Cash Flow: $20M For Liteboxer, Lyra Health Banks Another $200M, Hims & Hers Acquires Honest Health

The game-changing investment, acquisition and funding news impacting the industry and driving the business of wellness this week.

LetsGetChecked scores $150m in Series D round

LetsGetChecked has completed a $150m Series D round of financing led by Casdin Capital. The latest financing brings the total capital raised by the virtual healthcare company to more than $260m.

LetsGetChecked will use the new capital to launch care pathways — a 360-degree customer care journey that will provide remote care for patients with ailments and chronic conditions.

Nuggs creator Simulate secures $50m

SIMULATE has raised $50m in a Series B funding round led by Seven Seven Six. The creator of Nuggs — plant-based chicken nuggets targeting the Gen Z crowd — has now raised more than $60m to date. And is currently valued at $260m.

The company, which started as a DTC brand, is currently focused on expanding its retail footprint.

Wellness and beauty booking platform Fresha banks $100m

Fresha, a beauty and wellness software platform has announced the completion of a $100m Series C investment round led by General Atlantic.

The round also featured strategic participation from Huda Kattan of HB Investments and the founder of Huda Beauty, as well as Michael Zeisser of FMZ Ventures, former Chairman Investments at Alibaba Group and Jonathan Green of Lugard Road Capital. It brings the company’s total fundraising to $132m to date. 

Fresha will leverage the new funds to further broaden its global community of partner salons and spas, scale product development, deepen its marketplace bookings and pursue strategic M&A.

Liteboxer raises $20m from Timbaland and others

At-home fitness company Liteboxer has announced $20m in Series A funding led by Nimble Ventures, with participation from B. Riley Venture Capital and returning investments from Raptor Group and Will Ventures. Timbaland, the acclaimed producer and Grammy Award-winning Hip Hop artist, also participated in the round. 

Launched in 2020, the company has raised a total of $28.5m to date.

CLMBR raises $13.5m from a high-profile list of investors

Connected fitness brand CLMBR has raised $13m in a round featuring high-profile investors including tennis star Novak Djokovic, YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley and music artists Pitbull and Jay-Z.

The company has said it will use the funding to double its staff and invest in inventory and technology. 

Lyra Health completes $200m funding round to transform mental health care globally

Lyra Health, a provider of comprehensive mental health care benefits for employers, has completed a $200m financing round led by Coatue. 

With the new funding, Lyra plans to accelerate its delivery of evidence-based mental health benefits for companies with employees located around the world. Lyra separately announced new plans to enhance its international solutions.

Hims & Hers to acquire London-based Honest Health

Hims & Hers, the multi-speciality telehealth platform focused on providing modern personalised health and wellness experiences to all consumers, has announced plans to expand its UK footprint and acquire London-based vertical health platform, Honest Health. 

The proposed transaction will provide Hims & Hers with best-in-class operational capability and infrastructure to support the beginnings of the company’s long-term plans for expansion across the United Kingdom and Western Europe. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Self Esteem Brands acquires digital nutrition coaching brand Stronger U

Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, The Bar Method, Basecamp Fitness and Waxing the City, has acquired Stronger U, a digital, personalised nutrition-based health coaching services brand, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition makes Self Esteem Brands the only global fitness corporation to directly invest in and offer consumers personalised nutrition-based health coaching services.

Rise Science lands $15.5m energy-boosting app

Rise Science, a maker of an app to track sleep and boost energy levels has raised $10m in Series A funding led by Goodwater Capital and $5.5m in a seed round with participation from Freestyle Capital, High Alpha and True Ventures.

The startup has earmarked the funding to continue developing the app’s user experience, create additional tools and educational content, and bolster its team.

Meatless Farm to launch retail investor funding round

Plant-based food brand Meatless Farm is set to launch its debut retail investor funding round with crowdfunding platform Crowdcube to fund innovation, expansion and work towards being a regenerative company.

The company will initially be seeking to raise up to £5m — expected to be one of the largest campaigns conducted on Crowdcube — offering the opportunity to buy into the brand from £10. Investments will take the form of a convertible note which convert to shares at a discounted price during the next corporate equity funding round, expected towards the end of 2021.

Aura Bora raises $2m for functional water brand

Aura Bora, a craft sparkling water brand made from herbs, fruits, and flowers, has raised $2m in a seed round from early-stage funds, angels, industry veterans, and celebrities including actor Scott Eastwood. 

The news follows the brand’s latest expansion into 7-Eleven, Sprouts, Whole Foods Pacific Northwest, and Fresh Thyme. In addition, the startup has launched a new subscription service on its website.