Why we invested in SafelyYou, an AI-driven platform focused on preventing falls for seniors
The mathematics of aging are unforgiving: one in four seniors falls each year, with consequences that can reshape entire livelihoods. SafelyYou isn’t just building technology—they’re engineering a safety net for our aging communities.
Falls remain a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, placing a heavy burden on caregivers, families, and the healthcare system. According to the CDC, more than 36 million older adults in the United States fall each year, leading to over 32,000 deaths and medical costs exceeding $50 billion. These statistics illustrate the scope of the problem: for seniors—especially those living with dementia or other mobility-limiting conditions—the risk of falling is not only frequent but can also lead to a rapid decline in health if not addressed promptly.
SafelyYou addresses these challenges through an innovative blend of advanced AI, computer vision, and human-centric design. Founded by CEO George Netscher—driven by concerns for his own mother’s well-being as she aged—the company developed a platform that detects falls in real time, and caregivers are immediately alerted for assistance. This timely notification can be a game-changer in both senior living facilities and at-home care settings. By distinguishing typical movements (like sitting on a bed) from actual falls, SafelyYou reduces false alarms and ensures that caregivers can focus on genuine emergencies. The system then allows care teams to pinpoint potential environmental or behavioral triggers. This kind of insight enables proactive modifications—such as rearranging furniture, adding grab bars, or tailoring individualized mobility support—to prevent future incidents and minimize the likelihood of severe injuries.
Beyond immediate detection, SafelyYou’s approach stands out for its emphasis on continuous improvement in caregiving. By analyzing patterns over time, it provides data-driven recommendations that enhance both safety and the overall quality of life for seniors. Families benefit from greater peace of mind, knowing that their loved ones receive rapid assistance in an emergency. Care staff experience a lighter burden, allowing them to devote more personalized attention to each resident’s or patient’s unique needs. Ultimately, SafelyYou aims to reduce hospitalizations, associated healthcare costs, and the emotional toll that falls can take on seniors and their support systems.
At Samsung Next, we’re particularly drawn to companies like SafelyYou for their transformative use of AI and their dedication to solving critical, real-world issues. Our broader mission includes exploring how technology can have a positive, lasting impact on healthcare. SafelyYou’s discreet sensors and sophisticated analytics fit seamlessly into this vision. Whether integrated into senior living communities or individual residences, their platform represents a significant leap forward in fall prevention—one of the most urgent yet underserved aspects of eldercare.
Building upon its success to date, SafelyYou recently secured $43 million in Series C funding, positioning the company for further growth and enhancement of its AI technology, and we at Samsung Next are thrilled to participate in this funding round. This capital injection will help refine detection algorithms, scale deployment across more senior care communities, and even explore potential in-home solutions for independent seniors. We believe this investment comes at a pivotal time: as the global population continues to age, the demand for effective and compassionate caregiving solutions will only increase.
We look forward to supporting SafelyYou’s expansion, engaging our global network, and leveraging Samsung’s expertise in connected health to push innovation even further. Ultimately, our shared goal is to empower seniors to live with dignity and security, while reducing the strain on caregivers and families. Congratulations to the SafelyYou team!
Rameen Rana is an investor at Samsung Next. Samsung Next’s investment strategy is limited to its own views and does not reflect the vision or strategy of any other Samsung business unit, including, but not limited to, Samsung Electronics.