€1.7 million investment in online dermatology promises to reduce current waiting times
Skindr, the Belgian pioneer in online dermatology, raised €1.7 million in its latest funding round. The investment, led by established financial players, marks a significant step in the evolution of digital healthcare in Belgium.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital health care, the Ghent-based company Skindr has reached a significant milestone. On average, the dermatology app offers people with a skin problem a diagnosis and treatment plan with a prescription within 48 hours. Unique in Belgium, where conventional waiting times in dermatology can reach more than twelve months.
The app does not work with artificial intelligence, but it does work with real dermatologists. Thanks to special training, Skindr's dermatologists can treat 95% of all cases completely online using photos and a chat with the patient. When there is a need for a prescription, the patient receives it on the identity card. Skindr CEO — and former skin patient — Jochen Boeykens: “Many dermatological problems can be diagnosed and treated online. If a malignant skin cancer is suspected, a physical appointment must of course be scheduled. These high-risk patients do not have to go back to the conventional queue, but are quickly scheduled at one of the 10 referral locations - including UZ Brussel - for any additional research or treatment. This is how we also succeed in making targeted agreements. For example, when allergy tests are necessary, they will be scheduled immediately, without the need for an additional physical consultation.” In this way, the dermatology app can offer all skin patients a solution tailored to their condition, in line with the classic referral for complex care from other dermatologists or general practitioners.
Skindr's innovative approach is now enhanced by a substantial investment of €1.7 million led by Mitiska, a well-known investor in the financial world and a Geuten family vehicle. Major investors in this round also included Nicolas Linkens, managing partner at Rivean Capital, and Belgian angel investors Matthieu Vaxelaire (Mention, eFounders) and Kester Goh (Magnax). This financial development highlights both Skindr's growing impact in the e-dermatology sector and rising trust in digital health solutions.
The capital injection will be used to improve the patient experience, attract more dermatologists and further increase efficiency. Skindr aims to further reduce waiting times in dermatology and make its services more accessible to a wider audience.
Over the past three years, Skindr's digital approach to dermatology has already proven its effectiveness:
- The Skindr dermatologists have provided a total of more than 20,000 online consultations.
- The app has an average response time of 21 hours — significantly faster than traditional waiting times of an average of 4 to even 12 months.
- Collaborations with insurers such as Helan and AG Insurance have increased the accessibility and reach of Skindr's services.
- Last year, UZ Brussel continued its innovative image by becoming the first Belgian hospital that acts as a physical base for e-dermatology. This collaboration enables Skindr to quickly diagnose and treat patients with common skin conditions, while providing patients with more complex conditions with quick access to physical consultations.
- Patients rate Skindr particularly positively, with an average score of 9.2/10 from over 1,200 reviews.
- Since its launch, the Skindr app has over 40,000 downloads
Dr. Annelies Avermaete, dermatologist at Skindr, highlights the impact of the investment: “The shortage of dermatologists is a known problem that will not improve in the coming decade. With Skindr, we are increasing the efficiency and accessibility of dermatological care with clear added value for the patient, the healthcare provider and the care system.”
Nicolas Linkens, who joins the board of directors, shares his vision: “My involvement with Skindr is a step towards improving access to quality skin care. By reducing waiting times and offering advanced care, we can make a significant impact.”
With this investment, Skindr positions itself as an important player in the transformation of healthcare, focusing on patient-centered and technology-driven solutions.
About Skindr
Skindr is a Belgian app that ensures that, on average, people receive professional skin advice from a Belgian dermatologist within 48 hours, including a treatment plan and prescription. The app was launched in 2021 by Dr. Annelies Avermaete (dermatologist) and Jochen Boeykens (patient) in collaboration with 20 dermatologists. Skindr's goal is to provide patients with the best possible dermatology experience and to be the most flexible workplace for dermatologists.
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