Bright Light Headset Maker Valkee Announces 7.4 Million Euro Funding

HELSINKI, June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The company behind the pocket-sized bright light therapy device expands scientific research, use cases, and distribution.

The bright light headset maker Valkee today announced the Series A funding round of EUR 7.4 Million. Together with an international fund, the participating investors include both current and new shareholders of Valkee.

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Valkee (http://www.valkee.com) is a pocket-sized light therapy device that channels bright light via the ear canals into the brain. A daily 12-minute dose is studied to have beneficial effects on mood and wellbeing as reported by University of Oulu, Finland, according to its research program since 2008. The product was launched in 2010 in Europe under the CE Class II medical device certification.

"A staggering 87% of users recommend Valkee to their friends. They have adopted on-the-go bright light as part of their daily wellbeing. Our strongest customer base is in German-speaking Europe, the Nordic countries and Japan," says Pekka Somerto, Valkee CEO.

"We have discovered a new mechanism for the way light positively impacts mood and performance. As a science-driven consumer electronics company, we aim at further deepening our understanding of how bright light affects humans, and turning this science into easily usable healthcare and wellness products," says Timo Ahopelto, Partner at Lifeline Ventures and Valkee Chairman.

With the funding, Valkee will expand its market areas, reseller network and use cases. Currently, the company has clinical trials ongoing in the areas of jet lag, cognitive performance and different depression types.

Valkee's scientific program and results are presented at http://www2.valkee.com/uk/evidence/science/. Valkee devices are available via selected resellers and Valkee online store at http://www2.valkee.com/uk/webshop/.

About Valkee:

Valkee is a health technology company focused on harnessing the benefits of bright light to the human mind and performance. Based on long-term scientific research and development work together with Finland's Oulu University, Valkee introduced the world's first bright light headset in 2010. Clinically tested to remove seasonal affective disorder symptoms from nine out of ten study participants, the Valkee user base has already grown to tens of thousands of people in 20+ countries. Of all Valkee users, 87% recommend Valkee to their friends. Additional tests and studies concerning the effects of bright light on cognitive and physical performance and jet lag, among other areas, are planned and in progress. Founded in 2007, Valkee headquarters are located in Oulu, Finland. For more information, please visit http://www.valkee.com and follow us at http://www.facebook.com/valkeecompany and http://www.twitter.com/humancharger.

SOURCE Valkee