Kixcare Raises $2M Seed Funding - Canadian Pediatric Virtual Healthcare

KixCare Secures $2 Million Seed Funding to Expand Pediatric Virtual Healthcare

KixCare, a Canadian company specializing in virtual healthcare for children, has announced the successful completion of a $2 million seed funding round. Esplanade Ventures, a prominent digital health venture capital firm in Canada, spearheaded the investment, with additional contributions from Horizon Capital and a group of angel investors.

Expanding Access to Pediatric Telehealth

The core mission of KixCare is to connect families with accessible pediatric telehealth services. This initiative aims to guarantee equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all children across Canada. The platform boasts a comprehensive team of pediatric care professionals.

This team encompasses pediatricians, psychologists, behavioral therapists, dietitians, and concussion specialists, among others. Currently, KixCare’s services are available within the province of Ontario, with planned expansion throughout Canada on the horizon.

Strategic Growth and Service Enhancement

“This funding allows us to strengthen our presence in Ontario and prepare for our launch in Quebec before the year concludes,” stated KixCare CEO Daniel Warner in a recent interview. “The capital will be allocated to team expansion, improvements to the digital user experience, and the growth of our network of healthcare providers, including pediatricians.”

Warner highlighted a perceived deficiency in the current children’s healthcare system, suggesting it frequently fails to adequately address the needs of both families and healthcare providers. He believes that both traditional and digital healthcare options often lack the provision of easily accessible, expert online pediatric care.

Comprehensive Care Services Offered

KixCare facilitates access to primary and comprehensive care for a variety of childhood health concerns. These include mental health, concussions, sleep issues, dietary needs, and lactation support. Pediatric experts are available for scheduled appointments or within an hour for urgent medical situations.

“KixCare delivers a straightforward and accessible solution to many of the challenges facing children’s healthcare today,” Warner explained. “We are proud to be the first to introduce a virtual care service specifically designed for pediatric patients. Our social objective is to support all 10 million Canadian families fairly throughout their healthcare journey.”

Addressing a Growing Need for Virtual Pediatric Care

Warner emphasized the opportune moment for introducing a new standard in pediatric care. He envisions KixCare becoming the go-to resource for families facing health concerns, whether minor or significant, many of which can be effectively addressed remotely. The pandemic has underscored the need for accessible, quality pediatric healthcare options.

“Where have parents turned for reliable healthcare for their children, particularly concerning primary care or mental health? The answer is now KixCare,” Warner asserted.

Differentiating KixCare from Other Platforms

When questioned about KixCare’s competitive advantage, Warner clarified that it is the only platform exclusively focused on pediatric health. He also pointed out that while some other virtual healthcare platforms impose out-of-pocket costs or require insurance, KixCare enables families to utilize the service at no cost through their provincial health cards.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, Warner indicated that KixCare intends to incorporate additional services and diagnostic tools. The company’s goal is to create an immersive and high-quality experience that fully meets the needs of children.

Expert Endorsement

Dr. Janaki Vallipuram, a healthcare provider with KixCare, shared her perspective with TechCrunch, stating, “The platform is critically needed now, especially given the difficulties in accessing timely primary care during the pandemic and the increased strain on emergency departments.”

“However, I believe KixCare’s value extends beyond the current pandemic and can serve as a valuable addition to our existing healthcare infrastructure. I am delighted to be part of such an impactful platform and collaborate with a team possessing a compelling vision.”

Experienced Leadership

KixCare was established by a team of seasoned healthcare professionals. This includes Dr. Sheldon Elman, a family physician with over 45 years of experience and the founder and chairman of both Persistence Capital Partners and Esplanade Ventures.

He is joined by Dr. Harley Eisman, KixCare’s chief medical officer and the medical director of pediatric emergency services at Montreal Children’s Hospital, bringing over 25 years of clinical experience.