Yazen is a digital healthcare provider changing how overweight and obesity are treated across Europe. Founded in 2021 by amongst other Magnus Nyhlén who was also founder of Min Doktor, which grew of the leading digital health startups in Sweden, it has a solid team leading the startup.

Unlike traditional weight-loss programs, Yazen combines medical expertise, personalized coaching and research to deliver a holistic, patient-centered approach.

“Placing second in the ranking is Sweden’s Yazen, which describes itself as a one-stop-shop for weight loss, making it easier for customers to access medical services, health and fitness professionals, as well as educational programmes and community groups. The startup recorded a massive increase in returns over two years, from €200k in 2022 to €15.9m in 2024.”

Sifted wrote

But revenue isn’t the only metric where Yazen is excelling. The startup also secured a top spot in Breakit’s ranking of Sweden’s fastest-hiring startups. Between 2023 and 2024, Yazen expanded its team by over 150%, the sixth-highest headcount growth in Sweden and the second-highest in southern Sweden. While Position Green which is also based in southern Sweden hired more people in absolute numbers, its headcount grew by just 32%, making Yazen’s expansion the startup that has grown the most in relative terms.

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Shared Approach to Obesity Care

Medstart, established in Denmark and Norway, has developed a model combining modern weight-loss medications with lifestyle interventions and support from multidisciplinary teams. This closely aligns with Yazen’s holistic approach, making the acquisition a strategic fit.

“Yazen’s systematic approach and impressive growth trajectory demonstrate what is needed to make a real difference in obesity care. I am excited to join forces with their international team and strengthen our position in Denmark,”

said Oliver Willacy, CEO and founder of Medstart.

Expansion Backed by Recent Investment

The acquisition follows Yazen’s recent € 19.5 million investment round, enabling the company to expand its offerings and reach new markets. Initially, Medstart will operate under its own brand, with plans for gradual integration into Yazen by 2025. Yazen also intends to launch its digital platform in Denmark, combining the strengths of both companies to enhance their care model.

“We are thrilled to work with Medstart’s skilled team and continue our shared mission of improving the lives of people with obesity. Together, we aim to provide patients in Denmark and Norway with the best possible care,”

said Fredrik Meurling, founder and CEO of Yazen

A Growing Need for Comprehensive Solutions

Obesity remains a significant global challenge, with millions affected and substantial societal costs. Yazen’s model integrates digital healthcare, specialist teams, and innovative GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications, offering patients effective weight-loss solutions and long-term health improvements.

Since its founding in Sweden in 2021, Yazen reports it has treated over 20,000 patients, who have collectively lost more than 200 tons. The acquisition of Medstart represents a step forward in Yazen’s mission to expand access to its proven care model across Europe.

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The round, led by Evli Growth Partners and Helsana HealthInvest, with participation from Almaz Capital, Yabeo, and existing investors Luminar Ventures and Aggregate Media, aims to bolster Yazen’s international presence. The influx of capital is earmarked for growing Yazen’s subscription-based treatment model worldwide, which has already amassed 20,000 paying members in Sweden and achieved national profitability.

New Chairman from Rovio

In connection with the investment, Yazen welcomes Mikael Hed, founding partner at Evli Growth Partners and former CEO of Rovio (creators of Angry Birds), as the new chairman of the board. His background in building and scaling an international brand will be an invaluable asset for Yazen as the company enters its next phase of growth.

“We are extremely proud of what we have achieved so far and the strong growth we have seen in Sweden. This funding gives us the opportunity to continue our mission to defeat obesity globally. With Mikael Hed as our new chairman and the support from our new investors, we are better positioned than ever to make a difference,”

says Fredrik Meurling, CEO and founder of Yazen.

Founded in 2021 by Magnus Nyhlén, Fredrik Meurling, Otto Bretz, and Martin Carlsson, Yazen has demonstrated a remarkable financial trajectory. After securing over € 3 million (37 million SEK) in funding last year, the company’s revenue surged to 56 million SEK in 2023, marking an almost 2500% increase from the previous year’s 2.2 million SEK.

Magnus Nyhlén is also founder of Min Doktor, one of the leading digital health startups in Sweden. Now he has been part of funding the next big consumer faced digital health startup in the region.

The startup has impressive growth now. Fredrik Meurling, CEO of Yazen, has expressed optimism about the company’s financial outlook, projecting a more than threefold revenue increase for 2024.

“We now have around ten healthcare professionals with dual certifications, which is sufficient to serve those international markets at the present stage. When we have an even more significant number of patients, we will establish ourselves locally as well,”

says Fredrik to Sifted about the funding.

The investment round comes amidst scrutiny over Yazen’s prescription practices, particularly concerning the ease of prescribing Ozempic. An investigative report by SVT’s Uppdrag Granskning highlighted concerns over Yazen issuing weight loss medication to individuals without significant overweight issues.

But a lot is happening in the GLP-1 space, and new use cases and benefits from drugs based on this are discovered. More then obesity and diabetes are relevant in the future reports say. But at this time, the interest from a weight loss perspective is high.

“The market is there, both in terms of people with obesity and willingness to pay. New payers, such as corporate clients, security companies, or public funding bodies, will emerge for this type of treatment,”

Fredrik told Sifted

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