Perci Health, an online platform support cancer patients has raised £3.4m in a seed round led by Octopus Ventures.
The additional funds will enable the company to further invest into its technology roadmap, continue to expand the team and grow access for cancer patients through new partnerships with large employers and insurers, it said.
Perci offers those living with and beyond cancer, and their caregivers, access to a range of cancer professionals through a specialised platform delivering personalised programmes.
The programmes include support across the whole cancer continuum, from preparing for treatment to support during treatment, recovery and rehabilitation and return to work, it added.
The company was co-founded by Kelly McCabe and Morgan Fitzsimons in 2020, with initial funding raised through UK oncologists and cancer surgeons.
McCabe is a registered oncology dietitian and was previously chief operating officer of cancer services for HCA International and has more than 12 years’ experience in cancer care.
Fitzsimons is the former global head of marketing at Asos and digital director at CBS Television in New York.
Chantal Cox led the round for Octopus Ventures and will join the all-female board.
McCabe said: “People who survive their cancers feel lost in transition. They can’t get the care they need, find the healthcare system confusing and uncoordinated, and continue to suffer with the late and long-term effects of curative cancer treatments.
“At Perci, with our growing team of specialists, we’re on a mission to change that.
“Perci Health found initial success by unlocking innovative reimbursement models for this much needed care through employers and insurers and is exploring how best to support NHS treatment facilities.
“In the UK, 1,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every day and of those, 36% are of working age. However, there is little-to-no support focused on helping to remain in or return to work post cancer-treatment, even for those with comprehensive medical insurance. Employers are looking for novel solutions to better support their employees impacted by cancer”.
Chantal Cox, investor, health at Octopus Ventures, said: “We want to back people and ideas that will change the world for the better.
“With Kelly and Morgan’s extensive global experience and network in cancer care and brand marketing respectively, we recognise that they have the potential to have a major impact in holistic cancer care for both survivors and their loved ones.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Morgan, Kelly, and the wider team as I join the board and Perci Health becomes part of the Octopus Ventures family”.