The issue of access to quality and affordable healthcare has been a long-standing problem in the United States. Not everyone can afford health insurance, and even for those who can, medical care can still be cost-prohibitive. To address these issues, Sesame, a startup that aims to provide an online medical care marketplace, has raised $27 million in a Series B financing round led by GV (formerly Google Ventures).
The Problem with the Current Healthcare System
The current healthcare system in the United States is plagued by high costs and bureaucratic red tape. Health insurance companies often prioritize profits over patient needs, leaving many individuals without access to quality care. This has resulted in a staggering 28 million Americans lacking health insurance as of 2020, according to the U.S. Census.
Sesame’s Solution
Sesame aims to address these issues by creating an online marketplace where patients can research and book appointments with physicians, including specialists. The startup claims that it can lower healthcare costs by cutting out the bureaucracy associated with health insurance and providing consumers with a way to access physicians on a pay-per-visit basis.
Key Features of Sesame’s Platform
- Transparency: Patients are provided with upfront pricing for services, eliminating surprise bills.
- Virtual Care: Patients can access healthcare services remotely, including virtual consultations and online appointments.
- Comprehensive Services: Sesame offers a range of services, including primary care, acute consults, chronic care management, and specialties like dentistry and imaging.
Success Metrics
Sesame has seen impressive growth since its inception in 2019. The startup has raised $75 million in total equity and boasts a membership product that is currently in beta. With the new funding, Sesame plans to transition its membership product into general availability.
Investors and Future Plans
The latest round of funding was led by GV, with participation from Virgin Group, TeleSoft Partners, FMZ Ventures, and existing backers General Catalyst, Industry Ventures, Coefficient Capital, Giant Ventures, and Alumni Ventures Group. The new capital will be used to expand Sesame’s membership product and further develop its online marketplace.
Conclusion
The issue of access to quality and affordable healthcare is a critical one in the United States. Sesame’s innovative approach to addressing this problem has resonated with investors and patients alike. As the startup continues to grow and expand its services, it remains an exciting development in the field of healthcare technology.
Related Topics
About the Author
Mary Ann Azevedo is a seasoned business reporter with over 20 years of experience. She has worked for publications such as FinLedger, Crunchbase News, Crain, Forbes, and Silicon Valley Business Journal. Prior to joining TechCrunch in 2021, Azevedo earned numerous awards for breaking news coverage.
Related News
- Apple Brings Store App to Indian Market
- FAA Had to Divert Flights Because of SpaceX Starship Explosion
- SpaceX Catches Starship Booster a Second Time, Loses Ship to an ‘Anomaly’ in Space
Subscribe to TechCrunch
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and insights from the world of tech. Subscribe to TechCrunch Daily News for a daily dose of industry coverage.
Newsletter Options
Choose from a variety of newsletters tailored to your interests:
