Mediflash - Freelancer Marketplace for Healthcare Professionals

Introducing Mediflash: Revolutionizing Healthcare Temp Staffing

Mediflash is an innovative French startup aiming to transform the temporary staffing landscape within healthcare settings. This includes facilities like nursing homes, clinics, and mental health centers.

The company is positioned as a distinct alternative to conventional temporary staffing agencies, asserting its ability to deliver more favorable conditions for both healthcare professionals and the institutions they serve.

The Problem with Traditional Agencies

Co-founder Léopold Treppoz highlighted a key issue: “Healthcare facilities incur substantial costs, while caregivers often receive inadequate compensation.”

Typically, traditional agencies employ caregivers and nurses directly. When a facility experiences staffing shortages, they rely on these agencies to provide personnel, with the agency then billing the facility for their services.

From Agency to Marketplace

Initially, Mediflash considered adopting a more digitally-focused, technology-driven temp agency model. However, the founders quickly recognized that this approach would likely replicate the existing challenges inherent in traditional staffing.

Their focus shifted towards successful freelancer marketplaces prevalent in other sectors, such as those for developers, project managers, and marketing professionals. Several French platforms, including Comet, Malt, StaffMe, and Brigad, have demonstrated success, with some even specializing in healthcare professionals.

Mediflash's Unique Approach

Mediflash distinguishes itself by operating as a marketplace connecting healthcare facilities directly with freelance caregivers. Professionals who register with Mediflash are classified as independent freelancers.

The company claims this model allows caregivers to earn up to 20% more revenue, while simultaneously reducing costs for healthcare facilities.

Freelancing vs. Employment

It’s important to note that a direct comparison with traditional agencies isn’t entirely equitable, as these agencies employ caregivers. Freelancers do not receive the same benefits as traditional employees.

Specifically, access to unemployment benefits is not available to those working on a freelance basis.

However, Treppoz notes that many caregivers aren’t concerned about this, citing consistently high demand from healthcare facilities. The platform attracts a diverse range of professionals, including nursing students seeking supplemental income, individuals with existing part-time employment, and full-time substitute caregivers.

Addressing Facility Loyalty and Expansion

Healthcare facilities often maintain established relationships with a single temp staffing agency. Recognizing this, Mediflash employs a dedicated sales team to engage with each facility individually.

Currently, the startup’s primary focus is on the cities of Metz, Nancy, and Strasbourg.

Recent Funding and Future Plans

Mediflash recently secured $2 million (€1.7 million) in funding, led by Firstminute Capital. The round also included participation from several prominent business angels, including Alexandre Fretti (Malt), Alexandre Lebrun (Nabla), Simon Dawlat (Batch.com), and Marie Outtier (Aiden.ai, acquired by Twitter).

To date, the company has facilitated 1,400 substitute workdays. Mediflash generates revenue by taking a commission on each completed transaction.

The company’s immediate plans involve expanding its services to additional cities throughout France.