// startup autopsy
DocWay
Brazil's COVID telehealth darling that couldn't survive the return to normal.
unit economicsSlow Death
Years-long decline before final shutdown
| Founded | 2015 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2023 |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Healthtech |
| Founder | Marcelo Pimenta |
// the model, blind
Evaluating only DocWay’s profile at its peak — without knowing the outcome — the model ranked Unit economics as the #1 likely cause. That’s exactly how it died.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
DocWay founded in São Paulo to connect patients with doctors via video consultations.
FUNDING
Raised R$20M in Series A amid COVID-19 telehealth surge; user base tripled in 6 months.
LAYOFF
First round of layoffs — 40 employees cut as post-COVID demand normalised and insurer reimbursements stalled.
SHUTDOWN
Operations suspended after Series B talks collapsed; 80% of remaining staff laid off.