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Old age is an emotionally vulnerable stage that most people are scared of. People are not afraid of aging but of loneliness, emptiness, and helplessness that accompanies that stage. This is what Vibha Singal observed that eventually led to the creation of a supportive community for older people, Sukoon Unlimited.
The company was founded in 2024 by Vibha Singal, who studied at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. This Bengaluru-based startup, Sukoon Unlimited received a significant boost of Rs. 3.7 Crore (about $430,000) in early funding to provide better platform services to vulnerable people globally. What drove her to start this company? She saw firsthand how her parents became more emotionally vulnerable as they grew older, and realized that emotional needs are just as important as physical ones when we age.
The problem Sukoon Unlimited is tackling is more serious than many realize. Research shows that one in three seniors experiences loneliness, which can lead to depression and physical health problems. However, there’s hope – good social connections can reduce these health risks by up to 30%. This is exactly what Sukoon Unlimited focuses on with its unique “For Seniors, By Seniors” approach. It helps older adults maintain their independence and dignity.
The company uses AI technology in clever ways to support seniors’ mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being. Their AI companion ensures that seniors always have someone to talk to, day or night. But they offer much more than just tech solutions.
Their services include:
– Sukoon Sarathi: A program that helps seniors build meaningful friendships and share experiences
– Support Groups and Counselling: Providing emotional support when needed
– Community Events: Bringing seniors together to socialize and have fun
– Sukoon Assistance: A personal helper service that assists seniors with technology, checks suspicious payment links or calls, and even helps them find volunteering opportunities in their cities
The startup has shown impressive growth in just eight months. They’ve connected with over 2,000 seniors across more than 250 cities worldwide. This growth has mainly come through word-of-mouth, showing how much seniors value their services.
Several notable investors have recognized the importance of Sukoon Unlimited’s mission. The funding round included Anchorage Capital Partners (India), Dr. Vinay Jain (a prominent oncologist and philanthropist), along with other investors like Manish Dureja, Rahul Dash, Prantik Mazumdar, Neeraj Sagar, and Sudhir Kamath.
Geet Lulla, Senior Advisor at Anchorage Capital Partners (India), emphasized why they invested: “Sukoon Unlimited is addressing a fundamental challenge in senior care i.e. combating loneliness by fostering connections and purpose. In a world that is rapidly aging, platforms like Sukoon Unlimited are essential to ensuring the well-being of our elders.”
The company plans to use this funding wisely. They’ll focus on improving their product-market fit, building a skilled team, and creating more awareness about their services. Their ultimate goal? Making sure no senior has to face the challenges of aging alone.
As Vibha Singal puts it, they’re working to build a community where seniors can “rediscover joy, forge meaningful connections, and feel valued every day.” With this new funding, they’re one step closer to making that vision a reality for more seniors across India.