US-based telehealth platform provider Zipnosis raised $17m in a series A round yesterday backed by health system Ascension’s corporate venturing unit, Ascension Ventures, and hospital operator Fairview Health Services.
The round was led by investment firm Safeguard Scientifics and also featured Hyde Park Venture Partners, Arthur Ventures, Waterline Ventures and Omphalos Ventures.
Founded in 2008, Zipnosis offers a virtual care service that is integrated with electronic medical records and which connects a patient to the doctor best suited to treat their condition within an hour.
The funds will go towards increased sales and marketing efforts as well as product development. Zipnosis is currently in the process of adding support for chronic conditions.
Zipnosis previously received approximately $1.5m in a November 2014 seed round led by venture capital firm Arthur Ventures. The company also obtained $200,000 in seed capital in March 2010, according to a regulatory filing.
Jon Pearce, co-founder and CEO of Zipnosis, said: “With Zipnosis, health systems have a unique opportunity to care for more patients under their own brand name and without adding staff. Patients are happier to be seen sooner without having to step foot outside their home or go to a waiting room.
“We are grateful to Safeguard Scientifics, Ascension Ventures and our existing seed investors for their confidence in our team and technology, and for their support that will enable us to expand the innovative access we provide to mainstream medicine through our partnerships with health systems around the US.”