Overview
Withings is a French consumer electronics company renowned for its innovative connected health devices. Founded in 2008, the company has established itself as a significant player in the health technology market.
Founding and Ownership
Withings was founded by Éric Carreel, Cédric Hutchings, and Fred Potter, executives from the technology and telecom industries. In 2016, Nokia acquired Withings, but Carreel regained control in 2018, returning the company to its original name and independent status.
Product Portfolio
Withings offers a diverse range of health and wellness products:
- Smart Scales: Pioneered the first Wi-Fi body scale in 2009, offering advanced features like vascular health and body composition tracking.
- Wearables: Smartwatches such as Steel HR Sport, Withings Move, and ScanWatch, providing features like heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, and ECG tools.
- Health Devices: Developed products like the Aura smart alarm clock and announced the U-Scan urine testing system (set for release in late 2024).
- B2B Solutions: Withings Health Solutions assists healthcare providers and researchers in patient wellness tracking and remote monitoring.
Technology and Integration
Withings devices are known for their seamless integration with various health platforms, including Apple Health and Google Fit, as well as numerous third-party workout apps. The company's user-friendly app is highly regarded for its comprehensive health data tracking and scientific backing.
Recent Developments
In 2022, Withings acquired Impeto Medical and the 8fit app, expanding its technological capabilities and market reach. The company continues to innovate, with recent product releases and upcoming launches demonstrating its commitment to advancing health technology. Withings' focus on design, innovation, and comprehensive health tracking has solidified its position as a leader in the connected health device market, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in personal health monitoring.
Leadership Team
Withings, the French consumer electronics company specializing in connected health devices, is guided by a seasoned leadership team:
Key Executives
- Mathieu Letombe: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Éric Carreel: Chairman and Founder
- François REGNIER: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Sophie Bernard: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Yvan Aussenac: Chief People Officer
- Anne Thomsen: General Counsel - Legal
- Jean-Baptiste FONTES: Vice President of Business This diverse team brings together expertise in technology, finance, operations, human resources, legal affairs, and business development. Their collective experience and leadership are instrumental in driving Withings' strategy, fostering innovation, and maintaining the company's position at the forefront of the health technology sector. Each member of the leadership team plays a crucial role in guiding Withings' growth, product development, and market expansion. Their combined efforts ensure that Withings continues to deliver cutting-edge health monitoring solutions while navigating the complex landscape of the consumer electronics and healthcare industries.
History
Withings, a pioneer in connected health devices, has a rich history marked by innovation, strategic partnerships, and ownership changes. Here's a chronological overview of the company's journey:
2008-2010: Founding and Early Innovation
- 2008: Founded by Éric Carreel, Cédric Hutchings, and Fred Potter
- 2009: Introduced the world's first Wi-Fi body scale
- 2010: Received $3.8 million in venture capital funding from Ventech
2011-2015: Product Expansion and Growth
- 2011: Launched iPhone-connected blood pressure monitor
- 2012: Released smartphone-compatible baby monitor
- 2013: Secured $30 million investment from various venture capital firms
- 2014: Integrated products with Apple's HealthKit platform
- 2015: Partnered with MyFitnessPal for combined health and nutrition data
2016-2018: Nokia Acquisition and Independence
- April 2016: Acquired by Nokia, becoming part of Nokia Health
- June 2017: Withings brand replaced by Nokia brand
- May 2018: Éric Carreel reacquired Withings, restoring its independence and original brand name
2019-Present: Renewed Innovation and Expansion
- 2019: Launched Steel HR Sport smartwatch and Withings Move
- 2019: Established Withings Health Solutions for healthcare professionals
- 2022: Acquired Impeto Medical and 8fit app
- 2022: Integrated peripheral neuropathy monitoring into smart scales
- 2023: Announced U-Scan urine testing system (planned release: late 2024) Throughout its history, Withings has consistently pushed the boundaries of health technology, introducing innovative products that combine cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design. The company's journey from a startup to a Nokia subsidiary and back to an independent entity under its original founder's leadership demonstrates its resilience and adaptability in the rapidly evolving digital health market. Withings continues to be at the forefront of the connected health device industry, leveraging its experience and technological expertise to develop products that empower individuals to take control of their health and wellness.
Products & Solutions
Withings, a French consumer electronics company, is renowned for its innovative connected health monitoring devices. Their product lineup includes:
Smart Scales
- Introduced the first Wi-Fi body scale in 2009
- Measures weight, fat mass, BMI, and other health metrics
- Data syncs wirelessly to user's app
Smart Watches and Fitness Trackers
- Activité Series: Tracks activities like sleep, swimming, walking, and running
- Steel HR Sport: Hybrid smartwatch with heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking
- Withings Move: Entry-level smartwatch with ECG version available
- ScanWatch: Measures oxygen saturation, detects sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, includes built-in ECG
Blood Pressure Monitors
- FDA-cleared, smartphone-connected devices
- Allows users to track readings and manage health data
Business-to-Business (B2B) Solutions
Withings Health Solutions offers:
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) for healthcare providers
- Data integration with EHR and EMR systems
- HIPAA-compliant, ISO 27001:2017 certified solutions
Other Products
- Baby and Toddler Scale: Internet-connected scale for monitoring infant weight Withings' products are designed to be user-friendly, integrating seamlessly into daily life to provide comprehensive health data and insights for both personal use and healthcare professionals.
Core Technology
The Withings BPM Core exemplifies the company's advanced health monitoring technology. Key features include:
Blood Pressure Measurement
- Upper arm cuff measures blood pressure and heart rate
- Provides immediate, color-coded feedback
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Detects atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Clinically validated ECG algorithm
Digital Stethoscope
- Listens to heart sounds
- Helps detect prevalent valvular heart diseases
Connectivity and Data Syncing
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Syncs with Health Mate app on iOS or Android
Clinical Accuracy
- Validated according to international standards
- Received 2-star Medaval rating for accuracy
User Interface
- LED screen with color-coded feedback
- Single-button operation
Battery Life
- Rechargeable battery lasts approximately six months The BPM Core combines these technologies to offer comprehensive cardiovascular health monitoring at home, demonstrating Withings' commitment to advanced, user-friendly health devices.
Industry Peers
Withings operates in the competitive digital health and wellness industry. Key competitors include:
Major Competitors
- Fitbit: Known for fitness trackers and smartwatches
- Apple: Impactful with Apple Watch and Health app
- Garmin: Offers a range of fitness and health monitoring devices
Emerging Competitors
- NYX, Aktiia, domo.health, Dozee: Developing innovative health smart devices
- WHOOP: Focuses on wearable technology for human performance enhancement
- Oura: Known for the Oura Ring, monitoring sleep and activity levels
- MyFitnessPal: Platform for tracking food and exercises, offering health insights
Niche Competitors
- Heartisans: Developing a blood pressure-measuring smartwatch
- Apollo Neuroscience: Creates wearable stress-response devices
- Unitron: Hearing instrument manufacturer in the broader wearable technology space These companies compete with Withings in various aspects of digital health, including fitness tracking, health monitoring, and personalized wellness solutions. The industry is characterized by rapid innovation and increasing integration of advanced technologies in consumer health devices.