CURAPOD, an Indian healthtech startup developing wearable, non‑invasive solutions for pain management, has raised Rs 20 crore in a pre‑Series A round led by V3 Ventures with participation from 3i Partners and Ideaspring Capital. The capital will fund product development, market expansion and scaling of operations in India and abroad.
Technology-driven, drug‑free approach to everyday pain
Founded in 2022 by Sri Velliyur and Surya Maguluri under Litemed India, CURAPOD focuses on wearable medical devices for musculoskeletal and everyday pain such as back and knee pain, muscle stiffness, sports injuries and joint discomfort. Its primary product uses photobiomodulation therapy—red and near‑infrared light—to reduce inflammation, enhance local blood flow and support cellular repair.
Photobiomodulation is an evidence‑based modality increasingly used in rehabilitative care and physiotherapy. CURAPOD positions the device as a non‑invasive, drug‑free alternative for daily use, aimed at patients and consumers seeking long‑term pain management without medication‑related side effects.
Planned use of funds: product, UX and supply chain
The Rs 20 crore infusion will be directed toward research and development to advance device capabilities and clinical validation. CURAPOD also plans to invest in its companion mobile application to deliver more personalised, data‑driven therapy and improve overall user experience.
Operationally, the company will scale manufacturing capacity, optimise supply chains and expand direct‑to‑consumer distribution. CURAPOD intends to strengthen its presence across online marketplaces, physiotherapy centres, hospitals, fitness facilities and sports rehabilitation networks to broaden access to its offering.
Domestic scale with an eye on regulated overseas markets
While deepening its footprint in India remains a priority, CURAPOD is exploring international expansion into regulated markets such as Europe. The company plans to pursue clinical validation, regulatory compliance and strategic partnerships to enter regions where demand for clinically validated wearable pain‑management devices is rising.
This dual strategy seeks to transition CURAPOD from a niche wellness brand to an established healthtech player with recognition in both consumer and clinical settings.
Investor rationale and sector context
Investors in the round highlighted the sizeable, under‑served market for chronic pain management and expressed confidence in CURAPOD’s combination of clinical credibility, wearable design and consumer accessibility. Chronic pain is a growing public‑health concern globally, driving demand for scalable, evidence‑based solutions that are easy to use.
The funding round also reflects broader investor interest in Indian healthtech companies that bridge medical science and consumer technology, particularly those focused on preventive care, rehabilitation and long‑term condition management.
What to watch next
- Clinical validation efforts and any published trial results that demonstrate the device’s efficacy and safety.
- Regulatory milestones and approvals in target overseas markets such as Europe.
- Expansion of distribution partnerships with healthcare providers, physiotherapy centres and sports rehabilitation networks.
