AlignerAI
About this raise: AlignerAI, with a valuation of $10 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. It is an AI platform and treatment technology company focused on Aligner Therapy. AlignerAI aims to deliver better outcomes for dentists and patients by shortening treatment timelines and reducing patient burnout. The company is finalizing prototypes and plans to begin in-house beta testing in June 2024. Dr. Anil Chowdhary founded AlignerAI in February 2024. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $15,000 and a maximum target of $5 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for marketing, prototype completion, app finalization development, beta testing, FDA finalization, patent finalization, company employment, and preparation for formal roll-out and pre-sales.
Investment Overview
Invested $79,767 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2024
- Industry
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2B2C
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- Low
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Synopsis
AlignerAI is a healthcare technology company that specializes in Aligner Therapy, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance treatment outcomes for both dentists and patients. The company is focused on reducing the number of chair visits, revisions, and aligner trays needed during dental treatments. By achieving these goals, AlignerAI aims to shorten treatment timelines and reduce patient burnout. The primary customers of AlignerAI are dental professionals who seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their aligner treatments.
AlignerAI addresses a significant problem in the dental industry: the inefficiency and extended timelines associated with traditional aligner treatments like Invisalign. In fact, the current aligner solutions are successful less than 50% of the time and only 6% complete treatment without revisions. To tackle this issue, AlignerAI has developed an AI-driven platform that optimizes aligner therapy using the following:
PreFillable Engager Template: allows aligner engagers to be fitted in a single action, eliminating the need for clinic-based filling.
Patient-Facing App: Real-time tracking analysis software manages patient treatment from start to finish and beyond. The app scans 'Intellitrack' images, assesses changes, and overlays each scan on a treatment platform to show progress. Tracking reports throughout keep dentists informed.
vBite™ Electronic Bite Registration Tool: vBite tool captures accurate bite registrations, matching the data against prescription software.
AI-Driven Data Analysis: The app analyzes bite registration data and collects patient feedback on aligner comfort and fit. If a patient deviates from the prescription, the dentist is alerted for further scanning. Our software engages the original prescription for potential adjustments.
The platform is designed to reduce the number of necessary revisions and aligner trays, thereby decreasing the overall treatment time. By leveraging AI, the company aims to streamline the treatment process, making it more efficient and less burdensome for patients and dentists alike. This solution is currently in the prototype stage, with plans for in-house beta testing starting in Q3 of 2024.
Price
AlignerAI is raising capital through a Convertible Note offering. The key terms of this offering include a valuation cap of $10 million, a discount rate of 25%, and an interest rate of 7.5%. These terms provide early investors with the potential to convert their notes into equity at a favorable rate, should the company achieve a higher valuation in subsequent funding rounds.
For investors, the valuation cap of $10 million sets a ceiling on the conversion price, ensuring that they receive equity at this capped valuation regardless of future valuations. The 25% discount offers an additional incentive by allowing investors to convert their notes into equity at a 25% discount to the price paid by new investors in the next qualified financing round. The 7.5% interest rate further compensates investors for the risk associated with early-stage investments by accruing interest until conversion or maturity.
In terms of exit potential, AlignerAI operates in the healthcare technology sector, which has seen significant interest from larger dental and healthcare companies. To achieve a 10X return for investors, AlignerAI would need to reach a valuation of approximately $100 million (not accounting for dilution). This would likely require substantial growth in market adoption, successful commercialization of its AI-driven platform, and possibly strategic partnerships or acquisitions.
For context, achieving a 10X return on exit would necessitate AlignerAI to generate substantial revenue and demonstrate a strong growth trajectory. If we consider a revenue multiple of 5.0x, which is common in the healthcare technology sector, the company would need to achieve annual revenues of around $20 million to support a $100 million valuation. This calculation does not account for potential dilution but serves as a threshold for generating significant returns.
Market
The market for clear aligners in the United States is experiencing significant growth, driven by several key market drivers and trends. The addressable market size for clear aligners is estimated to be $2.5 billion, with a robust annual growth rate of 30.6%. This rapid growth is fueled by increasing consumer demand for aesthetic dental treatments, advancements in dental technology, and a growing awareness of oral health among the general population.
One of the primary market drivers is the rising preference for non-invasive and aesthetically pleasing dental treatments. Clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, making them an attractive option for both adolescents and adults. This trend is expected to continue, positively impacting the growth of companies like AlignerAI that operate in this space.
