London-based Forward Health, the healthcare communications tool launched by UK doctors, has unveiled a company rebrand to Pando Health and announced new backing from Skip Capital as it accelerates plans for international launch.
The Pando tree is the largest living organism known. It is identified by its massive, single interconnected root system. The startup’s new name, Pando Health, reflects the increasing scope of their activity, as well as translating effectively across borders.
Founded in 2015 by Lydia Yarlott, Philip Mundy and Barney Gilbert, the startup provides over 25,000 professionals in 200 UK NHS hospitals with secure and efficient tools to communicate around patient care. According to a study conducted across several Trusts, 74% of NHS staff who use Pando reported that it improved their workplace satisfaction and 68% said that it enabled them to deliver better patient care. James Bedford, Consultant Surgeon at Wythenshawe Hospital, comments: “Pando has transformed the way we deliver care. It fills a massive gap as it lets us communicate quickly and securely to allow complex and fast decision making.”
Pando welcomes Skip Capital as an investor for this next phase of growth, alongside existing investors Stride.VC and Albion Capital. Skip Capital is a billion dollar fund led by Kim Jackson and the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, Scott Farquhar. Skip Capital invests in technology enabled businesses who are solving global problems. Pando is the first European healthtech investment for the fund.
Co-CEO and co-founder Philip Mundy comments: “Skip Capital are a phenomenal partner, and we’re thrilled to have their backing and the continued support of Stride.VC as we push ahead with our growth plans. Skip understands not only what we’re building, but also why it’s so important. With this support, we have the resources to take our network to scale, while cementing our position within UK healthcare.”
The funds will support a headcount expansion to 35 and scale Pando’s reach outside of the UK. International demand for the service has increased sharply over recent months, with a waiting list of thousands of departments and professionals. In Q1 2020, Pando Health will become available to healthcare teams throughout India, Canada, and Australia, with more markets to follow.
Kim Jackson, from Skip Capital, comments: “Pando Health combines everything we look for in a company; passionate founders solving a fundamental, global problem with a positive impact. From our first meeting, I could tell the team was fiercely committed to making a difference, and we are excited to join the journey. Their success across the NHS shows how overdue a revolution in health and social care communication truly is and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they scale their impact internationally.”
