WhiteHat Jr. founder Karan Bajaj raises $16 million for his new healthtech startup Complement 1

Karan Bajaj, the founder of the edtech platform WhiteHat Jr., is back in the startup arena with a fresh venture—this time in healthcare. His new U.S.-based startup, Complement 1, has raised $16 million in a seed funding round to build a personalised, tech-enabled lifestyle coaching platform for cancer patients and individuals at high risk of developing the disease.

The round, which was led by Owl Ventures and Blume Ventures, will help the startup scale its coaching infrastructure, enhance its AI-driven personalisation engine, and expand partnerships with cancer centres, health plans, and employers across the United States.

It aims to integrate evidence-based interventions—ranging from nutrition and sleep to stress management and physical activity—into the cancer care pathway.

"Lifestyle change is one of the most powerful yet underused tools in cancer care," said Karan Bajaj, CEO and Co-Founder of Complement 1.

"Every oncologist will tell you patients need more support incorporating clinically recommended physical activity, nutrition and mind-body practices. We've cracked the code on daily engagement with personalised, compassionate coaching—helping patients make meaningful, lasting improvements during and beyond treatment."

Offering one-on-one support

Complement1, which is emerging from stealth mode, offers daily one-on-one support through "CoActive Coaches" who deliver customised guidance rooted in clinical research. According to the company, early trial data show that members report 37% fewer treatment side effects, 18% less pain, and 27% better sleep, with adherence rates exceeding 90%. 

The startup claims that its platform can reduce healthcare costs by up to 30% for cancer patients and high-risk individuals.

"Most coaching models rely on a weekly check-in. We meet patients every single day,” said Trupti Mukker, Co-founder and COO of Complement 1.

"That daily presence—powered by our CoActive Coaching method—is what creates the trust, accountability, and behaviour change that drive our clinical results. This funding allows us to scale that impact by investing further in our AI systems to ensure consistency, personalisation, and quality at scale. It’s a hybrid approach: high-tech infrastructure matched with high-touch delivery—designed specifically for the complexity of cancer care."

"I've seen targeted lifestyle changes transform outcomes—from better energy to reducing recurrence risk," said Dr. Neil M. Iyengar, MD, a leading exercise-oncology researcher and board member of Complement 1.

"The challenge has always been getting patients to implement those changes and stick with them. Complement 1's platform provides the intensive support patients need to make sustainable lifestyle shifts, with adherence rates I've never seen before in this field."

Karan Bajaj's journey

The pivot to healthcare marks a significant shift for Bajaj, whose previous venture—WhiteHat Jr.—rose to prominence during the pandemic for teaching coding to young children, before being acquired by BYJU'S for $300 million in 2020.

The platform quickly became infamous for its aggressive marketing tactics, which drew criticism and intense scrutiny. In 2021, Bajaj exited BYJU'S after leading its international operations. The company eventually shut down WhiteHat Jr. amid mounting losses and internal legal disputes.

In the aftermath of WhiteHat Jr., Bajaj pursued a spiritual sabbatical, including an 800-kilometre pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He also founded an NGO focused on poverty alleviation and returned to writing—adding to his earlier works such as Keep Off The Grass and The Seeker, novels that explore themes of self-discovery and transformation.

Investor comments

"With rising cancer incidence rates, Complement 1 is creating a revolutionary new model to improve global cancer outcomes," said Amit A. Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures.

"We were impressed by the team's ability to combine high-tech personalisation and education with high-touch CoActive Coaching focused on physical activity, somatic and nutrition human guidance to solve a critical gap in oncology. We're thrilled to support Complement 1 in bringing this much-needed solution to patients and health systems."