Reimagining Continence Care: Joyvié Health’s Journey from Loss to Innovation with €897k Funding

Joyvié Health Raises $1.04 Million for Innovative Continence Underwear

UK-based Joyvié Health has successfully closed its pre-Seed funding round, securing a total of €897k ($1.04 million) to support the development of its groundbreaking continence underwear. This innovative product is designed to reduce stool-to-skin contact, maintain skin integrity, and lessen caregiver burden.

The funding for Joyvié Health includes an Innovate UK grant, as well as investments from HERmesa Angels, SyndicateRoom, Lavender Ventures, and individual angel investors.

Founder & CEO Zoe Robson emphasizes the company’s core mission, stating, “Products designed for care should never cause harm. That’s not a vision statement. It’s the reason this company exists.”

Zoe’s personal experience with his wife Ruth, who served as his primary caregiver, drove him to create a solution that addresses the challenges faced by individuals with faecal incontinence. He witnessed firsthand the impact of existing products on his loved ones and was inspired to make a change.

Joyvié Health is dedicated to ending the silent humiliation associated with faecal incontinence, a condition that affects millions worldwide. Despite the prevalence of this issue, the most common non-invasive solutions, such as nappies and pads, have remained unchanged for decades.

Unlike traditional products that trap faeces against the skin, Joyvié’s continence underwear contains stool in a disposable pouch immediately after excretion. This innovative design significantly reduces skin contact, preserves dignity, and streamlines the caregiving process.

The company’s focus on addressing faecal incontinence is crucial, as the condition is often linked to various health issues, including cancer, dementia, MS, Parkinson’s, spinal injury, and ageing. Despite its prevalence, faecal incontinence remains a heavily under-discussed topic.

Dr. Ashish Sinha, a Colorectal Surgeon at St Mark’s National Bowel Hospital, commends Joyvié’s efforts, stating, “Faecal incontinence is subjective and chronically underreported. The clinical gap is real, and it has consequences. What Joyvié is building helps address the unmet clinical need and provides a useful adjunct in managing this.”

With plans for pilot programs across various settings, including care homes, hospitals, and domiciliary care, Joyvié Health aims to gather data on performance, health economics, and usability. The company’s ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals with faecal incontinence.

Today’s funding announcement will support the upcoming launch of Joyvié’s direct-to-consumer product, as well as clinical pilots and strategic partnerships. The company’s commitment to innovation and user experience sets it apart in the healthcare industry.