Elation Health, a clinical-first technology platform focused on modern primary care, announced the acquisition of Aster, an AI-native electronic health record (EHR) company specializing in women’s health. The deal strengthens Elation Health’s artificial intelligence capabilities and accelerates its vision of creating what it describes as the first agentic operating system for primary care, software designed to perform work autonomously on behalf of clinicians rather than simply assist them.
The acquisition marks Elation Health’s second purchase, following its acquisition of Lightning MD in 2023. Through the transaction, Aster’s team, including co-founders Fifi Kara and Dr. Lailah Kara-Newton, along with Chief Technology Officer Nacho Vazquez, will join Elation Health.
Founded in 2023, Aster developed Atlas, a voice agent that automates front-office functions for healthcare practices. The company raised $2.8 million from investors including Zeal Capital Partners, Cornerstone Ventures, and Octopus Ventures.
Kara brings experience as a two-time founder, Y Combinator alum, Fulbright Scholar, and former design leader within Meta’s Health & Fitness organization. Dr. Kara-Newton earned her medical degree from Barts and The London School of Medicine and practiced medicine, including obstetrics and gynecology, for more than seven years. She has also published research with the World Health Organization and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Vazquez led the development of Aster’s full-stack technology platform and AI capabilities.
The origins of Aster stem from a personal healthcare experience. The sister co-founders launched the company after Dr. Kara-Newton experienced undiagnosed preeclampsia during her first pregnancy, resulting in an emergency C-section and a neonatal intensive care unit admission for her son. Motivated to improve healthcare outcomes through technology, they built an AI-native platform designed for women’s health providers.
Elation Health said the acquisition will bring Aster’s technology and expertise into its broader primary care platform, helping expand AI-powered workflows and automation capabilities for clinicians nationwide.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Aster team impressed us with their vision and creative inventions to support independent practices. Like Elation, Aster was founded by siblings with a personal mission to fix healthcare. That shared north star means they understand what we’re building and why it matters. It was clear right away they would significantly add to our capabilities.”
Kyna Fong, Co-Founder And CEO, Elation Health
“We’re joining forces with Elation Health at a moment of extraordinary change and opportunity in healthcare. From the moment we met Kyna Fong, Ashley Rogers, and the Elation leadership team, it was clear we were aligned on what matters most: that clinicians deserve truly incredible software that brings joy back to their practice. Together, we can now bring that vision to millions of primary care patients across the country.”
Fifi Kara, Co-Founder, Aster
