UK-based virtual cancer clinic Perci Health has raised €4 million (US$4.3 million) in its latest funding round, surpassing its initial target of €2 million (US$2.16 million).

This funding brings the total amount raised by the company to €10.4 million (US$11.23 million), which includes a €399,000 (US$430,920) contribution from Macmillan Cancer Support.

The funding round included participation from Guinness Ventures, Conduit Fund, and existing investors such as Octopus Ventures.

Founded in 2020 by Kelly McCabe and Morgan Fitzsimons, Perci Health aims to provide AI-driven, specialist-led cancer care through its virtual platform.

The newly acquired capital will help expand Perci Health’s services across the UK.

🔗 Source: EU-Startups

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ UK’s cancer care gap presents both a crisis and opportunity for innovation

The UK’s significant lag in cancer outcomes compared to other European countries represents a critical healthcare challenge that Perci Health is directly addressing.

Data shows the UK has the worst survival rates in Europe for 9 out of 10 major cancers, with analysis suggesting that matching Germany’s rates would save approximately 35,000 more lives over five years post-diagnosis 1.

This gap persists despite improvements, with UK cancer survival rates still trailing at 67% compared to 71% in France and 74% in Sweden for all cancers combined 2.

The disparity is even more pronounced for specific cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, where the UK’s 7% five-year survival rate falls far below Germany’s 14% 2.

These statistics highlight why Perci Health’s “human-first, tech-enabled model” is significant. It targets a measurable, substantial healthcare need with potential for both clinical impact and commercial success.

The UK’s substantial underinvestment is also notable, spending over 20% less per person on cancer care compared to the top five EU economies 3, creating both a challenge and opportunity for innovative healthcare models.

2️⃣ Female-founded startups breaking funding barriers in healthtech

Perci Health’s success in doubling their funding target illustrates how female founders are overcoming systemic investment hurdles in the startup ecosystem.