Family.cards, a startup rooted in Germany, is charting a new course for elderly digital engagement. With a successful round of seed funding totalling €1.2 million, led by Brandenburg Kapital and OHA Osnabruck Healthcare 7 Ventures, this innovative company is set to revolutionise how seniors interact with digital technologies.
The infusion of capital will be directed towards advancing their pioneering technology, broadening the range of third-party applications available, expanding their team, and penetrating new markets across Europe. This financial boost signifies a positive step forward in bridging the digital divide and offering more seniors accessible digital experiences.
Addressing the Digital Divide in Seniors
With Europe’s senior population facing considerable challenges in navigating modern technology, many are left unable to perform essential tasks such as booking medical appointments or communicating with family due to cognitive and physical barriers. Family.cards provides an empowering solution by enabling seniors to easily access digital services through their television.
As research indicates, approximately 69 million seniors in Europe struggle with touch screen interfaces. Family.cards addresses this significant gap by utilising a TV-based card system, facilitating interactions without the need for complex devices. This approach not only expands their digital capability but also enriches their daily lives.
Behind the Innovation
The minds propelling Family.cards are Teo Ortega and Simon Hafner, who initiated the project in 2022 after meeting during the Antler residency in Berlin. Teo Ortega brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in leading product teams, while Simon Hafner’s technical acumen stems from his career as a software engineer at Zalando.
Their combined expertise lays the foundation for a technology-driven venture aimed at improving senior life quality through accessible innovation. Their ambition is clear: to break down technological barriers and make the digital age inclusive for all, regardless of age or ability.
How the System Works
At the core of this technological revolution lies a simple, intuitive system. The cards allow seniors to perform tasks such as video calls, photo-sharing, streaming content, and even scheduling medical appointments directly from their TV.
The system operates through a wireless card reader, akin to placing the device on a coffee table, which communicates with the TV via HDMI. Once the family.cards app is downloaded, the user is ready to interact with the digital world. It’s fast and user-friendly, even for those unfamiliar with technology.
Subscription options offer flexibility: €34 per month or a reduced €14 for limited functionality. This pricing includes a card reader, an initial set of three operational cards, and an easy setup, ensuring users are connected in minutes.
Expanding Digital Services for Seniors
The strategic goal of Family.cards is not merely to introduce a new gadget but to fundamentally enhance everyday living for seniors by providing accessible digital solutions. This aligns with the broader vision of social inclusion.
With this fresh funding, Family.cards is poised to incorporate additional third-party applications to their platform, enhancing its versatility and utility. This expansion aims to enrich the user experience and cater to a wide array of needs and interests.
Such innovations underscore the company’s commitment to delivering practical solutions that resonate with the elderly demographic, making digital services part of their daily routines.
Investor Confidence and Industry Support
Investors see promise in Family.cards’ mission. Katja Kühnel, of Brandenburg Kapital, underscores the necessity for digital tools that truly cater to older adults, describing Family.cards as a vital solution to an underserved market segment.
OHA Osnabruck’s General Manager, Jan-Felix Simon, expresses similar sentiments, highlighting the ease of their investment decision due to the team’s competence and product vision. The partnership with Antler strengthens their resolve in advancing seniors’ digital engagement.
The collaboration amongst diverse investors reflects a shared belief in the company’s potential to shape an inclusive digital future, marking a significant endorsement for Family.cards.
Technological and Social Impact
Family.cards’ venture embodies a dual impact: promoting social inclusion while advancing technological innovation. By enabling seniors to partake in digital conveniences, they foster a sense of independence and connectivity.
As the platform evolves, the potential to offer more personalised and adaptive solutions grows, ensuring older users remain engaged and empowered.
Such advancements signify a crucial step towards bridging the digital gap, ensuring that seniors do not lag behind in the wave of technological progress. The project stands as a beacon for what inclusive technology should aspire to achieve.
A Forward-Thinking Vision
At its heart, Family.cards envisions a world where age is no barrier to digital participation. By offering simple, effective solutions, they pave the way for more inclusive digital transformation.
This initiative is more than a business model—it is a movement to democratise technology access, fostering equal opportunities for engagement and interaction across generations.
The funding secured by Family.cards marks a pivotal milestone in their journey to empower seniors through digital means. As they forge ahead, the commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering a more inclusive society remains steadfast.
Their innovative solution not only enhances the quality of life for seniors but also sets a precedent for future developments in accessible technology. Family.cards’ progress is a testament to the power of purposeful innovation in reshaping societal norms.
