#Japan #Tokyo #HealthTech #OPERe #Pokesapo

OPERe Secures $4 Million in Funding

Tokyo-based technology company OPERe recently announced that it has successfully raised 400 million yen (approximately $4 million USD) in a pre-Series A funding round. The investment was led by prominent firms including JAFCO Group, DNX Ventures, and Vertex Ventures Japan. This funding will enhance the company’s innovative medical communication platform, 'Pokesapo', aimed at improving interactions between medical professionals and patients.

Background and Purpose of the Funding

OPERe's mission is encapsulated in the phrase "Renewing Operations. Better Decision Making. Higher Engagement." The company aims to act as a communication hub for patients and healthcare providers in Japan, where the medical environment is characterized by high demand and limited resources. This complex landscape necessitates a more efficient way to facilitate communication between patients and doctors, which has traditionally been reliant on verbal and written methods, often leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies.

The 'Pokesapo' platform has been designed to tackle these communication barriers effectively. Since its inception, the patient education features have gained traction particularly among acute care hospitals. The company plans to release new anamnesis and interview functions by December 2024, which have already been implemented in several acute care facilities.

Recently, OPERe has expanded its focus beyond hospitals to include collaborations with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, further enhancing the value of its services. The funding acquired in this round will be crucial for the integration of these new capabilities and overall service expansion, aimed at fostering strong communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Exploring the 'Pokesapo' Platform

The 'Pokesapo' platform is primarily based on smartphone use, guiding patients through their health journeys by providing them with video content and messaging to supplement the professional information they receive.

One of the core features of the platform is its semi-automated communication system, which triggers relevant videos and educational materials based on key dates, such as hospital admission and test days. This feature not only strengthens patient understanding but also alleviates the burden on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus on essential tasks while ensuring effective patient education.

Additionally, with the introduction of anamnesis and interview functions, patients can now respond to questionnaires from home. This reduces the risk of incomplete responses and provides healthcare professionals with pre-examining data, facilitating better clinical assessments and enhancing overall care.

Given the abundance of proprietary drug and medical device information being shared between professionals and patients, it's essential that the content provided is optimized for real-world scenarios. OPERe is committed to bridging the gap by supporting the digital transformation of educational resources provided by pharmaceutical and medical device firms.

CEO's Insight

Yuka Sawada, the CEO of OPERe, expressed gratitude for the funding secured in this round, stating, "We are thankful for the trust placed in us by the healthcare institutions and supporters in our community, as well as the leadership of JAFCO Group, DNX Ventures, and Vertex Ventures Japan. This funding aligns with our belief that 'information from empathetic medical professionals is crucial' in the patient care process."

She emphasized the importance of meeting the evolving needs of medical professionals while also harnessing technological advancements, aiming to create a platform that maximizes the value of healthcare providers. The funds raised will bolster OPERe's service delivery and development capabilities, ensuring enhanced accessibility for healthcare workers facing increasing demands. The company also plans to conduct a meetup on July 2 for engineers interested in joining the mission of transforming healthcare communication.

Insights from Investors

Notable investors have lauded OPERe's efforts in addressing the pressing challenges in the healthcare sector. Kosuke Tada from JAFCO Group remarked on the fundamental role healthcare plays in society, emphasizing the imperative to streamline communication between patients and providers. He noted that 'Pokesapo' is positioned to become an essential service in medical infrastructure.

DNX Ventures highlights its excitement to support OPERe, citing the unique blend of experience that CEO Sawada brings. Their leadership is expected to drive a digital transformation in the healthcare field, allowing providers to concentrate on their core responsibilities effectively.

Vertex Ventures Japan expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to invest in a company so committed to enhancing patient-provider communication. The firm aims to support OPERe in its global expansion through their extensive network.

Recruitment and Future Plans

With ambitious plans ahead, OPERe is currently seeking new partners to join its growing team. The pre-Series A funding will be critical for fortifying the organization and its products. The company aims to expand its team as it evolves from a small group to a more established entity, encouraging a collaborative effort toward achieving its vision.

OPERe has also announced a special feature in YOUTRUST’s 'Gear Change!!' series, where company director Shunsuke Komai and investor Kosuke Tada discussed the intricacies of the funding process and future business strategies.

For those interested in being part of this transformative journey, OPERe will host its first online meetup event, offering a platform to learn more about their vision and opportunities.

Learn more about OPERe here.