TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2024
/CNW/ - Healthkind announced today that it has exceeded its
fundraising goal by successfully closing a $1.26-million CAD funding round with the Thrive
Lab, BDC's $100-million social impact
fund for women-led businesses, playing a pivotal role. This
funding, completed in two tranches in April and November 2024, will accelerate the company's
mission to meet every patient where they're at, beginning with
patient-clinic communications.
Founded by Katie Herbert and
Matt Zukowski, former Head of
Product and CTO, respectively, at Akira Health (acquired by TELUS
Health in 2019), Healthkind was inspired by a shared vision to
bring back the personalized care that has faded with the growing
industrialization of health. Healthkind addresses this challenge
with technology — demonstrating, perhaps ironically, how artificial
intelligence can help restore the personal connection in
healthcare.
"Since COVID, clinic inboxes have nearly tripled as patients
expect more digital, frequent, and flexible interactions," said
Herbert. "But the system hasn't kept up. Clinics are stretched
thin, leaving many patients who don't meet the 'one-size-fits-all'
model behind. Solutions are often focused on automation — taking
the human out of the experience. With new AI technologies we can
take a more nuanced approach: automate communications with
patients, do so with empathy, and give back time to healthcare
practitioners who can then be more present with patients."
The funding will enable Healthkind to scale its AI-powered
software, which automates and personalizes responses to everyday
patient communications, easing the administrative burden on clinics
while also respecting the needs and preferences of individual
patients.
"Healthkind's AI-powered technology enables healthcare teams to
deliver personalized, patient-centered care. Their software
uncovers insights and automates communications with personality and
empathy," said Sévrine Labelle,
Managing Director of BDC's Thrive Lab. "By reducing the
communications workload, Healthkind makes clinics more efficient
and strengthens their relationships with patients. We're thrilled
to support Katie and team with their mission to create positive
social change, which is very much aligned with BDC's purpose as a
development bank."
Over the next 12 months, Healthkind is set to focus on product
development and expand its pilot programs to deliver on its promise
of transforming patient-clinic communications.
About Healthkind
Healthkind is a communications platform that transforms the way
patients and care teams communicate, making conversations with
patients more efficient, personal, and meaningful. Founded by
second-time healthtech entrepreneurs, Healthkind uses its
AI-powered technology to enable thoughtful, tailored messages,
empowering care teams to connect with patients on their terms while
driving critical operational efficiencies for clinics.
SOURCE Healthkind
