Navigating the path to better health can be daunting, especially when faced with a myriad of choices and uncertain starting points.
Introducing Heali, an emerging startup stepping out of stealth mode with a tailored platform designed to simplify the journey for individuals seeking to address and manage their health conditions through evidence-based nutrition protocols.
Kyle Dardashti, co-founder, and CEO of Heali, understands the challenges firsthand, being one of the millions of Americans grappling with a chronic condition. Dardashti, who has battled Crohn’s disease since adolescence, initially explored various pharmaceutical solutions. However, he stumbled upon an alternative approach, incorporating a nutrition protocol supported by scientific evidence. The positive results inspired him to delve into the realm of medical nutrition therapy.
Despite the efficacy, Dardashti found existing nutrition protocols overly complex, requiring a deep understanding akin to that of a food scientist. Determined to simplify this process, he envisioned leveraging technology to analyze and decode nutritional needs, eliminating the struggle faced by individuals on similar journeys. He believes that patients shouldn’t spend decades, as he did, discovering that food can be a viable option for health improvement.
The personalized nutrition and supplements market, valued at $43 billion, is competitive, featuring apps like Wellory, Lifesum, and Zoe. Heali incorporates familiar features such as meal planning, tracking, grocery store scanning, recipes, and recommendations. What distinguishes Heali is its exclusive dietitian-led, scientifically backed nutritional guidance and personalized meal planning. The app’s AI-powered scanning feature allows users to scan restaurant menus, receiving recommendations on safe meal options.
Heali’s library includes over 30 cuisine options searchable based on medical conditions, health goals, and dietary preferences. Following in-market testing and clinical trials, it earned recognition from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Initially focused on 30 chronic conditions, Heali has expanded to cover over 200 conditions, each with its unique nutrition protocols. Positioned as the “first clinical-grade hyper-personalized nutrition platform,” Heali has shown promising results, with participants in a clinical trial experiencing significant improvements in quality of life and symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome.
Heali collaborates with healthcare partners like Boston Heart Diagnostics and offers a standalone software-as-a-service option, Heali Intel, for food businesses. With $3 million in seed funding led by Astanor Ventures, Heali aims to accelerate product development, acquire partnerships, and enhance its commercialization model. Future plans include offering one-on-one health coaching and expanding its Instacart grocery delivery relationship to include custom meal kit delivery options. Dardashti envisions a world where, through Heali, food becomes the first choice rather than the last resort for improving health.
