Pioneering Liverpool health tech Lola Cares has raised £250,000 from SFC Capital on its mission to enhance an overstretched social care sector with AI technology.
Adam Galloway, CEO of Leaf AI Ltd, which operates under the brand name Lola Cares, started developing AI companion Lola based on his own experience of his grandmother’s dementia.
He said: “Social isolation and loneliness are a big challenge for society. Our digital companion, Lola, aims to increase confidence, improve wellbeing, and connect those in care with their loved ones and carers in unique and wonderful ways. We are giving that person a tool to help them build stronger and more varied social connections with those around them.”
The funding is set to enhance Lola’s conversational AI capabilities and broaden its impact in the care sector. The company aims to address the dual challenges of resource constraints and social isolation, which many in care face daily.
In future, the team hopes to explore automated therapeutic interventions such as reminiscence therapy and reality orientation for dementia, and similar interventions for autism, anxiety, and acquired brain injuries.
Ed Stevenson, investment executive at SFC Capital, lead investors in the round, added: “We believe in the transformative potential of Lola Cares. Their innovative approach to social care and commitment to tackling both operational and social challenges in the sector align with our mission to invest in companies making a real difference. We are excited to see the impact they will make.”
