Koalaa was formed in 2020 with the goal of addressing the three major concerns that the global limb difference community is currently facing: access, affordability, and comfort.
Unlike standard prostheses, Koalaa’s are constructed of breathable fabric that fits firmly against the arm. This means they are lightweight, comfy, suited for even the youngest children, and can be shipped worldwide at a fraction of the cost.
Interchangeable tools, designed in response to user feedback and necessity, can be added to the end of the sleeve and swapped in and out based on the task at hand. This means they can be employed in an infinite number of ways. New users are assigned a limb buddy who provides assistance every step of the way.
The business created the world’s first ‘early rehab’ prosthetic arm, which can be used only hours after surgery.
Existing investor British Design Fund started the deal, which includes £200,000 from the Imperial College Enterprise Fund II (ICEF).
“A huge thank you to British Design Fund, Imperial College Enterprise Fund and our angel investors for their continuing support.
I still find it incredible that something which started out as a spark of an idea at University, has turned into a fully-fledged company, employing a team of 18 people and with around 1,000 people worldwide now using Koalaa prosthetics!”
Nate Macabuag, founder of Koalaa
The increased funding will help Koalaa continue to develop products, grow its team in the UK and abroad, and expand its cooperation with clinicians and NGOs throughout the world, including improving the provision of prosthetics to persons in crisis zones.
