards reshaping healthcare accessibility, San Francisco-based AU healthcare company, Forta, proudly announces the successful closure of its $55 million Series A funding round. Spearheaded by global software investor Insight Partners, this round features key contributions from Exor Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and notable figures from groundbreaking companies like 23&Me, Curative, Forward, Flexport, Warby Parker, Prelude Fertility, Harry’s, and Allbirds. The funding is set to propel Forta's mission of expanding its autism therapy practice, introducing AI-enabled applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, and advancing its suite of clinical algorithms.
Forta's genesis lies in the personal experience of co-founder and CEO Ritankar Das. Faced with the challenge of accessing healthcare for a cousin diagnosed with autism, Das recognized the widespread struggle many families endure in obtaining timely and effective treatment. Across the US and the UK, a shortage of trained professionals and growing wait times exacerbates the situation. Forta aims to be the solution, empowering families through AI-driven tools and education, delivering interventions earlier and more effectively.
With an initial focus on ABA therapy, Forta has already made a significant impact, with hundreds of families reporting positive outcomes. A Cureus Journal study revealed a 76% improvement in achieving therapy goals using Forta's tech-enabled parent-led approach. The company has contracted with seven of the US's largest health insurers and twenty-four state programs, ensuring broader access to Forta's innovative approach.
Forta envisions an end to geographical and financial disparities in healthcare. Lead investor Scott Barclay from Insight Partners emphasizes the importance of scalable solutions like Forta's, born out of deep empathy. Forta, while beginning with family-led ABA therapy for autism, aspires to extend its model to address various conditions where AI and family-led therapy approaches hold promise.
Forta's $55 million funding marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of healthcare, where AI meets empathetic care to bridge gaps in accessibility. The company's success with autism therapy is just the beginning, as Forta explores avenues to expand its empowered home caregiver model to memory care and other chronic conditions. With a vision of transforming healthcare beyond the limitations of zip codes and income, Forta stands at the forefront of a revolution that promises a more inclusive and accessible future for families in need.
