Unlike social media networks, messaging apps, and deep tech startups that get plenty of media attention, senior living might appear as a ‘niche industry’ hardly in need of a tech solution. Still, connectivity is a primary challenge for seniors and the caregiving staff. A Hasselt, Belgium-based senior living startup Cubigo raised €3.65M ($4.5M) Series A funding led by Urbain Vandeurzen, with participation from Transvision.
In its bid to capture the US market via complimentary partnerships, Cubigo also partnered with Lyft (ride-hailing app) and got approved as Apple mobility partner, a group of app developers who create solutions that change the way businesses work. The company aims to use the funding proceeds for setting up the US operations.
Cubigo consists of a website which allows staff and residents of a senior housing (as well as family members) to connect through any mobile device. It also has iOS apps for iPhone and iPad.
Currently operating out of San Francisco, Rotterdam, Brussels, and Barcelona, and led by Geert Houben, founder, and CEO of Cubigo with an MBA from Brussels-based Vlerick Business School, Cubigo’s most significant effort in establishing a likable brand in the US is its partnership with Lyft.
“So for example, an adult daughter – who may be thousands of miles away from her parents – can login to Cubigo and order a Lyft ride. She is no longer dependent upon finding a staff member to help her. This is a huge relief for adult children and so much more efficient,” said Geert Houben, CEO of Cubigo.
Integrating Cubigo to assist seniors in non-care related activities
Cubigo will integrate Lyft’s API in its platform helping seniors to book rides for a trip to a grocery store or a doctor’s appointment. Other stuff seniors can do using Cubigo includes:
- Order meals
- Request help from maintenance
- View their senior housing’s activity calendar and sign-up for events
- Message housing staff and read the latest news
Belgian startups- Funding & acqusitions
Last few weeks saw Belgium’s startups raising and getting acquired by scale-ups. Sharemypark, a Belgian private-parking app was acquired by Irish company Parkpnp and PieSync, raised €2,8 million for its contact sync. platform.
