The funding round is led by UK seed investor SFC Capital, and includes participation from global VC Antler and a group of carefully selected angel investors. The funds to be used to accelerate its smart coach matching service and content offering, which will include on-demand wellbeing learning modules and condition-specific resources.

“The business case for better workplace support for those living with chronic health conditions is undoubted,” said CEO and Co-founder Candice Hampson. “The sickness absence rate for those with a long-term health condition was 4.4% in 2018, compared with 1.1% for those without such a condition. Many long-term conditions can be prevented through lifestyle changes, yet people struggle to find the right information and support to make those changes. We're here to change that. Our vision is a world where everyone finds it easy to be proactive about their health.”

Kiteline, which was recently named in Virgin’s ten ground-breaking businesses list, works directly with businesses to provide employees with health coaching. The startup uses smart matching to connect users to an accredited coach. It uses technology to create a seamless experience, both for the coach and the client.

The healthtech firm provides digital coaching that promotes empathy over sympathy, and can sit alongside medical or psychological treatment, empowering individuals to set goals to change their everyday habits and lifestyle that will complement their treatment. Kiteline provides personalised support for less stress, and better sleep, diet, and exercise.

The company’s aim is to help companies to coach their people to better health. The result is increased engagement, reduced churn and employee turnover, as well as tackling absenteeism and presenteeism, which can create an unhealthy working environment. 

At present, the company has a stellar client base including Global Forwarding, Big Society Capital, and VIVID.

“We spend a large portion of our time working, and with more people now returning to the office after lockdown, we anticipate the demand for our kind of technology-focused, personalised coaching and wellbeing content, will grow significantly,” added CMO and co-founder, Christine Beardsell. “To this end we have recently relaunched our website and have expanded our team to align more closely with our values and vision to coach people to better health; we are a kite line, helping individuals to soar on their journey to a happier, healthier life.”

The company was founded by Candice Hampson and Christine Beardsell in 2020, in direct response to their own personal and professional experiences. 

Candice, who previously worked in impact investment, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer at age 32 in 2015, with a recurrence two years later. Whilst she is now healthy and thriving, the company’s mission was inspired by her personal experience and her desire to provide others affected by a long-term illness with the support she didn’t have herself and sorely needed.

Content marketing veteran Christine has over 20 years of experience in understanding online behaviours using data-driven content. She has built a number of large-scale content self-help and advice platforms for big brands across the US and Europe. Together, Candice and Christine’s  leadership offers a savvy and empathetic mix of personal experience and professional knowhow that drives Kiteline’s innovative and intuitive, behavioural-driven health technology.

Investment Executive from SFC Capital, Edward Stevenson, commented on the recent partnership: “SFC are delighted to have led Kiteline’s latest funding round. The team is working on a fantastic product that is aimed at an enormous problem that is currently inadequately served. Not only do employers have a duty to ensure their staff are happy and healthy, but we all know that a healthy workforce is the best way for employers to boost productivity. Kiteline is looking to help achieve exactly this and we are excited about what the future holds for the company.”

Senior Director and Head of HR from Big Society Capital, Julia Boddy, said: “The health coaching and wellbeing content offered by Kiteline is a much more personal form of support for our employees. Not only is it engaging, but it is easily accessible and approachable. The ability to match with a coach based on personal preferences means that you can make a real and genuine connection with someone who is best placed to help you achieve your own goals.”

Kiteline's client and CEO of Global Forwarding, Mark Royden, commented: “My business’s biggest asset is its people. If they are happy, fit and well, the business is better for it. That’s the reason I contacted Kiteline - to help us focus on our own health goals."