Uber Eats alum lands $14M seed from a16z to fix WhatsApp chaos for LatAm's doctors | TechCrunch

Breaking News: Leona Health Secures $14M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Doctor-Patient Communication in Latin America Leona Health, a pioneering healthcare tech startup founded by Caroline Merin, has secured a significant $14 million seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from General Catalyst. This investment is a testament to the startup's innovative approach to addressing the communication challenges faced by doctors in Latin America. Merin, a seasoned executive with nearly a decade of experience in developing on-demand services as the first Latin American general manager for Uber Eats and COO of Rappi, launched Leona Health two years ago. The startup's flagship product is an AI-copilot integrated with doctors' WhatsApp accounts, designed to alleviate the overwhelming burden of patient communication on medical professionals. The funding announcement comes on the heels of Leona Health's rapid growth and adoption in Latin America. With this investment, the startup is poised to expand its reach and further develop its technology to address the pressing need for efficient and secure doctor-patient communication. The problem Leona Health aims to solve is stark: in Latin America, many doctors rely on WhatsApp for all patient communication, leading to a chaotic and time-consuming experience. Merin herself was struck by the disparity between the speed and convenience of delivery apps and the outdated communication methods used by healthcare professionals. "I thought, as a patient, especially as an American, how incredible that I can text my doctor on WhatsApp, and they'll respond," Merin told TechCrunch. "But Merin also realized just how overwhelming this communication method had become for physicians." With Leona Health's AI-copilot, doctors can now manage patient communication more efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and improving patient care. The startup's technology is designed to learn and adapt to each doctor's workflow, providing personalized support and streamlining communication. As Leona Health embarks on this new chapter, the startup is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in Latin America. With the backing of Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst, Leona Health is set to accelerate its growth and development, bringing much-needed innovation to the healthcare sector.