Berlin-based startup Patronus has secured €11 million in fresh funding to expand its AI-powered elderly care platform and strengthen its position in the mobile emergency response market.
The company is developing a smart emergency watch for seniors alongside a family companion app designed to improve safety, independence, and communication between elderly users and their loved ones.
The funding round was led by 3TS Capital Partners, with participation from Grazia Equity and existing investors including Singular, Burda Principal Investments, Adjacent, NAP, and UVC Partners.
The new investment will help Patronus expand across Europe and accelerate development of new products focused on family wellbeing, digital health, and AI companionship for seniors.
Patronus Wants to Modernize Elderly Emergency Devices
Founded in 2022 by Ben Staudt and Tim Wagner, Patronus is focused on solving one of the biggest problems in elderly care: outdated emergency alert systems.
Traditional emergency call devices have existed for decades with little innovation. Although more than 1.2 million people in Germany use them, studies show only 14% wear them consistently.
The reason is simple — most elderly users dislike how the devices look and feel.
According to Patronus, many seniors avoid wearing emergency devices because they appear medical, bulky, and stigmatizing.
The company shared a personal story behind the startup’s creation:
“Ben’s grandmother had one. It was supposed to hang around her neck, but instead, it sat on her bedside table. She called it ‘bedside decoration’.”
That experience led the founders to rethink elderly safety technology from the ground up.
Before launching its first product, the Patronus team spoke with more than 1,000 potential users. One message kept repeating:
The issue wasn’t technology — it was dignity.
A Smartwatch Designed for Seniors
Unlike traditional emergency devices, Patronus created a smartwatch that looks like a normal wristwatch instead of medical equipment.
The watch comes in different colours, shows the time, and is designed to blend naturally into everyday life.
It also includes an integrated SIM card, meaning users can access emergency support anywhere without depending on WiFi or home networks.
With a single button press, seniors can instantly connect to a 24/7 emergency response centre available throughout Germany.
The company says this design-first approach has dramatically improved adoption.
According to Patronus, 85% of users wear the smartwatch every day — a massive jump compared to traditional emergency systems.
Today, more than 25,000 seniors actively use the device, and the platform has already handled over 500,000 emergency calls.
Patronus Family App Keeps Relatives Connected
Alongside the emergency smartwatch, Patronus also developed a mobile app for family members.
The app allows relatives to monitor whether the watch is being worn, track location information, and receive emergency alerts instantly.
Family members can also directly contact seniors through the smartwatch during emergencies.
Currently, more than 50,000 family members are connected to elderly relatives through the Patronus platform.
This combination of wearable technology and family connectivity is helping Patronus position itself as more than just an emergency response company.
Patronus Is Building an AI Companion for Older Adults
Beyond safety features, Patronus is now exploring how AI can help reduce loneliness among seniors.
The company is developing an AI-powered digital companion that will live directly inside the smartwatch.
The assistant will provide conversations, reminders, support, and companionship during moments when family members or caregivers are unavailable.
Patronus says the goal is not to replace human relationships but to support elderly users during isolated hours.
Founder Ben Staudt explained the company’s long-term vision:
“We want to create a world where ageing means safety, independence, and connection. Supported by technology that adapts to people, not the other way around.”
Patronus Continues Rapid Growth in Europe
The latest €11 million funding round adds to Patronus’ rapid momentum in the European healthtech and elderly care market.
In 2022, the company previously raised €27 million in Series A funding led by Singular and Adjacent, shortly after securing €6 million in seed funding.
As Europe’s ageing population continues to grow, demand for smart elderly care solutions is expected to rise significantly.
By combining emergency response technology, family communication tools, and AI companionship into one platform, Patronus is aiming to redefine how seniors live independently in the modern world.
