TORONTO – Telus’ strategic investment arm, Telus Ventures, has added Canadian startup League, a digital employee health benefits platform, to its portfolio alongside other companies innovating in virtual care, mental health, personal health records, wellness, and patient engagement.
League Inc.’s suite of apps are designed to reduce the total operating costs for companies delivering benefits programs, while simplifying the process for administrators and increasing engagement with employees to improve health outcomes. The apps include a digital wallet that employers can customize for their specific needs; chat-based, always-on health navigation; behaviour-based health rewards; and a marketplace where members can access exclusive deals on health and wellness products and services.
League said Tuesday that it raised $62 million in this funding round which will enable it to open new offices in San Francisco, New York and London as it expands operations in the UK and European Union starting next year. It is licensed to operate in all 50 U.S. states after its launch Stateside in 2017.
Telus Ventures was the lead investor in this funding round, and its managing director Rich Osborn will also hold a seat on League’s board.
“We believe that innovative companies like League that deliver compelling consumer-centric experiences will not only drive high employee and employer engagement, but will also deliver fundamental improvements in health outcomes for Canadians through their carrier friendly open platform,” said Osborn, in a statement. “I’m pleased to support the League team as a new board member and add the company to our venture portfolio alongside others innovating in virtual care, mental health, personal health records, wellness, and population health management.”
League also secured funding from Wittington Ventures, OMERS, Infinite Potential Group, RBC Ventures, Real Ventures and BDC Ventures.
“Employers experiencing the war for talent, skyrocketing healthcare costs, and the mental health epidemic are rapidly recognizing that a new approach to benefits will give them a competitive advantage,” added League’s founder and CEO Mike Serbinis. “Health benefits represent a tremendous opportunity to improv e the lives and health outcomes for employees, but they’re not currently driving the business value employers should expect from their investment. League gives them greater control over their spend while delivering an unparalleled employee experience that maximizes both health and productivity.”
