Neko Health, the Swedish health tech startup co-founded by Spotify billionaire Daniel Ek, has raised $700 million to bring its AI-powered preventive body scans to the United States. The company will open its first US clinic in New York, offering a service that combines medical imaging, blood tests, proprietary sensors, and clinician review — all designed to detect health risks before symptoms appear.
Why a $700 million bet on preventive body scans?
The Series C round, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and co-led by O.G. Venture Partners, signals strong investor confidence in Neko Health’s model. Existing backers Atomico, General Catalyst, and Lakestar participated, alongside new investors Liberty City Ventures, Positive Sum, and BDT & MSD. The round brings Neko’s disclosed funding since 2023 to more than $1 billion — a staggering sum for a company that has so far operated only in Europe.
What Neko Health’s AI body scan actually does
Neko Health’s service is not a typical doctor’s visit. Patients undergo a comprehensive full-body scan that uses AI to analyze medical imaging, blood biomarkers, and data from proprietary sensors. A clinician then reviews the results, providing a detailed health assessment aimed at catching issues like cardiovascular risk, metabolic disorders, or early-stage cancers. The company claims its scans can detect hundreds of potential health markers in under an hour.
From Stockholm to New York — the US expansion story
Founded in 2018, Neko Health launched its first clinic in Stockholm, Sweden, before expanding to London. The US market has long been the prize. America’s fragmented healthcare system, high rates of chronic disease, and growing consumer appetite for preventive care make it a natural target. The New York clinic will be the company’s first foothold in a country where health tech startups have struggled to scale profitably.
Who benefits from AI-powered preventive screening?
For consumers, the appeal is clear: a proactive approach to health that could catch problems early, potentially saving lives and reducing long-term medical costs. For investors, Neko Health represents a bet on the convergence of AI, consumer health, and the growing "longevity" market. But the service is not cheap — pricing details for the US have not been disclosed, though European scans reportedly cost several hundred euros per session, often paid out-of-pocket.
What Lightspeed and O.G. Venture Partners see in Neko
Lightspeed Venture Partners, known for backing enterprise and consumer tech giants, is betting that Neko can become a category-defining brand in preventive health. David Ofer of O.G. Venture Partners will join Neko’s board, subject to regulatory approval. The involvement of BDT & MSD, a merchant bank with deep healthcare expertise, suggests the company is preparing for long-term, capital-intensive growth.
How Neko Health’s technology works — and what it means for patients
Neko’s proprietary sensors capture data that traditional check-ups might miss. The AI analyzes patterns across imaging, blood work, and sensor data to flag anomalies. A clinician then contextualizes the findings. The company emphasizes that its scans are not diagnostic — they are screening tools meant to prompt further investigation if needed. This distinction is critical in a litigious US healthcare environment.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
What is confirmed: Neko Health has raised $700 million in Series C funding led by Lightspeed and O.G. Venture Partners. The company will open a New York clinic. Total disclosed funding since 2023 exceeds $1 billion. What remains unclear: exact pricing for US scans, the timeline for opening the New York clinic, how the company will navigate US medical regulations, and whether insurance reimbursement will be pursued.
Why Neko Health matters — the company’s moat
Neko Health’s competitive advantage lies in its integrated approach: proprietary hardware sensors, AI software, and a clinical workflow that delivers results in under an hour. Unlike traditional preventive screenings that require multiple appointments, Neko offers a one-stop experience. The brand power of Daniel Ek, who co-founded Spotify, also provides credibility and media attention that few health startups can match. The company’s growing dataset from thousands of scans could further improve its AI models over time, creating a data network effect.
Risks and balanced view
Critics point out that preventive whole-body scans can lead to false positives, unnecessary follow-up procedures, and patient anxiety. The US healthcare system is also notoriously difficult for cash-pay services — without insurance coverage, Neko may struggle to reach beyond affluent consumers. Regulatory hurdles, including FDA clearance for some of its proprietary sensors, could delay expansion. Additionally, the company has not yet proven it can operate profitably at scale.
The bigger trend — AI meets preventive health and longevity
Neko Health is part of a broader wave of startups using AI to transform preventive medicine. Companies like Prenuvo, Ezra, and Q Bio offer similar full-body MRI or multi-modal screening services. The global preventive healthcare market is projected to grow rapidly, driven by aging populations, rising chronic disease rates, and consumer willingness to pay for early detection. Neko’s differentiation lies in its proprietary sensor technology and the celebrity backing of its founder.
What consumers and investors should watch for
For consumers interested in Neko’s service: watch for pricing announcements, the New York clinic opening date, and whether the company pursues insurance partnerships. For investors: the $700 million round values Neko at a significant premium, but the path to profitability in the US remains uncertain. Key metrics to track will be patient volume, repeat visit rates, and clinical outcomes data.
What happens next
Neko Health will likely focus on opening its New York clinic in the coming months, followed by potential expansion to other major US cities. The company may also seek FDA clearance for its proprietary sensors to strengthen its regulatory position. With over $1 billion in funding, Neko has the financial runway to experiment, but the pressure to demonstrate real-world impact will only grow.
Our Take
Neko Health’s $700 million raise is a landmark moment for AI-driven preventive medicine. The company has the technology, the founder pedigree, and now the capital to attempt something genuinely ambitious: making comprehensive body scans as routine as a dental check-up. But the US healthcare system is littered with well-funded startups that failed to change consumer behavior or navigate regulatory complexity. Neko’s success will depend not on its funding, but on whether it can deliver clear, actionable health insights that justify the cost — and avoid the pitfalls of overdiagnosis. For now, the bet is on the vision, not the proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Neko Health’s AI body scan?
Neko Health’s service combines medical imaging, blood tests, proprietary sensors, and clinician review to provide a comprehensive preventive health screening. The AI analyzes the data to detect early signs of disease or risk factors, with results delivered in under an hour.
How much does Neko Health’s body scan cost?
Pricing for the US market has not been announced. In Europe, scans reportedly cost several hundred euros per session, typically paid out-of-pocket without insurance coverage.
Who founded Neko Health?
Neko Health was co-founded by Daniel Ek, the billionaire co-founder of Spotify, and Hjalmar Nilsonne, a physician and entrepreneur. The company is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
Where will Neko Health open its first US clinic?
Neko Health will open its first US clinic in New York City. The exact location and opening date have not been disclosed.
