TechCrunch Daily Crunch Startup Stories: How gut health AI toilet startup Throne raised $4M
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May 23, 2025 Discover the fascinating journey of Throne, an AI-driven toilet startup revolutionizing gut health monitoring. The story is filled with chance encounters and fortuitous events that led to securing a $4 million seed round. Explore how the founders turned unique ideas into a compelling vision, capturing the attention of influential investors. Get ready for a blend of innovation and serendipity in the world of smart toilets!
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The Origin of Throne Name
- The founders coined the name "Throne" jokingly during a poker game in 2021.
- The name and concept stuck, setting the stage for their smart toilet startup idea.
Waste Analysis Reveals Health Markers
- Analyzing human waste can reveal health markers for many chronic diseases.
- This includes monitoring conditions like IBS, colon cancer, and chronic kidney disease.
Pitching Lance Armstrong's Bathroom
- Throne's team experienced a surreal moment waiting outside Lance Armstrong's bathroom with a prototype.
- Armstrong then invested, motivated by his personal health battle with testicular cancer.