• Karan Bajaj has launched Complement 1, an AI-powered health tech startup focused on helping cancer patients and survivors adopt personalized lifestyle changes to reduce recurrence and improve recovery.
  • The startup raised $16 million in seed funding led by Blume Ventures and Owl Ventures.
  • Plans to expand operations in the U.S., enhance its AI capabilities, and build partnerships with cancer centers and insurers.

Karan Bajaj, the founder of edtech startup WhiteHat Jr. (acquired by BYJU’S), is making a comeback to the startup world with his latest venture — Complement 1, an AI-powered health tech platform focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients and survivors through personalized lifestyle interventions.

Founded in January 2024, Complement 1 has already raised $16 million in seed funding, signaling strong investor confidence in its mission. The round was led by Blume Ventures and Owl Ventures, with support from several notable angel investors.

While conventional cancer care focuses on medical treatments, Complement 1 addresses a critically underexplored area: long-term lifestyle modification for cancer recovery and recurrence prevention.

Backed by research, lifestyle changes like physical activity, better nutrition, stress reduction, and improved sleep can lead to a 37% reduction in cancer recurrence and mortality. Yet, less than 5% of patients adhere to such interventions.

“Every oncologist will tell you patients need more support incorporating physical activity, nutrition, and mind-body practices,” said Bajaj. “That’s where our AI-driven approach comes in — bridging the gap between clinical advice and everyday life.”

Complement 1’s platform uses real-time data analysis to deliver hyper-personalised routines, combining behavioral coaching with adaptive AI. The system tailors coaching strategies and wellness plans to suit each individual’s evolving needs, creating a feedback loop that continuously improves over time.

This AI-first approach aims to democratize access to supportive care, especially in a system where post-treatment support is often fragmented or unavailable. The goal is to improve adherence rates, enhance quality of life, and reduce long-term healthcare costs.

The newly raised funds will be used to expand Complement 1’s coaching team in the United States, a key target market for the company. The investment will also support the refinement of its AI engine, as well as improvements to the user experience for both patients and coaches. Additionally, the company plans to build strategic alliances with cancer centers, health insurers, and care delivery networks.

While the platform is currently focused on the U.S. market, Bajaj’s track record suggests broader ambitions. With WhiteHat Jr., he scaled a niche edtech product globally before its acquisition. With Complement 1, the goal is similarly bold to redefine post-diagnosis cancer care with AI and data-driven behavioral health.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah