Amsterdam-based Roott, a digital healthcare platform, announced on Friday that it has secured €600K in a pre-seed round of funding. Roott aims to empower individuals to manage their mental and physical health effectively.
The investment comes from Healthy.Capital, Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland, and private investors including André Grimbergen (co-founder of Albelli and the Wondr Experience) and Mike de Boer (CFO of Knab Bank).
Douwe Jippes, co-founder and Managing Partner of Healthy.Capital says, “From Healthy.Capital’s perspective, it’s crucial for society to receive entrepreneurial solutions for structural issues within healthcare. We wholeheartedly support Roott’s goal of keeping mental care accessible and affordable with our investment, expertise, and network.”
Wouter Keij, Fund Manager of Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland adds, “Roott is developing an innovative digital matching platform that connects care seekers with suitable healthcare professionals.”
“By leveraging data more intelligently for matching, the likelihood of a successful treatment trajectory is increased. Roott is thus making a significant contribution to mental healthcare in the Netherlands.”
“Therapy that really meets your needs”
Roott addresses the mental health challenges faced by almost half of the Dutch population, with 1.3 million seeking help annually. The platform tackles the issue of finding suitable mental care providers by offering access to a vetted network of top professionals.
Each provider undergoes rigorous screening to ensure quality care. Roott emphasises the importance of a personal connection and matches clients with therapists suited to their needs.
If the connection isn’t right, the platform facilitates an easy transition to another therapist, enhancing the overall mental healthcare experience for users.
Roott aims to democratise mental healthcare by connecting clients with experienced care providers, both reimbursed and non-reimbursed. Recognising the limitations of the insured care system, Roott emphasises quality and effectiveness.
The company was founded in January 2023 by Marie Broeckman (mental health professional in the GGZ), Youri Vink (former lawyer), and Leo Huberts (PhD in Business Analytics from the University of Amsterdam).
Marie Broeckman says, “We believe that the current challenges in mental healthcare require a different approach. With Roott, we aim to guide individuals to the care that best suits their specific needs.”
Brief about investors
Healthy.Capital is an impact-driven early-stage investment fund dedicated to healthcare startups and digitalisation. They focus on enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability. Their portfolio includes startups like Saar aan Huis, Reducept, Clear, Open-Up Group, MiGuide, Alii, MS Sherpa, Pharmi, Primio, and IkHerstel.
The Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland, backed by partners like the Province of Noord-Holland and academic institutions, offers convertible loans to entrepreneurs in the region for innovations in the Proof-of-Concept phase.
They manage two funds: one for innovative startups supported by RVO, and another for academic startups supported by EFRO.
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