Serena Williams-backed medical provider raises US$12m to expand ‘tech-enabled’ healthcare model

The US provider Juno Medical has secured US$12m in funding to roll out its “tech-enabled” healthcare model across the US.

Juno’s services cover pediatrics, gynecology, adult primary care, same-day care, virtual care, labs, imaging and wellness services.

The financing will support the development of its technology platform and expansion into new markets, including Atlanta, Georgia, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles, California.

The Series A round was co-led by Serena Williams, managing partner at Serena Ventures and Julian Eison, managing partner at NEXT VENTURES.

Other participants included Vast Ventures, Empire State Development’s New York Ventures, TXV Partners, Genius Guild, Gaingels and previous investors Atento Capital and Humbition.

Dr Akili Hinson, founder and CEO, said: “Juno’s vision is to reimagine the future of healthcare by finally making exceptional, family-centered care accessible and affordable for the 99 per cent all across the United States.

“We’ve designed healthcare that people love by providing the highest quality care and incredible service in a beautiful environment that feels like a place to belong—all powered by modern technology.

“We are honoured by the support of the thousands of patients who have trusted us with their care and our investors who believe in us — we could not be more excited to bring Juno to more neighbourhoods and communities all across the country.”

“We are honoured to partner with Juno to expand upon their inclusive, full-service healthcare home model where people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard and welcome,” said Serena Williams, managing partner of Serena Ventures.

“There is a serious need to address equity issues in healthcare, mental health and wellness services that many communities face. Juno and its talented team have the vision, model and track record to disrupt the unacceptable status quo in healthcare.”

 

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Julian Eison, managing partner of NEXT VENTURES, said: “It brings joy to my heart knowing Juno is on a mission to bring exceptional healthcare to cities and developing areas of our nation where suboptimal care, facilities, and services have been tolerated out of necessity for way too long.

“I believe Juno’s hybrid approach leveraging brick and mortar clinics paired with digital access is an enduring model that will serve as the fundamental basis to build community trust and outcomes to match.

“It’s an honour to have partnered with such an esteemed team, attacking one of the largest problems of our time,” he added.

Juno’s approach and presence in underserved communities is part of the solution to a growing challenge of healthcare disparities that exist across the US, said the founding physicians.

A recent report from the Kaiser Family Foundation outlined race-based disparities in maternal and infant health and mortality.

The markets in which Juno will expand have their own unique health care challenges. Atlanta Medical Center closed its doors in November, leaving an already-strained healthcare system with one less option and exacerbating concerns about the future of safety net hospitals in the region and state.

In North Tulsa, where Juno’s clinic will be located, residents have a life expectancy 13 years shorter than their neighbours in South Tulsa.

Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, said: “Empire State Development’s New York Ventures exists to partner with promising start-ups that are working to solve the world’s most important challenges, and we are proud to support Juno Medical as they strive to provide exceptional healthcare to New Yorkers, especially in areas that are often overlooked or left behind.

“Juno’s success in New York State is a road map for the future and a proven model for delivering quality, affordable healthcare for all.”

Juno’s hybrid model offers in-person and virtual care, including an app that allows patients to make appointments, manage care information and connect with their care team.

The healthcare provider aims to open new clinics in the historic yet overlooked neighbourhoods of East Atlanta, Greenwood (Tulsa), and Inglewood (Los Angeles).

The funding is also hoped to support the expansion of the company’s technology platform for both patients and healthcare providers.