Ilara Health, a Kenyan health tech company improving private clinic access to medical devices and supplies, recently announced closing a $4.2 million debt and equity pre-Series A funding round.
The injection of growth capital will power Ilara’s ambitious plan to scale operations and roll out an innovative B2B service that grants uninsured patients access to quality care.
The equity portion included lead investment from impact fund DOB Equity, participation from the Philips Foundation, and follow-on from existing backers AAIC Investment, Angaza Capital, Black Pearl Investments, and Perivoli Innovations.
With this latest $4.2 million funding round, Ilara Health has now raised a total of $11.7 million to date across various financing tranches. Previous funding includes a $3.75 million seed round closed in 2020 to initially launch operations.
Ilara Health has also secured grant support from notable backers committed to global health equity – this includes two grants totaling $1.6 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at improving diagnostic access and data capabilities.
Founded by Emilian Popa, Maximilian Mancini, and Sameer Afzal Farooqi, Ilara Health equips under-resourced private clinics with financing to acquire essential medical equipment like diagnostic devices, pharmaceuticals, and hospital furniture.
By empowering clinics to upgrade their capabilities, Ilara helps close the quality of care gap that pushes most Kenyans towards overburdened public facilities.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Kenya’s Healthcare Ecosystem
Kenya’s healthcare system suffers from underinvestment in public infrastructure, with only one person out of four (26% of the 53 million populace) having some form of health insurance, with the coverage concentrated mainly amongst the rich.
This results in extreme pressure on government-run facilities plagued by equipment shortages and long wait times. In turn, over 15,000 private clinics have emerged to fill access gaps, leveraging proximity within local communities.
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However, high costs and inconsistent quality across private options limit their effectiveness as an alternative. Currently, Ilara Health partners with 3,000 private clinics, providing critical devices and practice management software to standardize operations.
Still, for uninsured citizens without disposable income, private clinics remain out of reach. Ilara Health’s soon-to-launch B2B service will bridge this divide.
Unlocking Preventative Care for Kenya’s Most Vulnerable
Ilara Health is expanding healthcare access through its uninsured patient offering. The startup will partner with employers to subsidize care packages for workers, providing access to outpatient services through Ilara’s clinic network.
With healthcare budgets stretched thin, many employers are unable to offer comprehensive health coverage. Ilara’s affordable packages will unlock preventative screening and primary care for over 50,000 underserved Kenyans within a year. The end goal is to establish sustainable, low-cost access frameworks through strategic private sector partnerships.
As Ilara works to democratize access, recently secured funding will also drive continued support for clinics to keep improving community service offerings.
With the new funds, Ilara Health now looks ahead to opening additional clinics and recruiting more corporate partners. The ultimate vision is realizing sustainable healthcare infrastructure for all of Kenya, then replicating solutions across East Africa’s emerging economies.
