In a nod towards the growing interest by digital health companies in the Asian market, a physician scheduling service for expatriates in eight Asian countries has raised a $8.6M Series A round, according to a report by TechCrunch. The publication noted that this has been the largest Series A round to date for a digital health company.
Singapore-based DocDoc was founded by Cole Sirucek to make it easier for expatriates to find doctors and make appointments. The company’s start followed an unnerving experience with a sick daughter. It suggests physicians based on the illness or condition patients are searching, according to its website. “Patients are able to see wellness tools, information on procedures or conditions, specific care guidelines, as well as access to specialty information centers” in one place.
The article noted that Raymond Choong Yee How, president and chief executive officer of Malaysia banking conglomerate Hong Leong Financial Group led the round. Sparklabs Global Ventures also participated. The funding will be used to support the expansion of DocDoc into burgeoning markets across Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Korea, and India, TechCrunch said.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
It previously raised a $2.56 million round supported by 500 Startups. Last year, the investor launched a $10 million fund to invest in early and growth stage companies in Asia, including mobile health startups.
There’s a significant level of interest in using mobile technology to make things like eye exams, telemedicine and apps to make healthcare more accessible across Asia. Although many of these solutions are aimed at developing countries, medical tourism businesses see a niche for connecting travelers and expats with healthcare professionals rapidly and easily.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Vox Efx ]
