Brazilian startup Carecode is making waves in the healthcare industry with its innovative approach to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline healthcare operations. Emerging from stealth mode, the company has secured $4.3 million in pre-seed funding from prominent investors, including a16z, QED, and high-profile figures from Brazil's tech scene.

Carecode's ambitious goal is to reduce healthcare costs and improve medical outcomes by developing AI agents that focus on tasks that happen before and after a medical appointment – tasks typically handled by call centers. According to CEO Thomaz Srougi, these moments around the appointment are just as crucial as the medical encounter itself. Srougi's first-hand knowledge of healthcare comes from founding Dr. Consulta, a private medical service provider scaleup that has raised $168 million in funding.

The startup's AI agents are designed to handle tasks such as appointment scheduling and confirmations, which can account for up to 50% of healthcare companies' revenue in Brazil. By automating these tasks, Carecode aims to significantly reduce costs and improve efficiency. Early results with one partner have shown promising results, with the AI agents able to perform most of the work of a typical healthcare call center for a fraction of the cost.

What sets Carecode apart from other AI startups in the healthcare space is its vertical focus and localization tweaks. Unlike U.S. benchmarks such as Sierra, Carecode is tailored to the specific needs of the Brazilian market. For instance, the platform supports both text and audio messages on WhatsApp, catering to the preferences of older individuals and low-income individuals who prefer to communicate via audio messages.

Carecode's vertical approach has also given the startup an edge over horizontal approaches, which often require multiple solutions to achieve subpar results. According to QED partner Camila Vieira Freitas, this focus allows Carecode to build a moat compared to more generalist competitors.

The market size for Carecode's solution is substantial, with healthcare companies in Brazil spending approximately $100 billion annually on contact centers and administrative payroll. Srougi and his team believe that their vertical approach will enable them to build a strong presence in the market, with potential for diversification into related sectors such as insurance, payments, and financing in the future.

Despite the challenges faced by venture capital in Latin America, Carecode's pre-seed raise underscores the potential for entrepreneurs with strong track records to secure funding. The startup's impressive cap table is a testament to the confidence of investors in Srougi's vision and the potential for AI to transform healthcare operations.

As Carecode continues to develop its AI agents and expand its partnerships, it will be interesting to see the impact of its solution on the healthcare industry in Brazil and beyond. With its innovative approach and strong backing, Carecode is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of patients and healthcare professionals alike.