Kenya’s First Registered Online Pharmacy Raises $20M To Become All-In-One Health Platform
Kenya-based MyDawa, a technology-based service enabling consumers to purchase authentic, high-quality medicine, health, and wellness products, has raised $20 million in funding.
They raised money from private equity investor Alta Semper Capital to expand its regional reach and product offerings to become an all-in-one health platform for users.
The growth plans will be steered by MyDawa’s new CEO Priscilla Muhiu.
“Alta Semper’s ambition matches that of MyDawa, and it brings the drive, connections, and clout to succeed,” co-founder Neil O’Leary told TechCrunch.
MyDawa’s Story
MyDawa aims to ensure that every Kenyan can get quality, secure, and affordable medicine and wellness products online.
Launched in 2016, the first-of-its-kind service has been developed in Nairobi in collaboration with a diverse array of healthcare practitioners.
MyDawa initially raised $3 million from AAIC’s Africa Healthcare Fund in 2019 and has also received $1.2 million in grant funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS by increasing access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication.
Their mission is to deliver quality, affordable products, and experiences that enable customers to live positive and healthy lifestyles.
The service has diversified from an e-pharmacy to providing online and in-person consultations and laboratory services at walk-in pharmacies and health centers.
“MyDawa was the logical choice for us,” said Alta Semper CEO Afsane Jetha.
“The drive to increase the access to good advice and safe and affordable medication is core to our overall mission of democratizing access to health and well-being across the African continent.”
Future Plans
MyDawa has launched its own branded products and has plans to open up its technology infrastructure, helping other businesses in the health sector to scale.
They have additionally acquired Ugandan pharmacy store chain Guardian Health, one of many collaborations it aims to make as it expands beyond Kenya.
“MyDawa now has a solid secure base and a great expansion opportunity based on a great offering that improves health outcomes. Guardian is a great first step on fulfilling our ambition,” said O’Leary.
