Pomelo Care Company Profile

Background

Overview

Pomelo Care is a virtual medical practice dedicated to enhancing maternal and newborn health outcomes through evidence-based, personalized care. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in New York City, the company offers comprehensive support from preconception through an infant's first year. By integrating virtual clinical services with in-person doula care, Pomelo addresses medical, behavioral, and social factors to improve health outcomes and reduce avoidable costs.

Mission and Vision

Pomelo Care's mission is to provide high-quality, accessible, and personalized care to pregnant individuals and newborns, regardless of their circumstances or health plan. The company envisions a healthcare system where every mother and baby receive the support they need to thrive.

Industry Significance

In the United States, maternal and newborn health outcomes lag behind those of other developed nations, with significant disparities affecting communities of color and rural areas. Pomelo Care's innovative approach aims to bridge these gaps by offering scalable, technology-driven solutions that improve access to care and health outcomes.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Enhancing Access to Care: Provide 24/7 virtual support to ensure timely interventions and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.

Improving Health Outcomes: Implement evidence-based protocols to reduce risks associated with pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care.

Addressing Health Disparities: Focus on underserved populations to mitigate disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes.

Areas of Specialization

Virtual Maternity Care: Comprehensive services covering preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and infant care.

Behavioral Health Support: Integrated mental health services to address conditions like perinatal depression and anxiety.

Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on diet and nutrition to support maternal and infant health.

Key Technologies Utilized

Data Analytics: Utilize health record analysis to proactively identify individual risk factors.

Machine Learning: Implement algorithms to predict and manage potential complications during pregnancy and postpartum.

Primary Markets Targeted

Medicaid Populations: Partner with Medicaid managed care organizations to serve low-income individuals.

Commercial Health Plans: Collaborate with private insurers to offer services to a broader demographic.

Employers: Provide maternity care solutions as part of employee benefits packages.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Seed Round (August 2021): Raised $7.96 million.

Series A (June 2023): Secured $25 million, bringing total funding to $33 million.

Series B (June 2024): Obtained $46 million, increasing total funding to $79 million.

Notable Investors

Andreessen Horowitz: Led both Series A and Series B funding rounds.

First Round Capital: Co-led the Seed round and participated in subsequent rounds.

SV Angel, Operator Partners, Allen & Company LLC, BoxGroup: Participated in various funding rounds.

Utilization of Capital

Expansion of Partnerships: Accelerate collaborations with health plans, employers, and academic medical centers.

Scaling Operations: Enhance service delivery capabilities to cover more lives across the United States.

Technology Development: Invest in data analytics and machine learning to improve care models.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

Virtual Care Model Expansion: Extend services to additional states and populations, aiming to cover over 3 million lives by 2024.

Integration of In-Person Support: Following the acquisition of The Doula Network, combine virtual care with in-person doula services to offer a hybrid care model.

Target Conditions

Hypertensive Disorders: Implement interventions to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia.

Mental Health Conditions: Enhance screening and treatment for perinatal depression and anxiety.

Anticipated Milestones

Clinical Outcomes Data Publication: Present research demonstrating the effectiveness of Pomelo's care model in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality.

Expansion of Covered Lives: Achieve coverage of over 3 million lives across 46 states by mid-2024.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Data Analytics Platform: Analyze claims and health records to proactively identify individual risk factors.

Machine Learning Algorithms: Predict and manage potential complications during pregnancy and postpartum.

Significant Scientific Methods

Evidence-Based Protocols: Implement interventions proven to reduce risks such as preeclampsia and perinatal depression.

Telemedicine Integration: Provide 24/7 access to care via phone, text, and video consultations.

Leadership Team

Marta Bralic Kerns – Founder & CEO

Marta Bralic Kerns founded Pomelo Care in 2021, bringing extensive experience in healthcare technology and a commitment to improving maternal health outcomes.

Board Members

Vineeta Agarwala, MD, PhD: General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, brings expertise in healthcare investments and strategy.

Josh Kopelman: Partner at First Round Capital, offers experience in early-stage company growth and development.

Leadership Changes

In June 2024, Pomelo Care announced the appointment of Vineeta Agarwala and Josh Kopelman to its Board of Directors, strengthening its leadership team with seasoned investors and strategists.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The U.S. maternal healthcare market faces challenges, including high rates of preterm births and maternal complications. The market is shifting towards value-based care models that emphasize outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Competitor Analysis

Babyscripts: Offers a virtual care platform for managing obstetric care, focusing on remote monitoring and patient engagement.

Ouma Health: Provides virtual maternity care services, emphasizing personalized care plans and telehealth consultations.

Mae: Focuses on culturally competent care for Black expectant mothers, offering a combination of virtual support and community resources.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Health Plans

Medicaid Managed Care Organizations: Partnered with several organizations to provide services to Medicaid populations.

Commercial Health Plans: Collaborated with private insurers to expand service offerings.

Employers

Mount Sinai Health System: Provides maternity care solutions as part of employee benefits.

Penn Medicine: Offers services to employees and patients, enhancing access to maternal care.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Market Position: Pomelo Care differentiates itself through a hybrid care model combining virtual and in-person support.

Competitive Advantages: Utilization of data analytics and machine learning to proactively manage risks and improve outcomes.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Expansion of Services: Continue to scale operations to cover additional lives and regions.

Technology Enhancement: Invest in advanced analytics and machine learning to refine care models.

Opportunities for Expansion

Underserved Populations: Focus on rural and minority communities to address health disparities.

Employer Partnerships: Expand collaborations with employers to offer maternity care as part of comprehensive benefits packages.

Positioning for Future Objectives

Pomelo Care's integration of virtual and in-person care, combined with data-driven interventions, positions the company to lead in transforming maternal and newborn healthcare delivery.