HartBeat Ventures, an investment fund founded by actor and comedian Kevin Hart, has co-led a £26m investment in London-based health and fitness app Simple Life.
Founded in 2019, Simple Life was launched to offer practical weight loss support as a response to the numerous fad diets and unreasonable expectations presented by social media influencers.
The app leans heavily on AI tools, including an automated health coach, called Avo, that offers personalised support that the company claims is backed by the input of its team of nutritionists.
Users can chat with the AI coach as well as use the Avo Vision tool, which uses the phone’s camera to scan food, menus and shopping aisles to offer practical feedback on the health qualities of products and recipes.
“Our mission has always been simple: make health coaching accessible, adaptive, and sustainable — without stress, extremes, or barriers,” said the company, announcing its funding.
“We’re using AI to build a gamified companion experience that, in early testing, has boosted both retention and weight loss success.”
HartBeat Ventures was joined by Liquidity in supporting the funding round.
“I’m hyped to back Simple. Simple is truly changing the game in health, and HBV wants to be front row for that,” Hart said.
The world famous comedian launched the firm in 2009 and has secured LP-backing from JP Morgan Asset Management. HartBeat’s investments include Function Health, Radiant Industries and Ready Player Me.