Dublin-based startup Coroflo has recently concluded a successful funding round, securing a substantial €2.8 million to facilitate the introduction of its revolutionary breastfeeding monitor, Coro. This innovative apparatus is specifically designed to offer mothers a solution to the common challenge of accurately determining the quantity of breastmilk their babies consume during feeding.
Coro, a silicone nipple shield, integrates a patented micro-flow measurement process, enabling mothers to precisely monitor their baby’s milk intake. The significance of this technology is underscored by the endorsements of the World Health Organization and the medical community, which advocate for breastfeeding for a minimum of six months due to its myriad health benefits. Regrettably, only 13% of mothers in Europe are able to meet this benchmark, with comparable statistics observed in other regions such as China and the United States.
Rosanne Longmore, the CEO of Coroflo, has emphasized the primary impediment to sustaining prolonged breastfeeding. “When examining the reasons why women discontinue breastfeeding sooner than desired, a predominant rationale cited is the uncertainty regarding their baby’s milk intake,” she noted. This prevailing uncertainty frequently leads to anxiety and the supplementation of breastmilk with formula, thereby nullifying the potential advantages of breastfeeding.
In contrast to bottle feeding, which permits the straightforward measurement of milk consumption, breastfeeding mothers have hitherto lacked a comparable solution—until now. Coro furnishes real-time data to mothers via an application on their mobile device, proffering insights into their breastmilk supply and prompting them to seek assistance if necessary.
Established in 2017 by Jamie Travers, an electronics engineer, and Dr. Helen Barry, a clinical lead, Coroflo has secured a total of €4.2 million in equity funding to date. The recent funding round attracted esteemed tech investor Brian Caulfield and Shemas Eivers of the Boole Syndicate, along with private investors from the technology and financial sectors.
In addition to private investments, Coroflo has received substantial backing from the European Innovation Council, obtaining €2.1 million as part of the Horizon 2020 programme. Furthermore, the company has been designated as an Enterprise Ireland ‘High Potential Start-Up’ and has recently enlisted the former Tanaiste, Mary Harney, to its board.
Looking ahead, Coroflo intends to leverage the latest infusion of capital to launch its product, expand production, and augment its team. The company has already finalized commercial agreements with pharmacy chains in the Republic of Ireland, with plans to stock the product in the latter half of the year. Bolstered by sustained support from investors and its pioneering breastfeeding monitor, Coroflo is poised to effectuate a momentous impact on the lives of mothers and babies globally.
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