Most founders don't set out to build an AgeTech company, they set out to solve a problem that hits close to home. For Evan Lee, CEO of Seven Point One Inc., that problem was watching a family member receive a dementia diagnosis years after the first subtle symptoms appeared, missing the opportunity for early intervention.
Today, Seven Point One is using AI-powered voice analysis to help detect cognitive decline in just 60 seconds, making proactive brain health screening more accessible for clinicians and families alike. In this interview, Lee reflects on the personal experience that inspired the company, the misconceptions surrounding aging and cognitive health, the lessons he's learned from building for older adults, and how the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP has helped accelerate Seven Point One's growth ahead of showcasing at HLTH USA 2026.
You hit the nail on the head. I didn't start out planning to build an AgeTech company. My background was in Investment Banking and technology. I was droven into the situation: a family member was diagnosed with dementia late. Looking back, the subtle symptoms had begun seven years prior, but because the diagnosis was delayed, we missed the window for early intervention. Regrettably, thinking we were caring for her, we simply encouraged her to rest more instead of keeping her brain active. The team I brainstormed with back then became the early members of Seven Point One today.
In the U.S. today, an estimated 91% of individuals with mild cognitive impairment remain undiagnosed. While "Aging in Place" is a major global priority, busy Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) are overwhelmed with administrative burdens. Unless a patient shows severe, overt symptoms, time-consuming brain health tests are almost always skipped. I think our 1-minute, voice-based AI cognitive assessment aid could bridge this massive gap for millions of families.
What's one assumption about aging — something most of the industry, or most families, still believe — that your product proves wrong?
What's one assumption about aging — something most of the industry, or most families, still believe — that your product proves wrong?
I can't speak for the entire industry, but the single biggest misconception my own family held—and one I regret most—was a complete lack of awareness regarding proactive brain health. When my family member showed early signs, we assumed it was just normal age-related forgetfulness. We relieved them of all family chores and let her rest quietly in her room for years, which was the worst thing we could have done.
Today, we know that lifestyle interventions—nutrition, sleep, exercise, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement—can actively delay or prevent cognitive decline. I believe we are entering a paradigm shift where brain health should be managed much like diabetes. Just as people regularly check their blood sugar and adjust their diet if levels spike, seniors should routinely track their cognitive health. If the trend line dips, they should adjust their lifestyle habits at that crucial, reversible window. Fixating on brain health early carries zero downside and everything to gain. We want to be a part of that shift.
What's a moment where you got it wrong — a decision, a pivot, a piece of feedback — that ended up teaching you the most about building for older adults?
What's a moment where you got it wrong — a decision, a pivot, a piece of feedback — that ended up teaching you the most about building for older adults?
Speaking specifically from our experience in cognitive health measurement, our core objective is to identify subtle cognitive decline even before individuals realize it themselves—without causing panic, while empowering them to take the next step with their physician. Our biggest learning curve was around how to communicate the results. Early on, we went through countless iterations of our assessment reports. We struggled with questions like: What data points belong in the report? How do we gently guide them to the right clinical follow-up? How do we offer customized recommendations for brain stimulation without overwhelming them?
Through extensive feedback from seniors, caregivers, and clinicians, we learned that designing for older adults requires extreme empathy and balance. The insights must be actionable and encouraging, empowering seniors to take charge of their brain health alongside their doctors rather than feeling anxious.
What's one specific way being part of the AgeTech Collaborative has helped your company — a connection, a pilot, a piece of feedback — and what did that lead to?
What's one specific way being part of the AgeTech Collaborative has helped your company — a connection, a pilot, a piece of feedback — and what did that lead to?
The AgeTech Collaborative (ATC) by AARP is an exceptionally well-structured ecosystem. Through their Consumer Survey programs, we received direct, unfiltered feedback from older adults. Additionally, the specialized mentors ATC brought in were instrumental in helping us navigate the complex web of U.S. healthcare stakeholders and refine our go-to-market (GTM) strategy.
Beyond mentorship, being part of the ATC network provided incredible inbound traction. For an early-stage startup, generating organic inbound interest in a new market is tough, but the ATC seal of approval instantly put us on the radar of major U.S. healthcare players. Participating in flagship events like HLTH alongside ATC gives us an unmatched platform to connect directly with decision-makers who are genuinely invested in AgeTech.
If someone walking the HLTH USA floor only remembers one sentence about your company, what should it be?
If someone walking the HLTH USA floor only remembers one sentence about your company, what should it be?
Seven Point One transforms a 60-second voice test into an FDA-registered, Medicare-reimbursable screening tool that catches early cognitive decline before it’s too late.
Join Evan and Seven Point One at HLTH USA 2026 November 15-18 in Las Vegas. Save $1,000+ when you register by Friday, July 31.
