Claire Rychlewski
Feb 20, 2024
Axios Pro
UnityAI, a startup aimed at helping hospitals better manage bedside
operations, raised a $4 million seed, CEO Edmund Jackson tells Axios
exclusively.
Why it matters: Hospitals are struggling to discharge recovering patients to
new settings, reducing overall health system capacity.
What's happening: Max Ventures led the round, alongside a co-investment
from existing (and largest) backer Whistler Capital.
Nashville Capital Network and Company Ventures also participated.
Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios
Funds are designed to last 12-18 months as the Nashville-based company
grows its R&D team, Jackson says.
How it works: Developed by Jackson, Cody Hall and Jason Parker — all
former data scientists at HCA Healthcare — UnityAI uses machine learning
and large-language model to streamline daily hospital workflows.
The patient discharge process, for example, involves moving pieces like
post-acute placement, durable medical equipment needs, and medication
management instruction.
Using UnityAI's platform, providers can identify specific patient needs
and coordinate with other team members quickly to discharge, says
Jackson.
What's next: The company is evaluating product market fit with a handful of
large hospital networks in Nashville, Jackson says.
"We expect to be in tens-to-dozens of hospitals by the end of the year," he
adds.
What they're saying: Max Ventures has seen a lot of decks for new health
care AI companies, says partner Ryan Darnell. UnityAI's founders
backgrounds helped it stand out.
"From his time at HCA his time in health care, [Jackson] knows exactly
what the problem is. He knows exactly how these hospitals operate,"
Darnell says.
Between the lines: Bed management operations can differ significantly
depending on the size and location of a health system, which could make
customization and implementation more challenging for UnityAI.
Yes, but: Jackson says that's part of the problem.
"We believe that there are some standard things that should be
implemented in a similar way across hospitals," Jackson says.
"So we're building a portfolio of playbooks ... which can then be adjusted,"
using generative AI, he adds.
State of play: Startups deploying AI to streamline and automate hospital
operations have attracted investor dollars in recent months.
Last November, General Catalyst merged portfolio companies Commure
and Athelas with a $70 million investment, purporting to create an AI-
powered, integrated hospital operating system.
In January, Artisight raised a $42 million Series B from NVIDIA and other
undisclosed investors for a smart hospital platform, pairing IoT sensors
and machine learning.
"So we're building a portfolio of playbooks ... which can then be adjusted,"
using gene AI, he adds.s providers AI-patient simulation models to boost
medical learning. (Though the company has kept mum on specific
applications to-date).