Technological advancements in dental care, including the integration of artificial intelligence and 3D printing, are also contributing to market growth. These innovations enable more precise and efficient treatment plans, which can lead to better patient outcomes and shorter treatment times. AlignerAI's AI-driven platform aligns well with these technological advancements, potentially positioning the company to capitalize on this trend.
However, the market is also characterized by stringent regulatory requirements, which can pose challenges for new entrants. Companies must obtain FDA approvals and comply with various regulatory standards to bring their products to market. This can be a lengthy and costly process, potentially delaying market entry and impacting growth negatively. AlignerAI must navigate these regulatory hurdles to achieve its market objectives.
Team
AlignerAI's team is led by Dr. Anil Chowdhary, who serves as the CEO. Dr. Chowdhary has ten years of relevant industry experience as a dentist at All Care Dental CA. His background as a dentist provides valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities within the dental industry, and also allows him to utilize his network to push AlignerAI into the market once launched. Dr. Chowdhary is part-time CEO of AlignerAI as he still works as a dentist full-time.
Joining him is Dr. William Fay (VP Orthodontics) who opened his own orthodontist practice in 1971 and continues serving patients to this day. He is an air force veteran and received his orthodontic degree from University of Detroit School of Dentistry.
Brad Duffy (COO) has extensive experience scaling startups, and previously served as Director of Business Development at Carbon Alliance Group, CEO of Get Mark Limited, and CEO of Skins Compression Garments. He has been consulting startups for over a decade for business development and fundraising for over a decade.
Keverne Denahan (Chief Marketing Officer) ran Kumquat Art for over 16 years and KardZee Creative for 7 years where she helped businesses develop brands and reduce customer churn using multi-channel marketing strategies. She also served as fractional CMO of Pulse PEMF.
Finally, Muhammad Arsalan (Fractional CTO) currently serves as an Implementation COnsultant at Demochart and The Social Sports, and is also Director at 016 Labs. He holds a MS in Computer Sciene from National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences.
In addition to the core team, AlignerAI benefits from the guidance of four relevant advisors that have experience in engineering, AI Technology, and dentistry.
One notable gap in the team could be the need for additional expertise in areas such as regulatory compliance, marketing, and sales. Given the stringent regulatory environment in the healthcare sector, having a dedicated regulatory affairs specialist could be critical for obtaining necessary approvals and ensuring compliance. Similarly, expertise in marketing and sales would be essential for effectively promoting the product and driving market adoption.
Differentiation
AlignerAI operates within a competitive landscape that includes several established players in the clear aligner market. Notable competitors include Invisalign, AlignerCo, Virtual Care AI, and CandidPro. These companies offer alternative solutions in the clear aligner space, each with its unique approach and market positioning.
Invisalign, the market leader, owns approximately 30% of the market. The company is well-established with a strong brand presence and a comprehensive range of aligner products. Invisalign's extensive research and development capabilities, coupled with its widespread adoption by dental professionals, make it a formidable competitor. AlignerAI differentiates itself by leveraging AI to optimize treatment plans, potentially offering more efficient solutions. However, competing against a market leader like Invisalign requires significant innovation and market penetration efforts.
AlignerCo is known for its affordability and direct-to-consumer model. The company emphasizes lower pricing, making clear aligners accessible to a broader audience. However, this cost-effective approach may come at the expense of personalized treatment plans and advanced technological integration. In contrast, AlignerAI's AI-driven platform aims to optimize treatment outcomes, potentially offering higher quality and more efficient solutions, albeit at a potentially higher price point due to the advanced technology involved.
Virtual Care AI leverages telehealth capabilities to provide remote consultations and treatment monitoring. This approach appeals to tech-savvy consumers who prefer convenience and minimal in-person visits. AlignerAI also aims to reduce the number of chair visits through its AI platform, but its primary focus is on optimizing treatment plans and reducing patient burnout. This differentiation may attract dental professionals who prioritize treatment efficiency and patient satisfaction over remote consultation capabilities.
CandidPro targets dental professionals with its comprehensive aligner solutions, including in-office support and advanced treatment planning tools. The company has established partnerships with dental practices, offering a robust support system for practitioners. AlignerAI similarly targets dental professionals but differentiates itself with its AI-driven approach, which aims to streamline treatment processes and reduce the need for revisions and multiple aligner trays. This focus on AI optimization may appeal to dental practices seeking cutting-edge technology to enhance patient outcomes.
Performance
AlignerAI is currently in the pre-revenue stage, which means it has not yet generated any sales or revenue. As a result, the company's financial performance is primarily evaluated based on its burn rate and cash reserves. The most recent monthly burn rate for AlignerAI is $25k, indicating that the company is spending $25k per month to cover its operational expenses, including development, marketing, and administrative costs.
