Neko Health’s Body Scan Startup Lands in the U.S.: What TechCrunch Reports

Neko Health, described by TechCrunch as one of the hottest body scans in the world, has landed in New York after being founded in Sweden. The company was co-founded by Spotify’s David Ek and Hjalmar Nilsonne and says its global waitlist has already topped 300,000 people. Its scan uses advanced technology to screen for issues involving blood, skin, and metabolism.

Farooq Abbasi of Preface Ventures, an investor in Neko Health, told TechCrunch’s Equity that he sees the company as a potential future of preventive medicine. He argues that preventive care utilization is low in the U.S. because people worry about cost. His view is that the product can provide “actionable insights to make their lives better,” rather than function as another wellness fad.

Neko Health currently charges $500 for its one-hour scan, according to the article. The scan is not covered by insurance, but TechCrunch reports it should qualify as an acceptable expense for people with Health Savings Accounts. For prospective customers, the practical takeaway is to verify eligibility and personal financial responsibility before booking.

Neko Health has raised nearly $1 billion total and is eyeing expansion across the U.S., TechCrunch reports. Abbasi says the product has advanced since his first scan, moving from 15 biomarkers in an earlier scan to 55 in his latest. Still, the article notes the company has a long way to go in the U.S., especially on scaling and regulatory approval.