Sami Secures R$60 Million to Accelerate Growth and Reshape Preventive Healthcare
Sami is a digital health insurance provider offering a virtual HMO experience tailored for small and medium-sized businesses.
Building the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Sami, a healthtech pioneer founded in 2020 by Vitor Asseituno and Guilherme Berardo, is on a mission to redefine healthcare for underserved markets, including small businesses and self-employed individuals. After a year of recalibrating operations, the company has secured R$60 million in funding—an extension of its R$90 million Series B round—to fuel its next growth phase. This latest funding combines equity led by Mundi Ventures and U.S. bank StoneX, alongside support from investors like Monashees, Valor Capital, and Redpoint..
The company spent much of 2024 streamlining processes, optimizing its hospital network, and launching regionalized health plans. “We were less focused on growth in volume and more focused on building a sustainable foundation,” CEO Guilherme Berardo told Bloomberg Línea. With estimated revenue of R$110 million for 2024, Sami is nearing break-even, setting the stage for a faster, more strategic expansion in 2025.
A New Model for Preventive Healthcare
Sami operates with a unique approach to healthcare. Members—referred to as beneficiaries—receive personalized support from coordinated teams of physicians, nurses, and wellness coordinators, coupled with access to digital tools like telemedicine and the Wellhub app for physical activity. This tech-driven model accounts for 95% of Sami’s operations, minimizing reliance on traditional in-person services.
Recent innovations, such as the expanded co-participation model introduced in May, have made a significant impact. Now representing 90% of new clients, this model encourages mindful usage of healthcare services, leading to a 21% reduction in plan prices. “The frequency of usage is about 20% lower with co-participation,” Berardo explained. “People are more conscious because they know it impacts their pocket and future pricing.”
The company currently serves 21,000 lives across 10,000 companies, with 65% of its members coming from businesses with just one or two employees. Sami’s emphasis on affordability and accessibility has positioned it as a trusted partner for underserved markets, particularly in São Paulo and its surrounding metropolitan areas.
Accelerating Growth in 2025 and Beyond
With the new funding, Sami is poised to “step on the accelerator,” as Berardo described. The equity portion will strengthen the company’s infrastructure and technology operations, while the debt funding will support customer acquisition and business growth. “I finance growth through the premiums generated by my clients,” Berardo said, emphasizing that the structure avoids equity dilution.
The company plans to launch new regionalized health plans targeting underserved areas in São Paulo and will also introduce membership-based plans in partnership with Qualicorp. These efforts aim to increase density within existing markets and deepen relationships with healthcare partners. Sami is also enhancing its product distribution strategy by partnering with brokers to reach a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Berardo is cautiously optimistic, predicting growth of more than 50% in 2025. “We’re ready to advance with the right products and organized distribution channels,” he said. With its innovative model and robust support from investors, Sami is well-positioned to lead the charge in preventive healthcare, creating sustainable solutions for businesses and individuals alike.
Read more in Bloomberg Linea
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