Pediatric Digital Health Firm Raises $11.65M in Summer Funding

Summer Health, a trailblazing digital health company offering round-the-clock pediatric support to parents, has recently announced that it has raised an impressive $11.65 million in Series A funding. This funding round was co-led by 7wire Ventures (a new investor) and Lux Capital, which is returning for another investment stint. Other noteworthy returning investors include Sequoia Capital, Metrodora Ventures, Box Group, and Shrug Capital. 
 
Newly participating in Summer Health's vision are Pivotal Ventures (an initiative by Melinda French Gates) and Leaps by Bayer. In addition to the financial backing of these companies, representatives from each will be joining the summer board: Alfred Lin from Sequoia Capital; Deena Shakir from Lux Capital; Alyssa Jaffee from 7wire Ventures; and Chelsea Clinton from Metrodora Ventures. 
 
So what exactly does Summer Health do? The innovative platform operates as a text-based companion alongside a family's primary pediatrician, with the intention of eliminating unnecessary medical visits. Since its launch in July 2022, thousands of parents have utilized their flagship product, which provides urgent medical guidance via text within just fifteen minutes. Moreover, they can also prescribe medications promptly when needed. 
 
Just over a year later, in November 2023, Summer Health broadened its scope with further services, including lactation support, sleep training assistance, developmental milestone tracking, and long-term pediatric care, all underpinned by their longitudinal primary care model. 
 
Parents now have two choices when it comes to accessing Summer Health’s services: either directly purchasing them at $45 per month or through select businesses that incorporate this service into their employee benefits package. 
 
Dr. Ali Alhassani, MD, F.A.A.P., heads up the clinical team at Summer Health, where he regularly encounters common parental concerns such as nutrition-related questions regarding breastfeeding or introducing solid foods, along with post-well-child care visit queries that usually last between six and eight minutes. 
 
In light of these needs, Summer Health has plans to amplify its distribution through both consumer and employer channels with the aim of addressing the lack of access parents have to pediatricians. Further service offerings for parents are also on the horizon in addition to their current primary care provision, which includes specialist services like child development coaching and nutrition advice. 
 
Summer Health's CEO Ellen DaSilva proudly shares: "Summer Health was created by parents, for parents, with a mission to simplify daily life. Our investors are not just financial backers; they're all active users of our product who believe in our vision because they're parents too." 
 
Dr. Ali Alhassani adds that he joined Summer Health after witnessing firsthand how long some families had to wait before securing an appointment for their children at physical clinics when many issues could be conveniently addressed from home. 
 
Alyssa Jaffee from 7wire Ventures praises Summer’s contributions, stating, “Personally, I've been using this service since day one and can't imagine life without it. Professionally speaking, we are thrilled about being part of Summer Health's journey as it expands its reach more widely among families." She further emphasizes her firm belief in the necessity for greater investment and innovation within pediatrics.