Exclusive: Kimba launches with $6.5M in funding

Exclusive: Kimba launches with $6.5M in funding

Sleep tech startup Kimba raised $6.5 million in seed funding, and will start Series A conversations next year, CEO Ben Fuxbruner tells Axios Pro exclusively.

  • Selva Ventures led, joined by Able Partners and Resolute Ventures.

    • How it works: Kimba's device sits on nightstands and monitors sleep, and is tied to a monthly subscription.

  • It contains microphones and light sensors that can detect when someone is about to wake up, based on live monitoring data, and delivers scents to help induce or maintain sleep.
  • The device is functional without inputs from wearables, but can track cardio and respiratory rates via integration with wearables from Apple, Garmin, Oura and Whoop.

    • State of play: Investors are showing an increased interest in sleep-focused companies.

  • Eight Sleep, a New York-based maker of smart sleep products, nabbed a $50 million Series D1 round led by Tether Investments at a $1.5 billion post-money valuation in March.
  • VCs also have backed businesses like Hatch, which sell subscription-focused alarm clocks and noise machines.