In a compelling narrative of personal tragedy transforming into technological innovation, Lily Vittayarukskul has pioneered a groundbreaking solution for long-term care planning. Her journey began when her beloved aunt, who had been instrumental in raising her, was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. This experience profoundly impacted Vittayarukskul and her family, leading her to shift her academic focus from aerospace engineering to genetic and data science. Eventually, she founded Waterlily, a San Francisco-based startup that leverages artificial intelligence to predict and manage long-term care needs and costs. By addressing the emotional and financial challenges faced by families, Waterlily aims to provide personalized guidance for better financial planning and care management.

A Personal Journey Transformed into Technological Innovation

In the autumn of her academic career, Vittayarukskul encountered an unexpected turn when her aunt, a key figure in her upbringing, was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. The subsequent two and a half years were marked by intense caregiving and significant financial strain on her family. Witnessing these challenges firsthand, Vittayarukskul pivoted her studies towards genetic and data science, aiming to find solutions for others facing similar predicaments.

Founded four years ago, Waterlily utilizes advanced AI algorithms and machine learning to predict individual long-term care needs and costs. The platform integrates over 500 million data points from various sources, including government databases and academic research studies, ensuring highly personalized predictions. Unlike other tools that rely on national averages or generic simulations, Waterlily offers tailored recommendations for financial advisors and insurance agents, helping them make informed decisions about their clients' future care needs.

The company’s unique approach caught the attention of Evan Ehrenberg, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. After testing Waterlily’s platform and experiencing its predictive power firsthand, Ehrenberg joined as co-founder and chief operating officer. Together, they have built a robust team and secured $7 million in seed funding led by Brewer Lane Ventures, with strategic investments from Genworth, Nationwide, and Edward Jones.

Since its public launch in March 2024, Waterlily has achieved remarkable growth, with monthly recurring revenue increasing by 58% month-over-month. The startup now serves major enterprise clients like Prudential and hundreds of independent financial advisors. With plans to expand its offerings and potentially enter international markets, Waterlily is poised to revolutionize the long-term care industry.

From a reader's perspective, Waterlily's story underscores the importance of proactive planning in managing long-term care needs. It highlights how technology can bridge the gap between emotional and financial challenges, offering personalized solutions that can alleviate the burden on families. The startup's success also reflects the growing demand for innovative tools that address the underserved needs of aging populations, signaling a promising future for AI-driven healthcare solutions.