Throne Science raises $10M for toilet-based gut health tracking

Throne Science, a startup developing an AI-powered toilet camera to track gut health and hydration, has raised $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Will Ventures. The company has now raised nearly $18 million since its 2023 inception.

The startup was founded by CEO Scott Hickle and former Whoop co-founder and CTO John Capodilupo. Capodilupo's personal experience with ulcerative colitis has motivated the company's mission to analyze waste for health metrics.

Throne utilizes computer vision to analyze characteristics of stool and urine, converting camera data into health metrics. The company has also introduced a beta version of its AI-powered gut health coach, offering users personalized feedback based on their data. This coach aims to connect diet, lifestyle, and gut function, providing insights into factors affecting well-being.

Longitudinal data collection is central to Throne Science's strategy. The company believes continuous monitoring of gut function can revolutionize the treatment of digestive issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Throne is also exploring sales channels through clinicians and medical research institutions.

Throne Science's long-term goal is to develop a home system capable of detecting early signs of colorectal cancer and other cancers. The company has received recognition from the research community, with ongoing studies at several universities. Growing consumer interest in passive health monitoring supports Throne Science's market potential.