Praava Health: A New Model for Bangladesh

By: Michael Chu

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Synopsis: Launched in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2015, Praava Health ('Praava') delivered high-quality in-clinic primary and specialist care, backed by its own high quality diagnostic laboratories, imaging and pharmacy. Praava was founder Sylvana Sinha's response to what she saw as a broken healthcare system in one of the world's most populous countries, unable to provide efficient, reliable medical attention to the majority of its population. Centered on the patient, it had a flagship state-of-the art medical center in Dhaka, and digital channels, including Bangladesh's first patient app, telemedicine, and e-pharmacy. Behind all this was a highly qualified medical, technical and management team, made possible by equity investments of $11.1 million. But raising funds had been a difficult and arduous process, even as Praava's revenues were growing at around 20% a month. As Sinha proceeded to plan her next steps in Series B fundraising, she wondered if there were modifications that she needed to consider. Were there any changes --- in the Praava business model, in the financing structure or in her messaging --- that would allow her to break through in the capital markets?