Karan Bajaj, co-founder of BYJU’s-owned WhiteHat Jr, has launched his new startup, Complement 1. This healthtech company focuses on cancer care using personalized lifestyle medicine. It has raised $16 million in seed funding, led by Owl Ventures and Blume Ventures.
Complement 1 has introduced the first tech-based, clinically tested lifestyle platform made specifically for cancer patients and people at high risk.
The platform offers personalized daily support through one-on-one help from “CoActive Coaches,” focusing on proven lifestyle changes like healthy eating, exercise, and stress management to support cancer care and prevention.
“Lifestyle change is one of the most powerful yet underused tools in cancer care,” said Karan Bajaj, CEO and Co-founder of Complement 1, in a release.
“Every oncologist will tell you patients need more support incorporating clinically recommended physical activity, nutrition, and mind-body practices. We’ve cracked the code on daily engagement with personalized, compassionate coaching—helping patients make meaningful, lasting improvements during and beyond treatment.”
Complement 1’s platform is based on data from several studies showing that lifestyle changes can positively affect cancer outcomes. The company says clinical tests have shown that people using the platform experience 37% fewer side effects from treatment, 18% less pain, and 27% better sleep, with more than 90% sticking to the program.
The platform also helps health plans, employers, and care providers reduce cancer-related healthcare costs by up to 30%.
Research shared by the company shows that nearly one in two Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Studies also suggest that making lifestyle changes can lower the chances of cancer coming back by 35% and reduce the risk of death by 37% while also improving overall quality of life.
The seed funding will help develop and expand the platform as Complement 1 works to fill a gap in traditional cancer care by providing personalized, lifestyle-based support backed by clinical evidence.
In 2018, Bajaj founded WhiteHat Jr, an online platform offering live coding classes for children aged 6 to 14. The company gained rapid traction and was acquired by BYJU’S in August 2020 for $300 million in an all-cash deal. Post-acquisition, Bajaj led BYJU’s international division, launching programs in multiple languages across countries like the US, Brazil, and Mexico. He stepped down from his role in August 2021.
Read more- Indian Ice Cream Brand Hocco Raises $10M in Series B Funding
