Stockholm’s AI-Driven ‘Death-Tech’ Startup Tackling Life’s Final Frontier

In Stockholm’s vibrant startup scene, two former Mindler executives are venturing into uncharted territory. Valtteri Korkiakoski, a medical doctor and co-founder of Medified (acquired by Mindler in 2022), and Josef Karakoca, former VP of Engineering at Mindler, have launched Solace Care - a startup aiming to revolutionize how society handles death and bereavement. Their mission: to blend AI technology with human empathy, providing comprehensive support during life’s most challenging moments.

Korkiakoski and Karakoca bring a wealth of experience from the digital health sector. Their time at Mindler, one of Sweden’s fastest-growing digital health startups, exposed them to the gaps in end-of-life care. They observed that while mental health services were evolving, support for those dealing with loss remained fragmented and stigmatized.

“We raised a few eyebrows when we said we’re dedicating the next chapter of our career to ‘death-tech’,” says CEO Valtteri Korkiakoski. “But we’re drawn to the real-world challenges others shy away from. These deeply human experiences deserve more innovation and attention.”

Solace Care’s platform leverages artificial intelligence to provide personalized guidance for end-of-life planning and bereavement. It adapts to individual preferences and needs, offering both emotional and logistical support. The goal is to ease the burden on individuals and families during times of loss, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need.

“Our first customers range from traditional funeral homes seeking to extend digital offerings to insurance companies looking to offer more holistic support for their customers,” says CTO and co-founder Josef Karakoca.

Solace Care has already secured a SEK 3 million convertible round, attracting notable investors such as Caroline Farberger, former CEO of ICA Försäkring; Mattias Miksche, a serial entrepreneur and tech investor; and Krim Talia, previous CEO of Mindler and Sting. Additionally, Amalie Angelskår, former CEO at Cutters and current CCO at Meela, joins as a commercial advisor and board member.

The startup has also announced its first customer partnership with Försäkringsutveckling AB, a company dedicated to developing innovative insurance solutions. This collaboration aims to offer clients a more human-centered approach to insurance, aligning with Solace Care’s mission to modernize and humanize the sector.

Traditional life insurance has lost appeal among younger consumers, with many preferring wealth management options. According to Bain & Company (2025), nearly half of this demographic is underinsured. Furthermore, Accenture reports that 89% of policyholders globally expect more holistic support from their providers, beyond just financial payouts. Yet, only 28% of insurers currently offer any form of bereavement services alongside claims handling (Deloitte Insights, 2022).

In Sweden, over 50% of adults have life insurance, but few have access to meaningful emotional or logistical support during bereavement (Finansinspektionen & SCB, 2022). Solace Care aims to fill this gap, providing a platform that extends the value proposition of life insurance beyond the financial safety net.

Solace Care is headquartered at Founders House, Stockholm’s leading hub for ambitious AI startups. Surrounded by a community of visionaries working at the intersection of next-generation tech and real-world impact, the company is well-positioned to redefine legacy services with a fresh and bold approach.

“Life insurance is a commodity product, and the value proposition has stayed largely the same for decades,” says Korkiakoski. “We’re introducing a digital platform that meets a real human need, extending the value proposition beyond the financial safety net. We are here to change the industry standard for the better.”

For more information, visit solace.care.