As of June 2024, AlignerAI had $100k in cash on hand. Given the current burn rate, this amount provides the company with a financial runway of approximately four months. This limited runway underscores the urgency for AlignerAI to secure additional funding to sustain its operations and continue its development efforts.
In terms of assets and liabilities, AlignerAI reported total assets of $114,642 at the end of the most recent fiscal year. The company's short-term debt stands at $151,961, while long-term debt is $35,539. This financial structure highlights a higher level of liabilities compared to assets, which could pose challenges in managing cash flow and meeting financial obligations.
AlignerAI's net income for the most recent fiscal year was -$74,858, reflecting the company's current state of investment in growth and development without corresponding revenue generation. This negative net income is typical for early-stage companies that are focused on building their product and market presence.
The company's financial performance is also influenced by its prior funding rounds. To date, AlignerAI has raised $287.5k, which has been utilized to advance its product development and prepare for market entry. This funding has enabled the company to finalize prototypes and plan for in-house beta testing, which is scheduled to begin in Q3 2024.
Risk
Investing in AlignerAI comes with several unique risks that potential investors should carefully consider. One of the primary concerns is the company's early stage of development. As a pre-revenue company, AlignerAI has yet to demonstrate market adoption or generate any sales, which introduces uncertainty regarding its ability to achieve significant revenue and profitability in the future.
The company's founder is currently part-time, which could impact the speed and efficiency of product development and market entry. Full-time dedication from the founding team is often crucial for the rapid growth and adaptability required to navigate the competitive landscape effectively.
AlignerAI is also facing significant regulatory hurdles, as the product requires FDA finalization. Navigating the complex and stringent regulatory environment in the healthcare sector can be time-consuming and costly, potentially delaying the product's market entry and increasing the risk of non-compliance.
Another risk factor is the potential for high legal exposure. While there are no current lawsuits, the likelihood of facing legal issues is high due to the highly regulated nature of the healthcare industry and potential patent disputes. AlignerAI's success hinges on the finalization of its patents, and any legal challenges could impact its competitive positioning and operational focus.
The company's financial runway is also a concern. With a monthly burn rate of $25k and cash reserves of $100k as of June 2024, AlignerAI has limited runway. This financial pressure could necessitate additional funding rounds, leading to further dilution for current investors.
Lastly, AlignerAI must overcome long development and scaling timelines. The need for extensive beta testing and regulatory approval, followed by scaling production and distribution, presents risks associated with time-to-market. Delays in any of these areas could impact the company's ability to achieve its growth targets and deliver returns to investors.
Bullish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bullish outlook for AlignerAI, highlighting market opportunities, competitive advantages, team strengths, and favorable investment terms. These elements collectively present a promising scenario for potential investors.
The clear aligner market in the United States is experiencing substantial growth, with an estimated market size of $2.5 billion and an annual growth rate of 30.6%. This rapidly expanding market presents significant opportunities for AlignerAI to capture a share, particularly as consumer preferences shift towards non-invasive and aesthetically pleasing dental treatments. The increasing demand for clear aligners and advancements in dental technology provide a favorable environment for AlignerAI’s AI-driven platform.
AlignerAI's unique strength lies in its AI optimization technology, which aims to reduce the number of chair visits, revisions, and aligner trays required during treatment. This focus on efficiency and improved patient outcomes sets AlignerAI apart from competitors. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the company can offer more precise and streamlined treatment plans, potentially attracting dental professionals who prioritize cutting-edge technology and patient satisfaction.
The leadership of Dr. Anil Chowdhary, with his ten years of industry experience, adds credibility and expertise to AlignerAI’s mission. His background as a practicing dentist ensures that the company's solutions are tailored to address real-world challenges in dental care. The presence of four relevant advisors further bolsters the company's strategic direction and industry connections.
AlignerAI’s Convertible Note offering features favorable investment terms, including a valuation cap of $10 million, a 25% discount rate, and a 7.5% interest rate. These terms provide early investors with potential upside through favorable conversion conditions and interest accrual, aligning with the company's growth potential in the healthcare technology market.
Key growth drivers for AlignerAI include the rising preference for clear aligners over traditional braces and the integration of AI in dental care. The company's expansion plans, including the finalization of prototypes and in-house beta testing scheduled for Q3 2024, indicate progress towards market entry. Additionally, the potential to scale operations and enter new markets further enhances the growth prospects.
