Rebranded healthtech firm set for international expansion following $5m investment

A healthcare communications tool used by NHS doctors has announced a rebrand as it prepares for international growth following multi-million dollar investment.

Forward Health, which has secured $5m from Skip Capital to accelerate its international expansion, has rebranded to Pando Health.

Founded by NHS doctors Dr Barney Gilbert and Dr Lydia Yarlott with entrepreneur Philip Mundy, Pando is a communications platform for medical professionals.

The latest funding will support a headcount expansion to 35, as well as scaling Pando’s reach outside of the UK.

Pando co-CEO and co-founder, Dr Barney Gilbert, explained: “We started our journey as Forward because it perfectly encapsulated what we set out to do: to create tools to help ward-based NHS clinicians struggling with outdated technology.

“As we’ve grown over the past three years, our community of over 25,000 clinicians have shown us the true impact better communication can have within, between and outside the ward.

“Forward was perfect for the start of our journey, but as we look ahead and scale internationally we need a unique name that reflects our broader ambition. We chose Pando, the name of the world’s largest living organism.”

Skip Capital has joined existing investors Stride.VC and Albion Capital in the $5m fundraise. Kim Jackson, from Skip Capital, commented: “Pando Health combines everything we look for in a company; passionate founders solving a fundamental, global problem with a positive impact.

“From our first meeting, I could tell the team was fiercely committed to making a difference, and we are excited to join the journey. Their success across the NHS shows how overdue a revolution in health and social care communication truly is and we’re looking forward to supporting them as they scale their impact internationally.”

Co-CEO and co-founder of Pando, Philip Mundy, added: “Skip Capital are a phenomenal partner, and we’re thrilled to have their backing and the continued support of Stride.VC as we push ahead with our growth plans.

“Skip understands not only what we’re building, but also why it’s so important. With this support, we have the resources to take our network to scale, while cementing our position within UK healthcare.”