How Crowdsourcing is Transforming Healthcare: StuffThatWorks Raises $9M in Seed Funding
Inspired by the success of Waze in revolutionizing navigation through crowdsourced data, a new Israeli startup is applying the same principles to healthcare. StuffThatWorks, founded by a former Waze executive, has secured $9 million in seed funding from Bessemer Venture Partners, 83North, and Ofek Ventures. The platform aims to create a centralized hub for patient-reported outcomes and treatment insights for chronic health conditions.
The Chronic Condition Challenge
Chronic diseases affect millions worldwide, yet only a fraction have well-researched treatments. Yael Elish, Co-founder and CEO of StuffThatWorks, highlights the gap:
- 10,000+ chronic conditions identified in medical research
- Only ~40 conditions have extensive studies and established treatments
- Millions suffer from “orphan” or rare diseases with limited research
Elish’s personal experience with her daughter’s chronic condition revealed the fragmented nature of patient knowledge sharing. “I found a treatment by chance through online forums,” she recalls. “That was my a-ha moment.”
How StuffThatWorks Operates
The platform combines AI with crowdsourced patient data to:
- Collect authentic experiences: Users answer open-ended questions (no multiple choice) to provide nuanced insights
- Apply machine learning: Natural language processing organizes responses and identifies patterns
- Generate actionable insights: As data grows, the platform can:
- Identify common symptoms (after 100+ contributors)
- Rank treatment effectiveness (after several hundred contributors)
- Predict personalized treatments (after thousands of contributors)
Privacy and Data Use
- All data is anonymized
- Users can remove their information at any time
- Selective collaboration with researchers and medical organizations
The Competitive Landscape
StuffThatWorks isn’t alone in leveraging technology for healthcare insights:
- RDMD: Connects rare disease patients with researchers
- Paige: Uses AI for cancer pathology analysis
- Ada Health: AI-powered symptom checker
Investor Perspective
“With chronic illness affecting over half the global population, we believe StuffThatWorks can revolutionize how patient data is collected and analyzed,” said Adam Fisher of Bessemer Venture Partners.
Since its quiet launch, the platform has already amassed:
- 180,000+ contributors
- Data on 110 conditions
- Nearly 10 million data points
By harnessing the power of collective patient experience, StuffThatWorks aims to fill critical gaps in our understanding and treatment of chronic health conditions.
🚀 Technology Solutions & Recommendations
Enhance your tech capabilities with these cutting-edge products that complement the technological innovations discussed in this article:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: HND – Sleep Mask
Image: Premium product showcase
Readers interested in health optimization (like those following StuffThatWorks) understand the importance of quality sleep for recovery and well-being. This product aligns with their proactive approach to self-care by offering a simple, effective tool to improve sleep—a foundational aspect of health.
The HND Sleep Mask is designed to help you achieve deeper, more restful sleep—something many health-conscious individuals, like those using platforms such as StuffThatWorks, prioritize for overall well-being. Just as crowdsourced health insights empower people to make informed decisions, our sleep mask provides a personalized solution to block out light and create an optimal sleep environment. Whether you’re managing a health condition or simply seeking better rest, this mask offers comfort and practicality.
Key Features:
- 100% light-blocking design for uninterrupted sleep
- Breathable, hypoallergenic fabric for comfort
- Adjustable strap for a customized fit
- Soft, contoured shape to reduce pressure on eyes
đź”— View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: HND – Pullover Hoodie
Image: Premium product showcase
Readers interested in community-driven health insights (like StuffThatWorks) often spend extended periods researching or contributing online. This hoodie offers comfort and practicality for those engaged in health-focused activities, making it a relevant choice for their lifestyle.
The HND Pullover Hoodie is designed for comfort and practicality, much like how StuffThatWorks prioritizes user-friendly, community-driven healthcare insights. Made from soft, breathable fabric, this hoodie keeps you cozy while you research health conditions or contribute your own experiences online. It’s the perfect companion for those long hours spent engaging with crowdsourced health platforms.
Key Features:
- Soft, breathable fabric for all-day comfort
- Classic pullover design with adjustable drawstring hood
- Kangaroo pocket for keeping essentials handy
- Durable construction for long-lasting wear
đź”— View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 3: HNL – Luggage Tag
Image: Premium product showcase
Readers interested in crowdsourced solutions (like StuffThatWorks) will appreciate how the HNL Luggage Tag simplifies a common travel pain point—much like how shared knowledge simplifies health journeys. Both products rely on smart, community-inspired design to solve everyday problems.
Just as StuffThatWorks harnesses collective insights to navigate health conditions, the HNL Luggage Tag helps travelers navigate the chaos of baggage claim with ease. This durable, customizable tag ensures your luggage stands out in a crowd—because when it comes to lost bags, the wisdom of the crowd (or at least a bright, distinct identifier) can save the day.
Key Features:
- Durable, weather-resistant material
- Customizable with your contact info
- Bright colors for easy identification
- Secure buckle to prevent loss
đź”— View Product Details & Purchase
đź’ˇ Need Tech Consultation? Our technology experts are ready to help you implement the perfect solution for your digital transformation needs!
