Exclusive: Practo co-founder Shashank ND says his startup will be profitable next year
Advertisement
Advertisement
Founded in 2008, profitable by 2017, that’s what In an exclusive interview with Business Insider Shashank said, “Our revenues are growing multiple times each year. We should be net positive by the second half of next year.”
The revenue bit is definitely true. In FY2015, Practo’s revenue spiked from Rs.2.30 Crores to Rs.29.73 Crores, but its losses also shot up from Rs.9.88 Crores to Rs.12.85 Crores according to documents filed with the Registrar of Companies.
Currently, the company makes money through three major revenue streams – software and hardware sales to doctors and clinics in the form of tablets (each costing around $800/year), classifieds where doctors and hospitals can buy sponsored listings and its online pharmacy. Shashank claims 50% of his revenue is through native advertising and the rest is from tablet sales.
When asked if skeptic Indians might find it difficult to trust a website with their health, especially one that might seem to blur the lines between what’s called ‘the separation of Church and State’, Shashank says he ensures its clear what’s organic and what’s sponsored.
Advertisement
“What if we can give them (doctors) data points that they can use over their medical experience to make a decision. IT can tell them optimize for the best outcome”, Shashank says.
When asked how he’ll get his hands on that data, the company co-founder says, “Consumers entering it is one way. Providers can also part away. The idea’s not fully cracked yet, which is why it’s an area we’re looking into.”
Practo has raised nearly $124 million in funding across 3 rounds. It’s valued at $500 million, and is India’ s best funded healthcare startup.
Advertisement
- Stock markets stage strong rebound after 4 days of slump; Sensex rallies 599 pts
- Sustainable Transportation Alternatives
- 10 Foods you should avoid eating when in stress
- 8 Lesser-known places to visit near Nainital
- World Liver Day 2024: 10 Foods that are necessary for a healthy liver