In a significant development, Almouneer, a pioneering Egyptian health-tech startup, has successfully raised $3.6 million in funding, marking a critical milestone in its mission to attract top talent and transform the healthcare landscape for individuals grappling with chronic conditions, including obesity and diabetes.
The seed round was led by Global Ventures and saw the participation of key investors such as Wrightwood Investments, Proparco, and Digital Africa through the Bridge Fund, alongside contributions from other international funds.
Co-founded by Noha Khater, who serves as the CEO, and Rania Kadry, the company’s CTO, Almouneer is on a mission to revolutionise healthcare for people dealing with chronic diseases, recognising that these ailments represent a significant global health crisis. The prevalence of chronic diseases as the leading cause of death worldwide is well documented, and it is becoming an increasingly pressing issue.
Moreover, projections suggest that by 2030, these chronic diseases are set to surpass communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases as the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the urgency of addressing this challenge.
Almouneer’s journey began in 2017 when Khater launched the company as a tech-enabled ophthalmology clinic. Over time, it evolved from managing digital clinics to providing operational support to external healthcare professionals. The cornerstone of their approach is extensive practise management software that encompasses integrated financial systems, electronic health records, and booking systems.
The company introduced the DRU app, a patient-centric application that empowers individuals to upload their medical records, including vital data such as blood pressure and blood sugar readings. This data is accessible to healthcare providers, giving them access to the patient’s most up-to-date medical information and current prescriptions. Additionally, the paid app offers the option to schedule teleconsultations with medical professionals, facilitating remote healthcare access.
Almouneer proudly touts DRU as the “first patient-centric, digitally-enabled lifestyle and diabetes management platform in the Middle East and Africa.” With the newly secured funds, the company’s primary focus is on expanding and enhancing the website, with plans to launch the DRU app for doctors in Q1 2024. Furthermore, they intend to grow their provider network, encompassing physicians, health coaches, nutritionists, and labs.
In 2024, Almouneer has set its sights on expanding its healthcare services to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Kenya, demonstrating its commitment to addressing healthcare challenges in a broader geographic scope.
Noha Khater, CEO of Almouneer, emphasises the company’s dedication to improving and diversifying its services. They intend to introduce personalised dietary and treatment plans in the coming months, allowing patients to select individualised plans targeting obesity and uncontrolled diabetes with a focus on reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Revenue generation for Almouneer is a multifaceted approach, including custom plan fees, subscriptions, and a percentage of the charges for doctor referrals. Moreover, patients can access essential supplies like blood sugar strips, glucose monitors, limb care products, and diet plans through the marketplace.
Almouneer is already making a substantial impact, providing healthcare services to over 120,000 patients across nine hospitals and clinics in Egypt. According to Khater, the healthtech company has experienced remarkable growth, doubling its business volumes and revenue figures over the past year.
The platform plays a vital role in preventing and treating diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity, serving as a crucial link connecting patients with doctors and a vast network of healthcare providers through its user-friendly app. As Almouneer continues to expand its offerings and geographic reach, it is poised to make a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape, particularly in regions where chronic diseases pose a growing threat to public health.
