Solace, a digital health platform, has announced that it has raised $14m in its Series A funding round.
The round was led by Inspired Capital, with participation from existing investors Craft Ventures and Torch Capital. New investors, including Anne Wojcicki, the late Susan Wojcicki, RiverPark Ventures, and Coalition Operators, also contributed.
With the new funding, Solace plans to accelerate the development of its digital platform and expand its network of healthcare advocates across the United States. The platform currently supports thousands of advocates in all 50 states and is working to extend its services to Medicare, Medicaid, and private-insurance patients.
Founded in 2022, the company aims to connect patients with expert healthcare advocates to improve health outcomes. The platform takes a personalised approach to navigating the complex U.S. healthcare system, providing tailored support for patients and their families.
Solace’s platform offers healthcare advocacy services that connect patients with experienced advocates, such as former doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to help them navigate medical appointments, insurance claims, and treatment options.
The advocates guide patients through all stages of care, from chronic conditions to acute hospitalisations.
Solace Co-Founder and CEO Jeremy Gurewitz was inspired to launch the company after witnessing his mother’s struggle with the U.S. healthcare system during her battle with pancreatic cancer. Gurewitz said, “Nearly everyone has had, or knows someone who has had, a nightmare interaction with the U.S. healthcare system. No matter how great your insurance plan is or how well-off you are, when you experience a devastating health event, you’re forced to manage a complex web of paperwork, prior-authorisations, provider availability, scheduling appointments and insurance claims entirely on your own—all during one of the most stressful moments of your life. This is why Solace exists.”
With $21m in total funding since its founding, Solace’s mission is to make healthcare advocacy accessible to all Americans, including the 65m currently enrolled in Medicare plans. The company is also working to ensure that healthcare advocates can be reimbursed by insurance, making these services available to underserved populations.
Solace’s proprietary technology allows patients to interact with their advocate in real-time, enhancing access to support even outside of virtual sessions.
Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Sara Sargent emphasised the company’s commitment to redefining the healthcare landscape in the U.S., stating, “We are committed to redefining the healthcare landscape in the U.S. for patients. Solace Advocates are exceptional at knowing the right words to say and the best steps to take to solve problems and help patients get the care they need. Our technology removes the barriers to insurance reimbursement for advocates, expanding patient access and enabling the advocates to focus on people, not paperwork.”
Solace plans to continue its expansion into Medicaid and private-insurance coverage, fulfilling its mission to empower every patient with access to a healthcare advocate throughout their care journey.
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