Roon Raises $15M to Replace ‘Dr. Google’ with Real Doctors’ Videos

Transforming Healthcare with Accurate Medical Content

Vikram Bhaskaran, a former leader at Pinterest, faced a personal crisis when his father showed early signs of ALS. Struggling to find reliable medical information, Bhaskaran teamed up with Rohan Ramakrishna, a neurosurgeon, and Arun Ranganathan, a Pinterest engineer, to create Roon. This innovative platform aims to replace “Dr. Google” with authentic, video-based medical insights directly from experts.

What is Roon?

Roon is a groundbreaking resource that connects users with clinically accurate videos about illnesses and treatments. Its content is created by top doctors and individuals living with specific conditions, ensuring relevance and reliability. Unlike WebMD or Healthline, Roon uses video Q&As to deliver answers to health-related questions, making the information more engaging and easier to understand.

The Unique Role of Doctors on Roon

Scaling Medical Knowledge Beyond the Clinic

Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna, a co-founder, highlighted the untapped potential of physicians’ vast knowledge. Most of their expertise is shared during appointments and doesn’t reach a broader audience. Roon addresses this gap by inviting thousands of doctors to upload concise, insightful videos.

Empowering Doctors as Creators

Doctors join Roon to share valuable knowledge, not for financial gain. While Roon offers an honorarium, many doctors decline due to ethical concerns. Instead, they leverage the platform to save time by sharing videos as pre-appointment or post-appointment resources, enhancing patient care.

Expanding Medical Topics on Roon

Currently, Roon covers over 16,000 videos on conditions like ALS, glioblastoma, dementia, PCOS, and fertility. The platform plans to expand into women’s health, pediatrics, neurology, and cancer care, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage for diverse audiences.

How Roon Benefits Patients

Reliable Information from Real Experts

Patients gain confidence by receiving advice from verified doctors and hearing firsthand experiences from others dealing with the same conditions. This builds trust and equips users with knowledge to better navigate their medical journeys.

Convenience and Accessibility

Roon provides a convenient alternative to the often overwhelming and ambiguous results of online searches. With short, focused videos, users can quickly find answers tailored to their needs.

The Financial Backing Behind Roon

Roon recently secured $15 million in funding, with a valuation of $68 million. The investment was co-led by Forerunner Ventures and First Mark, alongside previous backers like Sequoia Capital. This financial support underscores the confidence in Roon’s vision and its potential impact on healthcare.

Future Monetization Strategies

Although Roon has not yet developed a revenue model, its investors see multiple possibilities, including:

• Subscription Services: Hospitals and clinics may pay to access Roon’s educational videos for patient care.
• Advertisements: Partnering with healthcare brands to monetize content.
• Doctor Directory: Connecting patients with qualified doctors and offering second opinions.

Investor Confidence in Roon’s Mission

Eurie Kim of Forerunner Ventures, a caregiver herself, deeply connects with Roon’s mission. She envisions it empowering patients to be well-prepared for doctor visits and believes its focus on trust and quality content will drive long-term success.

Conclusion

Roon is redefining how people access medical information, bridging the gap between patients and doctors through innovative video content. With strong investor support and a mission to provide trustworthy health resources, Roon is set to become a game-changer in the healthcare industry.

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