Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been lauded for its transformative potential in healthcare, but its impact isn’t confined to medical diagnostics or treatments.
A growing number of startups are leveraging AI to tackle essential, yet often overlooked, administrative tasks. Brazilian startup Carecode is leading the charge in this space, focusing on optimizing the processes that surround medical appointments.
Emerging from stealth mode, Carecode is introducing AI agents to streamline administrative workflows, including appointment scheduling and follow-ups—tasks traditionally handled by call centers. By doing so, the startup aims to reduce costs and enhance patient outcomes, creating a seamless experience both before and after a doctor’s visit.
“Many people focus solely on the doctor-patient interaction, but there’s immense value in the moments that precede and follow that encounter,” shared Thomaz Srougi, Carecode’s CEO. With over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, Srougi understands the critical role these touchpoints play in the overall patient journey.
Although Srougi is not a physician, healthcare runs in his blood, with a family of doctors inspiring his journey. His professional background includes founding Dr. Consulta, a prominent private healthcare provider in Brazil. Under his leadership, Dr. Consulta raised an impressive $168 million in funding, and Srougi continues to serve as chairman.
Carecode is already attracting significant investor attention despite its early-stage status. The company recently secured a $4.3 million pre-seed funding round, led by venture capital heavyweights Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and QED Investors. The round also saw contributions from Endeavor Catalyst, K50 Ventures, Latitud Ventures, and notable Brazilian tech leaders, including David Vélez, co-founder of Nubank.
This funding milestone is particularly noteworthy given the current “startup winter” affecting venture capital in Latin America. Investors appear confident in the leadership duo of Srougi and Pedro Magalhães, Carecode’s co-founder and CTO. Magalhães, an experienced technology leader, previously served as CTO for several startups, including BEES Bank Brasil and Zé Delivery.
Srougi credits a16z partner Gabriel Vasquez for playing a pivotal role in shaping Carecode’s vision and guiding its transition from concept to reality. This partnership underscores the value that established entrepreneurs and experienced technologists bring to the table, especially in challenging economic climates.
With its cutting-edge approach, Carecode is poised to redefine how healthcare providers manage operational complexities. By placing AI agents at the core of these processes, the startup is not only alleviating the burden on traditional systems but also paving the way for a more efficient and patient-centered future in healthcare.
As Carecode continues to innovate and expand, it sets a compelling example of how AI can transcend its traditional boundaries to address real-world challenges—one appointment at a time
