Doctors microdose AI receptionist with another $3.5 million in Seed funding

The round for Medow Health AI follows a $3m raise in November last year, plus $2m in January 2025.

The AI platform, which began as an AI scribe for medical reports for specialist doctors, was founded in 2023 by Joel Freiberg, who has Crohn’s disease, and his brother Josh, inspired by their father, a respiratory physician, and the time he spent doing admin after work.

The three raises have been lumped together as an $8.5m Seed round.

Returning investors include Chris O’Brien Lifehouse CEO Professor Michael Boyer and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Michael Solomon.

Medow’s new AI Front Desk answers incoming calls, manages appointments through a clinic’s existing practice management system and sends patient messages to clinical staff. Calls can be redirected to receptionists when human assistance is required.

Cofounder Joel Freiberg said said up to half of patient calls to specialist clinics could go unanswered because of rising demand, staff shortages and the need for receptionists to prioritise patients already in the clinic.

“When calls go unanswered, it can directly impact the patient and make it harder for them to get the help they need, whether that’s an appointment, results or a repeat prescription,” he said.

“AI Front Desk makes sure that every call gets answered, triaged and prioritised.

“This is a pivotal shift in our business as we’re moving to a multi-product platform and servicing the entire clinic, not just the doctors.”

The company said the product is now used by more than 1,000 specialist clinics across Australia and New Zealand and predicts it expects to process around three million specialist consultations in 2026.