The rewards-based health technology platform hav., which has been operating covertly, has formally begun operations. A round led by US-based VC StartUp Health raised $400,000 for the company. Other marquee angels took part in the round as well.

The money raised will go toward expanding the user base and reaching PMF. hav. is a free app that monitors various health indicators to assist 20–40-year-olds from middle-class and lower-income backgrounds in lowering the likelihood of lifestyle-related diseases.

According to Abdul Paravengal, co-founder and CEO of hav., "Preventative care for the general public in emerging countries was a space with limited large players due to high CAC and perceived lack of monetization route a segment for which if well executed can lead to significant impact. We seem to be well-positioned to deliver this with our unique insights, mission first, and frugal approach.”

"We believe that it's not enough to invent a new, shiny solution that keeps people healthy if only a sliver of the world gets to benefit from it," says Unity Stoakes, co-founder and President of StartUp Health. The beginning of innovative health ideas. Getting them to the world, regardless of geography and economics, is just as crucial. For that reason, and many others, we’re proud to back Abdul Paravengal and his team at hav.”

In the upcoming 12 months, the company wants to concentrate on building a customer base in the new markets where it will begin operations and achieve unit-level profitability. Over the next five years, it aims to achieve a CAGR of 14% in the market for digital fitness and well-being apps.