Kiwi Takes Flight: Bridging the Healthcare Financing Gap in Latin America
April 29, 2025, 9:34 pm
In the heart of Latin America, a storm brews. Millions face a healthcare crisis, where access is a luxury, not a right. Enter Kiwi, a Miami-based healthcare financial platform, armed with $10 million in seed funding. This initiative aims to reshape the landscape of healthcare financing in the region, starting with Peru and eyeing Mexico next.
Kiwi's funding consists of $2 million in pre-seed equity and $8 million in debt financing. The backers are notable figures in the investment world, lending credibility and expertise to this ambitious venture. The healthcare financing gap in Latin America is staggering. With a $60 billion out-of-pocket market and a $20 billion medical equipment market, the need for innovative solutions is urgent.
Patients often find themselves in a tight spot. They must choose between essential medical care and crippling debt. Many resort to predatory lending practices, which only exacerbate their financial woes. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, struggle to secure financing for necessary equipment and face high patient turnover due to affordability issues. Kiwi aims to tackle these challenges head-on.
The platform offers a two-sided solution. For patients, it introduces a “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) option. This allows them to finance out-of-pocket expenses directly at the point of care. It’s like a lifeline thrown to those drowning in medical bills. For healthcare professionals, Kiwi acts as a full banking platform. It provides leasing products for medical equipment and working capital solutions to enhance cash flow management. This dual approach is designed to empower both patients and providers, creating a healthier ecosystem.
Kiwi's co-founders, Sebastian and Gabriel Chirinos, understand the stakes. They recognize that the numbers tell a compelling story. A significant portion of patients in Latin America lose access to care due to financial barriers. Kiwi is built to address these inefficiencies, unlocking access to healthcare across the region.
The company has already made strides in Peru. It has signed up 73 clinics across various specialties, including dental, ophthalmology, fertility, and aesthetics. This early momentum is promising. Kiwi reports a robust pipeline of approximately 150 additional clinics ready to join its network in the coming months. This rapid onboarding reflects a clear demand for accessible healthcare financing solutions.
Kiwi's technology is another feather in its cap. The platform employs a proprietary machine learning-powered risk model. This model incorporates health-specific factors alongside traditional variables, giving Kiwi an edge over conventional lenders. It’s like having a crystal ball that helps assess financing applications more accurately. This innovative approach could revolutionize how healthcare financing is approached in the region.
The company’s expansion plans are ambitious. After establishing a foothold in Peru, Kiwi aims to launch in Mexico in the first quarter of 2026. This expansion will be facilitated through a joint venture with a leading health group, targeting both the local healthcare industry and the growing U.S. medical tourism segment. The goal is to create a seamless experience for patients seeking care across borders.
But the vision doesn’t stop there. Kiwi has its sights set on Central America, with plans to extend its services to Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Each new market presents unique challenges and opportunities, but Kiwi is poised to adapt and thrive.
The healthcare financing gap in Latin America is not just a statistic; it’s a reality that affects millions. Kiwi is stepping into this arena with a clear mission: to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but the potential rewards are immense. If successful, Kiwi could become a beacon of hope in a region where healthcare is often out of reach.
In a world where financial barriers can dictate health outcomes, Kiwi’s approach is refreshing. It combines technology with empathy, aiming to empower patients and providers alike. The road to transformation is long, but with the right tools and a dedicated team, Kiwi is ready to make waves.
As the company gears up for its next phase, the healthcare community watches closely. Will Kiwi succeed in bridging the financing gap? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the need for change is urgent, and Kiwi is ready to answer the call. The future of healthcare financing in Latin America may just be taking flight.
Kiwi's funding consists of $2 million in pre-seed equity and $8 million in debt financing. The backers are notable figures in the investment world, lending credibility and expertise to this ambitious venture. The healthcare financing gap in Latin America is staggering. With a $60 billion out-of-pocket market and a $20 billion medical equipment market, the need for innovative solutions is urgent.
Patients often find themselves in a tight spot. They must choose between essential medical care and crippling debt. Many resort to predatory lending practices, which only exacerbate their financial woes. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, struggle to secure financing for necessary equipment and face high patient turnover due to affordability issues. Kiwi aims to tackle these challenges head-on.
The platform offers a two-sided solution. For patients, it introduces a “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) option. This allows them to finance out-of-pocket expenses directly at the point of care. It’s like a lifeline thrown to those drowning in medical bills. For healthcare professionals, Kiwi acts as a full banking platform. It provides leasing products for medical equipment and working capital solutions to enhance cash flow management. This dual approach is designed to empower both patients and providers, creating a healthier ecosystem.
Kiwi's co-founders, Sebastian and Gabriel Chirinos, understand the stakes. They recognize that the numbers tell a compelling story. A significant portion of patients in Latin America lose access to care due to financial barriers. Kiwi is built to address these inefficiencies, unlocking access to healthcare across the region.
The company has already made strides in Peru. It has signed up 73 clinics across various specialties, including dental, ophthalmology, fertility, and aesthetics. This early momentum is promising. Kiwi reports a robust pipeline of approximately 150 additional clinics ready to join its network in the coming months. This rapid onboarding reflects a clear demand for accessible healthcare financing solutions.
Kiwi's technology is another feather in its cap. The platform employs a proprietary machine learning-powered risk model. This model incorporates health-specific factors alongside traditional variables, giving Kiwi an edge over conventional lenders. It’s like having a crystal ball that helps assess financing applications more accurately. This innovative approach could revolutionize how healthcare financing is approached in the region.
The company’s expansion plans are ambitious. After establishing a foothold in Peru, Kiwi aims to launch in Mexico in the first quarter of 2026. This expansion will be facilitated through a joint venture with a leading health group, targeting both the local healthcare industry and the growing U.S. medical tourism segment. The goal is to create a seamless experience for patients seeking care across borders.
But the vision doesn’t stop there. Kiwi has its sights set on Central America, with plans to extend its services to Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Each new market presents unique challenges and opportunities, but Kiwi is poised to adapt and thrive.
The healthcare financing gap in Latin America is not just a statistic; it’s a reality that affects millions. Kiwi is stepping into this arena with a clear mission: to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but the potential rewards are immense. If successful, Kiwi could become a beacon of hope in a region where healthcare is often out of reach.
In a world where financial barriers can dictate health outcomes, Kiwi’s approach is refreshing. It combines technology with empathy, aiming to empower patients and providers alike. The road to transformation is long, but with the right tools and a dedicated team, Kiwi is ready to make waves.
As the company gears up for its next phase, the healthcare community watches closely. Will Kiwi succeed in bridging the financing gap? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the need for change is urgent, and Kiwi is ready to answer the call. The future of healthcare financing in Latin America may just be taking flight.