If your first instinct when something feels off with your health is to turn to Google for answers, you’re not alone. Research indicates that around 90% of patients search their symptoms online before contacting their healthcare provider or booking an appointment. While Dr. Google (Googling health issues) or WebMD are helpful, these are not always reliable for the most up-to-date information.
This is where, the New York startup Roon comes into the picture with the aim to replace Dr. Google. In a recent development, the company has raised $15 million in Series A funding co-led by FirstMark Capital (invested in Momentum and Ezra) and Forerunner Ventures, with participation from existing investors including Sequoia Capital (invested in Fireworks AI and Statsig) and TMV. The investment values the company at $65 million.
With this funding, Roon plans to expand its platform coverage to hundreds of conditions. It also aims to deepen its commitment to women’s health while also growing its resources for cancer care, neurology, metabolic health, and paediatrics. This expansion builds upon its initial success in providing specialised information about conditions such as glioblastoma, ALS, and dementia.
How was the idea born?
Roon was founded in 2021 by former Pinterest executive Vikram Bhaskaran alongside Arun Ranganathan and Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna. The name Roon honors the courage of patients, the dedication of caregivers, and the expertise of doctors. It’s a tribute to Vikram’s father, who bravely fought ALS, and the company’s co-founder Arun, who cares for his father with dementia.
Roon is building a comprehensive health information platform that bridges the gap between medical expertise and accessible information.
Transforms online health searches
The platform wants to distinguish itself through its commitment to medically-vetted information and its unique approach to connecting users with others sharing similar health experiences. It beats legacy healthcare content sites with video-based Q&As on thousands of health issues created by doctors in top medical institutions.
It has invited thousands of doctors to share that reliable information on its platform. Those who are looking for answers about a health condition can access Roon and watch over 16,000 short videos about various health issues, including ALS, glioblastoma, dementia, PCOS, and more. Instead of turning doctors into content creators for revenue, it help them save time and provide better patient care.
The company has already guided families through serious illnesses, supporting couples navigating IVF, and connecting women with treatments for conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.
Currently, the company partners with physicians from over 50 renowned institutions, including Harvard, Stanford, UCSF, Weill Cornell and Columbia, to scale their expertise and reach people far beyond the clinic.
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