Lagos-based health-tech startup Platos Health has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed funding round to expand the reach of its AI-powered preventive health platform, Platos Monitor, across Nigeria. The funding round was led by Google for Startups, with contributions from Invest International and angel investors affiliated with Google, Tesla, and Unicredit. With this capital injection, Platos plans to roll out its flagship product, the Platos Body Monitor, a medical-grade device aimed at improving personal health management from home.
An AI-Driven Solution for At-Home Health Monitoring
Founded in 2020 by Joseph Fakayode, Platos Health combines hardware and software to offer users real-time insights into their metabolic health. The Platos Body Monitor tracks up to 49 health indicators—including heart rate, BMI, visceral fat, hydration, and more—empowering users to better understand and manage their bodies. The device integrates with the Platos Monitor software, which is available on Android, iOS, and web platforms, and seamlessly connects with Apple Health and Google Health Connect.
Strategic Distribution and Accessibility
Currently priced between ₦80,000 ($50) and ₦120,000 ($80), the device is distributed through over 300 pharmacy outlets in Nigeria, including Medplus, Justrite, and Alpha Pharmacy. While the cost exceeds Nigeria’s monthly minimum wage of ₦70,000 ($43.56), Platos is targeting high-income households with a view to long-term market democratization. The company is positioning itself as a pioneer in accessible preventive care, hoping to shift the perception of health monitoring from luxury to necessity.
Responding to Nigeria’s Chronic Disease Crisis
Nigeria faces a significant health challenge, with around 30% of adults living with at least one chronic condition and over 8 million diagnosed with diabetes. The country’s healthcare system remains under immense pressure, exacerbated by a severe shortage of specialists—just 500 cardiologists serve a population of over 200 million.
Competitive Edge in a Crowded Market
Platos enters a competitive landscape dominated by globally established names like Omron, Withings, Fitbit, and Qardio. However, unlike these companies, which mainly cater to patients already diagnosed with specific conditions, Platos focuses on early intervention by identifying hidden fat and undiagnosed metabolic risks. This proactive approach targets both visibly ill individuals and the broader population that may be unknowingly vulnerable to chronic diseases.
Backed by Science and Personalization
Platos Health also leverages Google’s Gemini AI to deliver personalized health summaries, helping users distinguish between beneficial and harmful fat types. Fakayode emphasized the platform’s relevance for urban women and health-conscious men, demographics often impacted by sedentary lifestyles and poor diet. In collaboration with metabolic health experts like Professor Hanno Pijl and Dr. Jimoh Itopa, Platos is deepening its scientific foundation through research on diet, fat distribution, and long-term health outcomes.
Positive Early Impact and Market Potential
Initial results from the platform show promise, with 33% of users achieving clinically significant weight loss within three months and nearly 60% reporting a strong emotional reliance on the device. Platos estimates the market opportunity in Nigeria at $30 million, but its ability to scale will depend on how quickly it can transition from serving niche audiences to mainstream adoption. Fakayode believes this transformation hinges on educating the population and shifting public perception toward preventive care.
Platos Health’s innovative approach marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s preventive healthcare landscape, blending technology, AI, and scientific rigor to address systemic challenges. While the road to mass adoption may be complex due to affordability concerns, the startup is betting on a future where early health monitoring becomes an essential part of daily life.
Source: Techcabal