A Bristol-based business that is developing smartphone software that will help in the monitoring of eye health has received £225,000 in investment funds from a group of established business people in the city. 

Thirteen successful entrepreneurs, who are members of Bristol Private Equity Club have provided the funds for OKKO, which is developing smartphone software for the home-monitoring of eye health. 

Dr. Stephanie Campbell, who co-founded OKKO said: “We are using the latest technology to change for the better the way that eye appointments work. Early detection and prompt treatment of eye disease reduces costs and saves sight. 

“Like many hospital services eye departments are completely overstretched and demand is far outstripping the supply of eye doctors and specialists. Currently, no reliable and safe home-monitoring technology exists, so all eye disease monitoring appointments must be done in person at the clinic. OKKO’s smartphone technology will allow patients to safely home-monitor their sight and to avoid visits to hospital until necessary.”    

OKKO’s technology creates brand new sets of big data about vision – their data could soon drive new insights into eye health. 

The funding from Bristol Private Equity Club will allow the team at OKKO to take the technology they have developed through early clinical testing and continue to build the growing team. 

Jerry Barnes, founder of Bristol Private Equity Club said: “Our members are keen to support innovation and technology in Bristol and to help businesses with a great idea to scale up. The fact that 13 experienced business people with a lifetime of success behind them have backed OKKO speaks for itself. 

“Stephanie and her team have both a brilliant and practical idea and are working hard to make their technology product a reality in a tough market. It shows how Bristol is a pioneering city when it comes to the use of technology. Digital health is receiving huge global investment at present, and we’re delighted to invest in a start-up focussed in one of the fastest growing areas of medicine.” 

Cook Corporate Solicitors acted for BPEC in the deal. BPEC now has 85 successful entrepreneurs and business people from the Bristol area with capital to invest as club members. In three years the club has invested more than £6 million into 20 different businesses.  

Further details can be found at http://www.bristolprivateequityclub.comand www.okkohealth.com