Flok Health, an AI-driven physiotherapy clinic, has secured $12.5 million (£9.5 million) in a Series A funding round. Albion VC led the oversubscribed investment, which includes contributions from existing backers Eka VC and Form Ventures, as well as new participant Mercia Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to scale its back pain service across the UK and expand into new clinical areas and international markets.
The clinic operates without human oversight, using AI to deliver autonomous healthcare pathways. NHS patients currently access on-demand physiotherapy for back pain via a mobile app, with no waitlists. The system uses real footage of a human physiotherapist to simulate live video calls, responding in real time to patient actions and statements.
The company’s technology is now being trained for additional high-volume care pathways, including hip and knee pain and women’s pelvic health conditions. All three new services are expected to launch in the UK this year. Its current focus remains on refining its existing back pain offering while preparing for broader clinical and geographical expansion.
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“AI is a generational opportunity to close the supply-demand gap in healthcare,” said Finn Stevenson, Flok Health’s co-founder and CEO. “We’re already scaling our AI musculoskeletal clinic in the NHS, with early results showing promise for both patients and services.” The funding will accelerate efforts to manage new clinical pathways and enter international markets.
The AI clinic’s approach relies on simulating real-time interactions, mimicking the experience of a traditional video consultation. Patients interact with a digital representation of a physiotherapist, which adapts to their movements and verbal input. This method reduces the need for human intervention while maintaining a personalized feel.
Flok Health’s expansion plans include deepening its presence in the UK’s NHS system. The company has not yet disclosed specific metrics on patient outcomes or adoption rates but emphasized the importance of scaling its model to address gaps in healthcare access. The technology’s training process for new care pathways is ongoing, with targeted launches planned for 2024.
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Investors in the round included Albion VC, which has a history of backing tech-driven healthcare innovations. Mercia Ventures, a new entrant, highlighted the potential of AI to transform routine medical services. The funding brings Flok Health’s total capital raised to over $15 million, with the latest round valuing the company at an undisclosed but significant figure.
The clinic’s current service for back pain is available exclusively through the NHS, though the company has not ruled out future commercial partnerships. The AI system’s ability to handle high-volume care pathways could reduce pressure on overstretched healthcare systems, though critics note that AI’s role in complex medical decisions remains debated.
Flok Health’s technology does not replace human clinicians but aims to augment their capacity. The company has not yet released data on how its AI compares to traditional physiotherapy in terms of effectiveness or patient satisfaction. However, NHS early adopters have reported positive initial feedback, citing convenience and reduced wait times.
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The expansion into hip and knee pain, as well as women’s pelvic health, signals a broader strategy to address common conditions with high demand. These areas often face long waitlists in traditional healthcare settings, making them logical targets for AI-driven solutions. The company has not yet specified timelines for international expansion but has expressed interest in markets with similar healthcare access challenges.
Despite the progress, Flok Health faces challenges in proving the long-term efficacy of its AI model. Regulatory scrutiny of AI in healthcare remains intense, and the company must demonstrate that its system meets safety and quality standards. The investment will also be used to refine the AI’s adaptability across diverse patient populations and clinical scenarios.
