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Accelerator

The Remarkable Demo Day Asks: Here’s what 5 startup founders need next

- October 25, 2024 6 MIN READ
Reece Miller
SpendAble founder Reece Miller pitches at the Remarkable Demo Day. Photo: Simon Thomsen
The 2024 Remarkable Accelerator Global Cohort took the stage at the Salesforce Tower Auditorium recently, showcasing their groundbreaking innovations to a packed audience of investors, partners, and industry leaders.

The Demo Day highlighted five incredible startups, focused on harnessing the power of technology to remove barriers and amplify the lives of people with disability.

 Remarkable is a tech accelerator focused on empowering disability tech innovators, backed by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research FoundationRemarkable is .

After the 16-week accelerator program, led by Emma Earley, the global cohort presented their ideas and also outlined what they’re seeking next – from investment to partnerships, or referrals – to take their startups to the next level.

Here there the five and what they’re seeking

CareWindow

Founded: Australia, 2021

CareWindow founder Zac Bailey. Photo: Hazen Agency

One-liner: CareWindow is the world’s simplest videophone, empowering people with dementia or shaky hands to connect with their loved ones. Our solution works for anybody who can’t use a smartphone, preventing loneliness and isolation on a massive scale.

Their story:  CareWindow has developed a video phone so simple that even someone with dementia can use it. The company aims to address the problem of technology exclusion for individuals with cognitive or dexterity impairments, a demographic that comprises over 1% of the global population. Many people in these circumstances face disconnection, isolation, and loneliness.

Zac’s father, Martin, who experienced cognitive challenges after a stroke, inspired the creation of CareWindow. The available technology had too many steps and options for him to use. Recognising a significant unmet need, Zac assembled a team of experts from aged care, engineering, and healthcare to design a solution.

CareWindow’s product is a purpose-built video phone with features that make it accessible and easy to use for individuals with impairments. It has high-end audio capabilities, large non-slip rubber feet, drop resistance, splash resistance, and a privacy swivel camera. It also features automatic answering, making it simple for users to connect without pressing buttons. Co-designed with care workers, it is universally accepted in aged care and similar environments. Learn more about CareWindow here.

The ask: Introductions to Nurses or Occupational Therapists in leadership, care organisation CEOs, strategic investors, and tech journalists. Book a Demo

Their plan: They aim to reach 500,000 users within three years across Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK. Active trials are running in seven care facilities, with bulk deals in the pipeline. CareWindow plans to generate recurring revenue through leasing and subscription models, offering premium services for care organizations and families. The product is uniquely positioned to cater to home care providers and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia.

Speak to: Zac Bailey, CEO [email protected]

Peak Medical

Founded: Australia, 2020

Peak Medical founder Hayley Saddington Photo: Hazen Agency

One-liner: Digital Therapy for Mobility. Delivering live exercises, guidance and feedback for those needing to stay well, to prepare for surgery, or recover from home.

Their story: Peak Medical was inspired by a personal story of founder Hayley Saddington, whose father suffered a life-changing amputation in a remote area of Western Australia. His rehabilitation involved long, arduous journeys to hospitals 500km away. This experience ignited Hayley’s passion for improving healthcare access.

Peak Medical addresses the problem of inadequate, inaccessible care in a world where 800 million people are aging. Their medtech product, BIBO, is a scalable, AI-powered digital platform that offers personalised care for patients from pre-operative to post-operative stages, and for people with mobility issues. BIBO’s AI tracks body landmarks to provide tailored exercises, clinical assessments, and pain management, helping patients stay engaged in their rehabilitation.

The platform also delivers critical data to hospitals and health insurers, enabling them to reduce readmissions, inpatient costs, and improve patient outcomes. Available across public and private healthcare systems, BIBO is 20 times more affordable than traditional care. Learn more about Peak Medical here.

The ask: Seeking a health funding partner ready to deliver patient satisfaction and save costs, as well as aligned investors who want to promote global healthcare equality.

Their Plan: Peak Medical will be in market in Australia in January 2025, launching with a Total Knee Replacement program in Australia. The platform’s scalability allows it to rapidly expand by turning on additional modules for osteoarthritis, disability, falls, aged care, spinal issues, and more. With 1.4 billion potential users across various market segments, Peak Medical aims for global scale. A hospital trial is set to begin, backed by validated technology from Australian Catholic University, and a channel to market through global health insurance.

Speak to: Hayley Saddington, CEO and founder, [email protected] 

SpendAble

Founded: Australia, 2021

SpendAble founder
Reece Miller Photo: Hazen Agency

One-liner: SpendAble is making payments and financial independence accessible to everyone regardless of age, ability or background.

