Karan Bajaj, co-founder of BYJU’S-owned WhiteHat Jr., is returning to the startup ecosystem with Complement 1, a health tech startup. The startup raised $16 million in seed funding for its AI-powered platform, which offers personalised lifestyle interventions for cancer patients and survivors.
The funding round was led by Blume Ventures and Owl Ventures, with participation from several prominent angel investors. The capital will be used to expand the startup’s coaching operations in the United States, strengthen its AI capabilities and build partnerships with cancer centres and health insurers.
Founded in January 2024, Complement 1 addresses a critical but underexplored area in cancer care: helping patients adopt and sustain lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition, physical activity, stress management and sleep habits. What sets the platform apart is its deep integration of artificial intelligence to deliver hyper-personalised support.
Complement 1 is leveraging AI to help patients battling cancer, as lifestyle modification is the most underused intervention in cancer care. Physical activity and nutrition are associated with a 37 per cent reduction in cancer recurrence and mortality. Yet only five percent adhere to it.
By analysing user data in real-time, Complement 1’s AI system suggests routines and coaching strategies that are most likely to be effective and sustainable. This continuous feedback loop allows for smarter, more adaptive care.
“Every oncologist will tell you patients need more support incorporating physical activity, nutrition, and mind-body practices,” Bajaj added. “That’s where our AI-driven approach comes in, bridging the gap between clinical advice and everyday life.”
Complement 1 will utilise the funding to broaden its coaching operations within the US, enhance its AI capabilities and establish collaborations with cancer centers. Additionally, the investment will support improvements to the digital experience for both patients and coaches.
