Digital health scale-up NightBalance (The Hague, The Netherlands) commercializes the Sleep Position Trainer (SPT); positional therapy for patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is typically associated with heavy snoring, excessive tiredness during the day and an increased risk of developing heart and vascular disorders. The SPT could become first line treatment in position dependent obstructive sleep apnea patients, representing a multi-billion market opportunity.

SPT also addresses an additional multi-billion market opportunity: people suffering from snoring. Snoring is a large underserved market with 1/3 of men over the age of 40, of which most are position dependent.

In 2018, Royal Philips acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of NightBalance. The acquisition enables Philips to further expand its leadership position in the growing home care market. Philips already offers a broad range of care solutions for people living with obstructive sleep apnea. Gilde has been actively involved with the company as a direct board member and closely worked with the manager in strengthening the management team, developing the commercial strategy and in structuring the financing rounds.