January 28, 2025
Series C Funding, Led By Centana Growth Partners, Earmarked for Medicaid Expansion and Payment Innovation
AUSTIN, Texas – Jan. 28, 2025 – The Helper Bees, a technology platform revolutionizing how older adults live and age safely in their own homes, has announced the successful completion of a $35 million funding round. Led by Centana Growth Partners, the round also saw strong support from existing investors, including Silverton Partners, Impact Engine, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, and Alumni Ventures.
“This funding round represents a pivotal milestone for The Helper Bees and the aging-in-place movement,” said Char Hu, PhD, CEO of The Helper Bees. “Every day, we hear stories from families who can sleep a little easier knowing their loved ones have access to the care, services, and independence they deserve. This partnership with Centana enables us to broaden our reach and continue empowering older adults to live independently and safely at home.”
The Helper Bees’ platform is transforming aging-in-place by delivering the largest and most diverse network of non-medical products and services for older adults nationwide. These formal, credentialed networks make it easier for payers to offer these essential services directly into the home—addressing critical needs such as in-home caregiving, home modifications, groceries and meals, pest control, housekeeping, and transportation.
“The Helper Bees’ tech-forward platform is streamlining the delivery of independent aging solutions at a time when they are in increasing demand, and the company’s continued expansion into new areas such as payments, exemplified by the launch of their flexible spending card, showcases their adaptability and commitment to addressing evolving market demands,” said Eric Byunn, Partner at Centana Growth Partners. “We look forward to partnering with a team whose mission aligns with our commitment to scaling innovative technologies that solve real and complex challenges.”
The services delivered through The Helper Bees’ platform aren’t just about convenience—they change lives. For one family, it meant finding reliable transportation for a father who could no longer drive. For another, it was the peace of mind knowing their mother’s meals were delivered on time.
With 43 of the largest payers in the country tapping into its network of 20,000+ providers, The Helper Bees is making it easier than ever to bring life-changing support into the homes of thousands of older adults and their families.
“With this new capital, we’re not only able to expand our platform’s reach to support more older adults and their families but also accelerate our entrance into new markets, like Medicaid,” said Dr. Hu.
Recognizing that seamless coordination of in-home services hinges on efficient payment management, The Helper Bees launched helpful™, a flexible spending card designed to transform how benefits are accessed and utilized. This ground-breaking card simplifies payments for caregivers, service providers, and payers by providing a unified platform for retail and online product purchases and essential services.
“Making care truly accessible means removing barriers at every step, from responding to in-home needs all the way through the payment process,” said Dr. Hu. “Behind every service we coordinate is a real person who deserves to live with dignity and independence. This funding allows us to continue empowering families and redefining how care is delivered at home.”