Their story:SpendAble was created to solve a critical problem for individuals with disabilities who often experience financial vulnerability, abuse, fraud, or theft. They face challenges accessing their own finances, as their money is often managed by parents and support workers. The process is slow, risky, and lacks accessibility, as they need to rely on others for every purchase.

SpendAble offers a solution—a secure payment system and debit card that allows people with disability to buy what they need, love, and want, without the risks associated with sharing bank account details. The platform empowers caregivers by giving them access to funds without direct connection to the individual’s bank account, allowing them to track spending and submit receipts. Care managers can also monitor transactions, providing an additional layer of financial oversight.

SpendAble is designed to make money accessible 24/7 with the support of caregivers, family, or independently, providing financial autonomy to individuals with disabilities. Learn more about SpendAble here.

The ask: SpendAble is currently raising investment to reach 2 million users quickly. Finds will prioritise marketing, sales and reaching the right people for product-led growth. Book a Demo

Their Plan: SpendAble has over 1700 wallets on its platform, processing more than $250,000 in transactions each month, with a CSAT score of 80+. The company plans to grow by partnering with major service providers and launching bold marketing initiatives, including a $10,000 giveaway to attract future customers.

SpendAble’s solution is not just limited to Australia or the NDIS. The challenges faced by individuals with disabilities regarding financial autonomy are global, and the company aims to expand internationally.

Contact: Reece Miller, CEO and cofounder, [email protected]

Capella Design

Founded: Canada, 2022

Kaly Ryan

Capella Design cofounder Kaly Ryan. Photo: Hazen Agency

One-liner: Capella Design reimagines home safety and assistive products as beautiful furniture and accessories.

Their Story:  Capella Design was born from personal experiences that highlighted a significant gap in the home mobility market. Kaly’s grandfather struggled with mobility issues, and the family couldn’t find products that preserved his dignity and matched the aesthetic of his home. Patrick faced a similar challenge after his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, where no accessible products met the standard of design his parents wanted in their carefully curated home.

Capella Design recognises that older adults today are redefining what it means to age, valuing products that reflect their personal style, homes, and vibrant lives. Yet, the home health industry continues to offer clinical, stigmatizing products. This disconnect represents a massive opportunity, as the global assistive technology market is expected to reach A$49 billion by 2030. However, over half of recommended home mobility modifications are ignored, partly due to stigma and poor design.

Capella Design is the first lifestyle brand to reimagine home mobility products as beautiful, functional furniture and accessories. Their products, like grab bars and shower chairs, are transformed into objects that people are proud to own. Learn more about Capella Design here.

The Ask: Connect Kaly with commercial partners in retirement communities and hospitality brands. They also invite everyone to explore their products and share their mission of showing the world that accessible design can be beautiful.

Their Plan: Capella Design identifies products already in demand and redesigns them in collaboration with older adults and occupational therapists, balancing style and function. They then validate their designs with experts in the field to build pride in their customers’ choices. Their newest product, the Selora Grab Bar surpassed expectations with a waitlist at 160% capacity. The product has gone viral, reaching over 500,000 views globally.

Capella’s will expand into new areas like the bedroom with a fresh set of products in 2025, building a future where every room has beautiful, functional products that support style and safety. 

Speak to: Kaly Ryan, CEO and founder, [email protected] 

Clu

Founded: United Kingdom, 2021

Cayelan Mendoza

Clu founder Cayelan Mendoza Photo: Hazen Agency

One-liner: Meet Clu, your TalentGPS. Clu is an AI plug-in that improves the accuracy, inclusion, and ROI of any HR process or product.

Their story:  Clu has created a talent GPS to address the £11 trillion GBP global skills crisis. Every year, 750 million good quality job applications are rejected, equivalent to the population of Europe. Many people struggle to understand what makes them valuable in their roles, leading to ineffective hiring processes. As a result, 45% of the UK labor market faces barriers to economic mobility, and FTSE 100 companies lose £23 million per month due to archaic hiring systems.

Clu’s proprietary AI offers a solution, helping employers understand the true requirements for jobs. The platform integrates with any hiring process or platform, improving accuracy, inclusiveness, ROI, and legal compliance. Since launching in March 2023 after two years of R&D, Clu has grown to £95K ARR, achieved 214% retention on renewals, and recorded an average account health score of 86%. Rather than competing in a crowded market, Clu acts as a partner to improve hiring platforms, making them more cost-effective and equitable. Learn more about Clu here.

The ask: Raising £500,000 for key team hires and marketing costs, with a pre-money valuation of £2.5 million (currently 35% committed). Book a Demo

Their Plan: Clu aims to disrupt a £500 billion market, growing its business through direct sales and channel partnerships. Investment will enable team expansion and market penetration. With its scalable AI, Clu is on track to achieve profitability within two and a half years.

Speak to: Joseph Williams, cofounder, [email protected]