Imagine a world where technology, powered by the latest advances in science and behavioral psychology, serves as a force for good, enhancing our well-being and steering us toward a more harmonious existence. At Niremia Collective, our mission is to bring this vision to life by investing in startups that develop innovative mental health solutions, promote new ways of working, support healthy aging, and advance human-centric urban design.
What if your toothbrush could not only track your daily progress but also alert you to early signs of disease, offering expert insights and recommendations? This is the vision behind Feno, a dental tech startup on a mission to transform our daily brushing routine into a tool for longer, healthier lives.
Founded by Stanford-educated dentist Dr. Kenny Brown and seasoned entrepreneur Hamet Watt, Feno aims to disrupt the $30 billion toothbrush market with the world’s first AI-powered device capable of scanning the mouth to detect potential oral health issues and provide personalized insights.
While our oral care routine has largely remained unchanged since medieval times, oral diseases have surged over the last 30 years, affecting nearly half the global population, as reported by the World Health Organization. An increasing body of research links oral bacteria to Alzheimer's disease, various cancers, and other conditions such as low birth weight, erectile dysfunction, and lung inflammation.
With over 15 years as an oral maxillofacial surgeon and founding dental director of community clinics and laboratories, Dr. Brown has witnessed firsthand the development of life-threatening yet preventable conditions in what he calls a "silent epidemic."
“Gum disease is killing us from the inside out, and we're not really paying attention to it," says Dr. Brown. He notes that only 3 in 10 people brush properly, often because "it's boring, it's annoying, and it takes two minutes."
Feno is set to revolutionize our daily toothbrushing routine. Its custom-fit mouthpiece, equipped with 18,000 bristles, delivers precise strokes that clean teeth in just 20 seconds. More than merely vibrating, the Feno Smartbrush mimics the back-and-forth motion of manual brushing, significantly reducing plaque.
Furthermore, an AI-powered, high-definition scanner within the brush detects early signs of disease, offering personalized insights through the Feno app. Users can also schedule virtual consultations with dentists to discuss concerns and receive at-home early detection, recommendations, and insights.
“Seeing the direct link between oral health and diseases like cancer and heart disease led me to create the Feno Smartbrush,” says Brown. “Our AI-powered smartbrush delivers personalized preventative tips based on the state of your oral health. It’s just one of the ways we’re advancing our mission to equip every home with transformative oral health technology.”
Feno is not merely creating an innovative product; it’s leading a movement that positions oral care as a crucial element of overall health. This aligns perfectly with Niremia’s mission to support companies that build cutting-edge solutions enhancing mental, emotional, and social well-being at scale.