While the company is currently pre-revenue, the substantial funding raised to date ($287.5k) has been used to advance product development and prepare for commercialization. This financial backing, combined with the favorable investment terms of the Convertible Note, positions AlignerAI to secure additional funding and extend its financial runway.
Bearish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for AlignerAI, rooted primarily in market challenges, competitive disadvantages, team structure, and financial concerns. These elements collectively present significant risks for potential investors.
One of the main market challenges is the stringent regulatory environment in the healthcare sector. AlignerAI must obtain FDA approval to bring its AI-driven aligner therapy platform to market. This process can be time-consuming and costly, potentially delaying the company's market entry and increasing the risk of regulatory non-compliance. Any setbacks in obtaining necessary approvals could hinder the company's growth trajectory.
In comparison to competitors like Invisalign, AlignerCo, Virtual Care AI, and CandidPro, AlignerAI may face disadvantages in terms of market penetration and brand recognition. Invisalign's market share, AlignerCo's affordability and direct-to-consumer model, Virtual Care AI's telehealth capabilities, and CandidPro's established partnerships with dental practices present formidable competition. AlignerAI's AI-driven approach, while advanced, may struggle to differentiate itself sufficiently to capture a significant market share, especially if competitors continue to innovate and expand their offerings.
Concerns about the team and leadership also contribute to a bearish outlook. The founder's part-time status could impact the company's ability to execute its strategic plans and respond swiftly to market demands. Full-time dedication is often crucial for driving rapid growth and ensuring effective management. Additionally, the need for additional expertise in regulatory compliance and sales suggests potential gaps that could impede the company's ability to scale and achieve its objectives.
From a financial perspective, AlignerAI faces several concerns. The company's limited financial runway, with $100k in cash on hand and a $25k monthly burn rate, provides only approximately four months of operational funding. This financial pressure necessitates securing additional funding quickly, which could lead to unfavorable terms or dilution for current investors. The higher level of liabilities compared to assets further underscores potential cash flow management challenges.
Growth inhibitors for AlignerAI also include the technological and regulatory hurdles mentioned earlier. The need for extensive beta testing, followed by scaling production and distribution, presents risks associated with time-to-market. Any delays in these areas could impact the company's ability to achieve its growth targets. Additionally, the company's current pre-revenue status highlights the lack of market adoption and customer base, which are critical for demonstrating the viability and attractiveness of its product.
Executive Summary
AlignerAI is a healthcare technology company focused on enhancing aligner therapy through the use of artificial intelligence. The company's primary customers are dental professionals who seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their treatments. AlignerAI aims to reduce the number of chair visits, revisions, and aligner trays, thereby shortening treatment timelines and reducing patient burnout.
The company is raising funds through a Convertible Note offering with a valuation cap of $10 million, a 25% discount rate, and a 7.5% interest rate. These terms provide early investors with favorable conversion conditions and interest accrual, aligning with the company's growth potential in the healthcare technology market.
The clear aligner market in the United States is valued at $2.5 billion and is growing at an annual rate of 30.6%. Key market drivers include the rising preference for non-invasive dental treatments and technological advancements in dental care. AlignerAI's AI-driven platform positions it to capitalize on these trends, although the company must navigate stringent regulatory requirements to achieve market entry.
Financially, AlignerAI is in the pre-revenue stage with a monthly burn rate of $25k and $100k in cash on hand as of June 2024. This provides a limited runway of approximately four months. The company has raised $287.5k in prior funding rounds, which has been used to advance product development and prepare for market entry. The financial structure reveals higher liabilities than assets, highlighting potential cash flow management challenges.
AlignerAI differentiates itself from competitors like Invisalign, AlignerCo, Virtual Care AI, and CandidPro through its focus on AI optimization for aligner therapy. The company's target demographics include dental professionals who prioritize advanced technology and efficient treatment processes. This niche market segment includes practices that serve a diverse patient base seeking discreet and effective orthodontic treatments.
The team is led by Dr. Anil Chowdhary, who has ten years of industry experience. His background as a dentist aligns well with the company's goals of improving treatment outcomes. However, the part-time status of the founder and the need for additional expertise in regulatory compliance, marketing, and sales could be potential gaps that need addressing to achieve future milestones.
Investing in AlignerAI comes with unique risks, including the company's early-stage development, part-time founder, regulatory hurdles, potential legal exposure, limited financial runway, and long development timelines. These factors could impact the company's ability to achieve its growth objectives and deliver returns to investors.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $287,500
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
09/30/2024 | StartEngine | $10,000,000 | $79,767 | Convertible Note | Funded | RegCF |