Doccla Secures $46 Million Funding to Grow Its ‘Hospital at Home’ Model in Europe

Hospitals globally often grapple with bed shortages, a problem that can intensify during health crises or large-scale emergencies. Doccla, a startup addressing this issue, is pioneering a “virtual bed” technology designed to help doctors remotely manage patients who have been discharged early or, in some cases, never admitted to a hospital. This approach not only alleviates bed shortages but also provides continuous care for patients in their homes.

Doccla, which has gained traction in the U.K. and Ireland, has recently secured £35 million ($46 million) in Series B funding led by Lakestar, with additional participation from Elaia and existing investors. This funding follows a $17 million Series A round two years ago. The startup competes with companies such as Graphnet and Huma and plans to use the new capital to expand its team in new markets across Europe.

The company's growth strategy involves a practical approach: Doccla typically secures contracts with health services, including local NHS Trusts in the U.K. and Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), before entering new markets. This strategy has already proven successful in Germany, with plans to expand to Austria and France. Doccla aims to replicate its U.K. model while adapting to the unique conditions and reimbursement frameworks of new regions.

Doccla's core service involves providing patients with monitoring devices and a mobile app that integrates with electronic health records. Data collected from these devices is monitored via a clinician dashboard, alerting doctors to any concerning readings. This system is particularly valuable for overworked healthcare staff and provides reassurance to patients at home.

In addition to its core service, Doccla is also involved in virtual clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies. The technology allows drug trials to be conducted remotely, reducing or eliminating the need for patients to physically visit clinics. This can speed up the process and reduce costs compared to traditional contract research organizations (CROs).

Despite the growing competition in the virtual hospital solutions market, Doccla differentiates itself through several features. Unlike some competitors, Doccla is device-agnostic, meaning it can work with a variety of monitoring devices. Its app, designed with a large font and simple interface, also facilitates communication between patients and clinicians through in-app messaging and video calls. Additionally, Doccla offers support from its own clinicians during off-hours and weekends, setting it apart from some competitors.

Overall, Doccla's approach to transforming healthcare through remote patient management and virtual clinical trials represents a significant leap forward in addressing systemic challenges faced by hospitals worldwide. By leveraging its “virtual bed” technology, Doccla not only alleviates the pressure on physical hospital beds but also provides a scalable solution for managing patients who can be monitored effectively from home. This capability is particularly vital during health crises or large-scale emergencies, where traditional healthcare systems can become overwhelmed.

The company's strategy of securing contracts with health services before entering new markets demonstrates a prudent and methodical approach to expansion. By aligning with local health authorities such as the NHS Trusts in the UK and Ireland’s HSE, Doccla has been able to validate its model and tailor its services to meet specific regional needs. This approach not only helps in gaining trust and establishing a strong foothold but also ensures that Doccla's solutions are adaptable to varying healthcare reimbursement structures and operational environments.

Doccla's focus on being device-agnostic and user-friendly further distinguishes it from competitors. Its integration of diverse monitoring devices and a simplified app interface caters to a broad range of patient needs and technological environments. The inclusion of in-app messaging and video calls enhances communication between patients and clinicians, adding a layer of support that is crucial for remote care.

Additionally, the company's expansion into virtual clinical trials highlights its ability to innovate within the pharmaceutical sector. By facilitating remote monitoring and reducing the need for in-person visits, Doccla offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional contract research organizations (CROs). This not only accelerates drug development processes but also enhances the overall quality of clinical trials.

In summary, Doccla's strategic focus on remote patient management, market-specific entry strategies, and product innovation positions it as a leading force in the healthcare sector. Its ability to adapt to evolving industry needs and leverage technology to improve patient care and clinical trial efficiency underscores its potential for continued success and impact.