Portuguese digital health startup Usawa Care has raised a $3 million seed round to launch a new service for adults and begin expanding into the United States by the end of 2026.
The round was led by Armilar, with participation from Start Ventures, Oxy Capital, and angel investor Jorge Marques.
Founder and CEO Luís Almeida Fernandes told ECO that the company will launch its adult service on October 12. Usawa currently provides pediatric care through WhatsApp, connecting families with a dedicated pediatrician for ongoing support.
“Usawa offers unlimited consultations by WhatsApp,” Fernandes said, adding that pediatricians can provide medical statements and prescribe medication when appropriate.
The pediatric service costs €12 per month per family, covering all children, while a free version offers reduced hours and longer waits. Usawa currently works with 23 pediatricians and carries out around 1,000 consultations per month for more than 12,000 registered children.
Fernandes said the service supports families with acute concerns as well as growth, development, nutrition, sleep, chronic conditions, and other areas of pediatric care. The company also works with insurer Médis on a limited basis and is in discussions with other insurers.
Fernandes previously served as director of SNS24 and led Portugal’s National Telehealth Center in 2022. He told ECO that he would eventually like to see Usawa made available more broadly through Portugal’s National Health Service.
Expanding into adult care
The adult service will broaden Usawa’s model beyond pediatrics, with a clinical team organized by age and including physicians focused on healthy aging.
“We will also have more in-depth monitoring for people with chronic diseases or risk factors,” Fernandes said. This will include medication reconciliation, preventive habits, and earlier identification of potential health problems.
Existing Usawa Pediatrics customers will be able to add the adult service at no additional cost. Adults without children will be able to subscribe separately for €7 per month, with a free version also available.
US expansion by year-end
The funding will also support Usawa’s first steps into the United States.
“We are investing in entering the United States,” Fernandes noted. The company initially plans to bring its technology to large pediatric hospitals and is already in discussions with several institutions. It also wants to work with insurers, following a similar approach to Portugal.
Fernandes added that Portugal will remain an innovation base for the company, while the United States is its priority international market.
Usawa has also established a legal entity in Kenya, although it is not yet operating there. Fernandes said he has a longer-term interest in launching in Africa, beginning with Kenya, where he previously lived.
The startup also plans to expand its team. It currently has 35 doctors and seven full-time employees across technology and product, with hiring focused on compliance, engineering, and AI.
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Usawa Care/via ECO
