LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Zoie Health Technologies, a digital health platform dedicated to making women's and family health & wellness in Africa more accessible
Thato Schermer is the co-founder of Zoie Health Technologies, a digital health platform dedicated to making women's and family health & wellness in Africa more accessible. She is a passionate young South African, enthralled by the possibilities for Africa's future. Thato is dedicated to business for the greater good, technology’s potential to solve problems in Africa, writing, and driving the cause of women’s empowerment. After completing her honours business degree at the University of Cape Town, alongside a Business French qualification from the Paris Chamber of Commerce and numerous international internships, she started her career as a management consultant at a global management consultancy. She worked predominantly in the digital practice, with her work spanning industries such as banking, infrastructure, and technology across regions including East Africa, Spain, Turkey, and Asia-Pacific.
Following the adventures that management consulting brought, Thato joined Discovery Vitality as the Chief of Staff to the CEO, working on a variety of strategies and projects supporting his office. She then joined Life Healthcare, where she delivered a new concept of low-cost, high-tech primary healthcare to South Africans. Before founding her technology startup, Thato joined Uber as the South Africa Territory Manager for Uber for Business, Uber’s B2B offering, and also served as Co-Chair of Women at Uber for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Most recently, she co-founded Africa’s first digital health platform for women’s health, Zoie Health. This technology platform offers women’s health services virtually, making healthcare easier, more accessible, and more caring. Although the business was only launched in August 2021, it has already positively impacted thousands of women’s lives, and has created jobs for 24 people. Thato has also extended the product offering by entering the B2B revenue stream through the creation of EasyDoc with her team, an employee healthcare benefit offered solely via WhatsApp. She has been awarded the Top 200 Mail & Guardian Young South Africans award and the Top 50 Inspiring Women in South Africa award.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the impact driven Thato Schermer about her entrepreneurial journey, what makes her business offering unique, and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
Zoie is a digital health platform dedicated to making women's and family health & wellness in Africa more convenient, affordable, and caring. We focus on family planning, fertility, and maternity care, offering virtual consultations, a community chat forum, resources, and a shop/pharmacy for health & wellness products and medication. Our platform is accessible via the web, app stores, and WhatsApp.
We have recently launched EasyDoc, a B2B WhatsApp-based employee benefits product for frontline employees. Employers sponsor the subscription cost, providing quick, easy, and affordable healthcare to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and retain employees.
What inspired you to start your company?
“To whom much has been given, much also is expected" is a guiding principle that resonates deeply with me. Growing up in South Africa, I was acutely aware of the stark disparities in healthcare accessibility and affordability. Our public healthcare system was overburdened, and private healthcare was a luxury few could afford. My family's commitment to public service instilled in me a sense of duty to create a more equitable healthcare system. This then later inspired me to create Zoie Health and bridge the gap between unserved communities and access to healthcare.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Zoie Health stands out due to its comprehensive and innovative approach to healthcare. Firstly, it offers 24/7 access to healthcare through EasyDoc, Africa's first WhatsApp-based health platform, enabling convenient text and telephonic consultations with private doctors. This ensures that users have access to healthcare anytime, anywhere.
Secondly, Zoie Health provides hassle-free access to medications and health products via the Zoie Shop and Pharmacy, which features online ordering and home delivery services. This makes it easy for users to get the products they need without leaving their homes.
Thirdly, Zoie Health promotes overall wellness through tailored supplements and contraceptive delivery services, supporting both general health and responsible family planning. Additionally, the platform offers virtual consultations and supportive online communities, providing both expert medical advice and peer support for a holistic health experience.
These features make Zoie Health special by enhancing accessibility, affordability, and personalization of healthcare. By addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system, Zoie Health supports individuals in leading healthier, more balanced lives. Furthermore, Zoie Health’s community focus, comprehensive ecosystem of services, and its commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare make it a standout solution in the market.
Tell us a little about your team:
The Zoie Health team is a young, vibrant, and dynamic group of talented professionals dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and affordability. Our in-house engineering team ensures our digital platforms operate seamlessly and are continually enhanced with the latest technological innovations. Our marketing department, featuring a creative graphic designer, produces engaging and informative visual content that resonates with our audience and effectively communicates our mission. Our certified pharmacist oversees the formulation of high-quality supplements and manages our online pharmacy, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy. Complementing these key roles, we have passionate individuals including field sales experts, customer support specialists, and healthcare professionals, all committed to driving the mission of Zoie Health. Together, we work tirelessly to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare, leveraging technology to create a more accessible and inclusive health ecosystem.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I grew up in South Africa, where the public healthcare system is overburdened, and private healthcare is prohibitively expensive. Witnessing firsthand the disparities in healthcare accessibility and affordability, I realized there was an opportunity to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare. My family's dedication to public service instilled in me the understanding that healthcare should not be a luxury. I always believed in the transformative power of technology and wanted to channel that potential into healthcare.
My eureka moment came while working at some of the largest healthcare companies in South Africa. It struck me that while we access information and services through our smartphones for almost every aspect of our lives—whether it be service delivery, entertainment, or resources—healthcare remained stagnant and analogue. During my university years, I was part of the Allan Gray Fellowship, where the Esquared program provided venture capital and mentorship, enabling the launch of Zoie Health into what it is today.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
I envision a future where healthcare for women and their families is accessible, affordable, and compassionate. Here are my aspirations for Zoie Health over the next 5-10 years:
Mission Expansion: I aim to expand Zoie Health’s reach across Africa and beyond. I envision a network of virtual clinics that cater specifically to women’s health needs.
Community Building: Zoie Health was created by women, for women. I am committed to building a supportive community where women can access essential health services, share experiences, and find empowerment.
Affordability: I believe in making high-quality healthcare more affordable for all women. By leveraging technology, Zoie Health can bridge gaps and provide cost-effective solutions.
Innovation and Impact: I dream of innovating in the health tech space. I want Zoie Health to be at the forefront of technological advancements, positively impacting thousands of lives. This includes integrating AI into our existing software to enhance personalized care and efficiency.
Strategic Business Partnerships: I envision forming strategic partnerships with businesses like emergency assist services, brokerages, and other enterprises. This will enhance our B2B offerings, such as EasyDoc, providing comprehensive healthcare solutions to employees.
Global Influence: Beyond South Africa, I hope Zoie Health will extend its impact to other African countries. My goal is to create a ripple effect, transforming women’s healthcare on the continent.
Wider Product Offering: Expanding our product range to include more health services and wellness products, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare for women and their families.
In summary, I envision Zoie Health as a beacon of accessible, compassionate, and innovative healthcare for underserved communities, leaving a lasting legacy in the years to come.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, I find deep satisfaction in creating impactful change and addressing significant gaps in healthcare accessibility and affordability through Zoie Health. The opportunity to leverage technology to innovate and modernize healthcare, making it more efficient and accessible, aligns with my passion for driving positive change. I take pride in fostering a supportive community, empowering women to take control of their health, and providing a platform where they can share experiences and find support. Overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship brings continuous learning and personal growth, and the prospect of leaving a lasting legacy that transforms healthcare for future generations provides me with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
As a female entrepreneur, my advice is to embrace your unique perspective and strengths. Understand that your experiences and insights are invaluable assets. Stay resilient and persistent, as the entrepreneurial journey is filled with challenges that require tenacity and adaptability. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
To find out more about Zoie Health Technologies, contact Thato Schermer via email: thato@zoiehealth.com or visit the company website and social media platforms:
Website: http://www.zoiehealth.com
Twitter: https://x.com/zoiehealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoiehealth?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
