Hippos Exoskeleton builds a predictive, AI-driven "knee sleeve" that measures stress on the knee joint and inflates an airbag around the knee in roughly 30 milliseconds to prevent ACL and MCL tears. The product pairs real-time sensors with predictive algorithms to detect risky movements and deploy protection faster than the typical 60 milliseconds it takes for ACL tears to occur. Founders Kylin Shaw (CEO) and Bhavy Metakar (CTO) initially bootstrapped the company with $1,000 to develop a prototype and secure early pre-orders. The startup has run trials with U.K. football clubs and athletes including world skiing champion Alex Schlopy, and says it has secured "over six figures in pre-orders." Hippos plans a consumer unit priced at about $129 with a $29–$99/month subscription covering AI-driven insights, small air canisters, and workout tracking, and will use new funding to finish development and push to a full launch in around three months. The company positions itself as a preventative alternative to traditional supportive or rehabilitation devices from brands like DonJoy, Zeen and Shock Doctor by offering predictive and reactive protection.

Total raised

$1M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Nov 2024