Doccla Secures £35M to Expand Virtual Wards Across Europe

UK-based healthtech startup Doccla has raised £35m, led by European VC Lakestar, with participation from new investor Elaia and existing backers General Catalyst, Speedinvest, and Bertelsmann. Founded in 2019, Doccla specializes in “virtual ward” technology, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely through devices that track vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate.

Doccla is the largest virtual ward provider for the NHS and is expanding its footprint across Europe, particularly in the DACH region and France. The company secured its first German hospital contract and partnered with Ireland’s Health Service Executive. Founder Martin Ratz highlights a new compensation system in France, which aligns with the US model, making it easier to receive payments for remote monitoring and providing a significant growth opportunity.

Doccla’s technology has already monitored over 4 million patient days with a compliance rate exceeding 95%, aiming to add around 1,000 new patients monthly. A recent NHS study showed that using Doccla’s services reduced A&E visits by 63% and delivered a 300% return on investment.

The company is also exploring partnerships with pharmaceutical firms to provide clinical data for trials, leveraging its high patient compliance rates. With 180 employees and £52m raised to date, Doccla aims to expand its data science team to enhance preventative care and further reduce hospital visits.