The investment of 5.1 million euros was led by the London VC DN Capital and the Munich healthtech VC YZR Capital The Vimajo Family Office, as well as existing Filu investors Rivus Ventures and Auxxo Female Catalyst Fund, also participated.
At the beginning of 2022, the three founders Lena Naderer (CVO), Christian Köhler (CEO), and Justus Buchen (COO) joined forces. Together, the Filu team aims to make veterinary visits a truly feel-good experience for veterinarians and pet owners. Naderer formulates the vision:
“I want to redefine veterinary medicine and offer my valued colleagues a contemporary working environment.”
Her approach, which she De Novo Urgent Care distinguishes itself from the M&A-driven players in the industry. The role model and pioneer is the American company Bond Vet, with more than 40 practices in the USA. Bond Vet's founder, Lukas Keindl, previously an advisor and angel investor, is now also taking an active role on Filu's board. Keindl explains:
"With the Urgent Care concept, Filu is focusing on establishing technology- and design-oriented veterinary practices and positioning itself with its medical portfolio between traditional general veterinary practices and veterinary clinics."
Filu focuses on technology and customer experience
Founder and CEO Christian Köhler also sees the technology- and data-driven approach as another key to success. An in-house platform is intended not only to reduce administrative burdens but also to utilize animal health data for better medical care. charcoal burner explained:
“By establishing new practices, we can rely on a uniform technological and data-driven infrastructure.”
Filu also places particular emphasis on the customer experience – from digital appointment booking to service-oriented in-practice services such as coffee and treat bars. Soon, customers will be able to manage their pet's health from a single source using an app. Billing processes and communication with the veterinary practice will then be quick and easy to handle digitally. COO Justus Buchen emphasizes:
“For us, the focus is not only on the animal but also on the human being, with the goal of making the visit as pleasant as possible.”
