Carecode’s Quiet Revolution: A Human-Centered AI Approach to Healthcare in Brazil
When it comes to healthcare, most of us think the magic happens in the exam room. But Brazilian startup Carecode is betting big on the moments before and after—the ones often left to call centers. While these tasks might seem mundane, CEO Thomaz Srougi sees them as the unsung heroes of better healthcare outcomes. Drawing on a decade in healthcare and his experience founding Dr. Consulta, Srougi believes that AI can handle these interactions better, faster, and cheaper. His team’s goal? To turn missed appointments and scheduling chaos into an optimized, patient-friendly experience.
With $4.3 million in pre-seed funding from big names like a16z and QED, Carecode is already making waves despite Latin America’s so-called “startup winter.” Their secret weapon? Localization. By leveraging Brazil’s love for WhatsApp—complete with audio and text support—Carecode is meeting patients where they are, especially older and lower-income users who prefer voice notes over texts. The startup’s AI agents promise more than just efficiency; they proactively fill canceled slots, free up staff for complex cases, and cut costs for healthcare providers.
Carecode’s laser focus on healthcare sets it apart from horizontal AI systems trying to be all things to all industries. Instead of cobbling together solutions, Carecode is building a vertical powerhouse tailored to Brazil’s unique needs. QED’s Camila Vieira Fernandes says this strategy unlocks untapped value, a critical edge in a market where healthcare companies spend $100 billion annually on administrative tasks. The results so far are promising, with early pilots showing that Carecode can do the heavy lifting of traditional call centers—and then some.
While the startup has its sights set firmly on Brazil for now, the future holds broader possibilities. Srougi envisions expanding into insurance, payments, and even financing—all industries tied to healthcare’s sprawling ecosystem. For now, though, Carecode is content to redefine what it means to care for patients, one WhatsApp message at a time.
(Source: Startup News FYI | Tech Crunch)
