Berry-Health, a consumer health startup that offers remote diagnosis and treatment for chronic medical conditions, has secured $1.6 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and General Catalyst, with participation from Reddit COO Jen Wong, Thirty Madison co-founders Demetri Karagas and Steven Gutentag, New York tech lawyer and VC Ed and Betsy Zimmerman, and former US Surgeon General ’09 to ’13 Dr. Regina Benjamin.
Founded by Dr. Fredua Akosa, a British-Ghanaian medical doctor, public health expert, and former VC, Berry Health is focused on improving access to healthcare in Africa. The company’s platform allows users to connect with licensed medical doctors or clinical psychologists for remote diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as anxiety, depression, sexual health, dermatology, and hair loss. Berry Health also offers home delivery of medications, so users can receive the care they need without having to leave their homes.
“We are excited to partner with Lightspeed and General Catalyst, who have a proven track record of investing in successful healthcare startups,” said Dr. Akosa. “Their support will be instrumental in helping us scale our platform and make high-quality healthcare more accessible to people across Africa.”
The funding will be used to expand Berry Health’s team, develop its platform, and reach more users in Ghana and other African countries. The company plans to offer its services in additional languages and add new features, such as support for chronic diseases and chronic pain management.
“Africa currently has the highest rate of clinically diagnosed depression and suicide globally, the second highest incidence of STIs, and a rapidly accelerating chronic disease burden,” said Paul Murphy, Partner at Lightspeed. “Berry Health has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of millions of people by providing them with convenient, affordable access to high-quality healthcare.”
Berry Health is one of a growing number of startups that are using technology to improve access to healthcare in Africa. Other companies in this space include mDoc, which offers telehealth services in Kenya, and WellaHealth, which provides access to affordable healthcare in Nigeria.
The growth of this sector is being driven by several factors, including the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in Africa, the rising cost of healthcare, and the growing availability of mobile internet. As more people in Africa gain access to smartphones and the internet, they are increasingly looking for ways to access healthcare services from the comfort of their homes.
Berry Health is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The company has a strong team with a deep understanding of the African healthcare market. Its platform is easy to use and affordable, and it offers a wide range of services that meet the needs of a diverse range of users.
With the support of its new investors, Berry Health is well-positioned to become a leading provider of digital healthcare in Africa. The company’s mission to improve access to healthcare for millions of people across the continent is both timely and important.
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