Editor's note: This is one of 10 companies profiled by DC Inno for its annual Startups to Watch feature. Go here to see all of this year's honorees and learn more about the young, promising companies poised to shake up the region's innovation community.
About the company: Ounce Care Inc. operates at the junction of housing and health. Based in D.C., it has made significant strides in improving the well-being of residents in affordable housing communities by providing personalized health and wellness services — from health screenings to vaccinations to fitness classes to mental health programs. It accomplishes this via its on-site community health teams deployed within affordable housing properties, allowing them to directly connect with residents and build trusted relationships over time. Ounce offers its services to residents at no cost but but makes its money through agreements with housing providers. The startup has also formed partnerships with local health care providers to help connect residents with essential health and social services and to assist residents with care coordination, benefit enrollment and other wraparound services.
Why we’re watching: Ounce’s innovative, embedded approach sets it apart from other health care providers operating in this space. In 2024, Ounce aims to expand its reach by adding more properties throughout Greater Washington and venturing into new markets. Ounce secured $5.2 million in seed funding in October 2023, a financial boost that positions it better for growth. The company is generating revenue, though it declined to share specific figures.
Quotable: “Our journey started with a simple yet powerful idea — that everyone, regardless of their circumstances or income, deserves access to quality care and the support they need to lead healthy lives. As we celebrate our progress, we are more committed than ever to expanding our reach and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.” — Rachel Munsie and Smitha Gopal, co-founders
The basics
- Founders: Rachel Munsie, CEO; Smitha Gopal, chief operating officer
- Founded: 2022
- Headquarters: D.C.
- Full-time employees: 10
- Total funding: $5.2 million
- Annual revenue: Declined to disclose