Gladys, an AI-powered tech platform built to support the home care sector, has secured a seed funding round worth £1.5m.
The founding team has warned of the dangers presented by the “failing” state of home care in the UK and has claimed to offer solutions for both workers in the sector and those who need support.
The Bath-based tech firm matches those seeking care with local carers and helpers.
For patients, the startup offers a simple and efficient way to be matched with those who can help and for the carers, the company claims to offer “industry-leading pay” as well as career management and development tools.
“We all know that Britain’s care system is broken. Re-arranging deck-chairs on a sinking ship will not cut it,” said Georgina Robinson, co-founder and chief executive of Gladys.
“People are dying unnecessarily, and brilliant carers are undervalued and underpaid. Gladys is using this investment to supercharge its technology and deliver the service that we would want for our loved ones.”
Robinson, a former barrister, founded the firm alongside Alex Sorisi, a long-time founder and leader in the health tech sector, in 2023.
The funding round was led by Cornerstone VC and included participation from Exceptional Ventures, Embryo Ventures, Ufi Ventures, Houghton Street Ventures and Conduit EIS Impact Fund.
“Rising care costs, an overstretched social care system, and the demands of daily life can leave families feeling guilty and stretched thin as they think about their elderly loved ones,” said Rodney Appiah, managing partner at Cornerstone.
“That’s why I’m thrilled to back George and Alex as they build Gladys, a managed social care platform that makes it easy to find and book trusted caregivers and companions.
“Their mission is close to my heart: giving families peace of mind and helping everyone grow old with dignity, in the home they cherish, for as long as possible.”
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