Melon Health

Melon Health, founded in 2011 by Siobhan Bulfin, developed a digital health platform focused on chronic disease management and mental wellness. Initially based in Wellington, New Zealand, the company also established a presence in the United States, operating in a market alongside competitors like PatientsLikeMe and MyHealthTeam. The founder and CEO, Siobhan Bulfin, is also described as a yoga teacher and runner, with her work at Melon reflecting a passion for helping people manage their health. Over its lifetime, the venture-backed company raised capital through several funding rounds, attracting investors such as Punakaiki Fund, Techstars, and Cure Kids Ventures.

The core of Melon Health's business was a mobile and web-based application that combined behavioral science with technology to deliver evidence-based wellness programs. This digital platform was designed to help individuals manage their own health through education, behavior change tools, remote monitoring, and support from peers and professionals. It provided a suite of services for conditions such as diabetes prevention, smoking cessation, and mental wellbeing, offering resources like a health journal, articles, videos, and podcasts. The business model targeted healthcare providers, health insurance companies, and employers, enabling them to offer scalable and personalized care to their members or employees. A significant milestone was achieved when Melon Health became an approved national provider for the U.S. Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Diabetes Prevention Program, leading to a partnership with Oscar Health in San Francisco.

Despite its recognized product and some success in securing contracts in both New Zealand and the U.S., the company faced financial difficulties. An unsuccessful U.S. market entry and challenges following the centralization of New Zealand's District Health Boards contributed to cashflow constraints. After failing to secure additional funding, Melon Health's business and assets were sold to Pegasus Health, a Canterbury-based primary health organization, in March 2023. The deal ensured the continuation of the platform and the retention of staff, including the founder. Following the asset sale, the original company was placed into liquidation.

Keywords: digital health platform, chronic disease management, mental wellness, patient engagement, health coaching, behavior change, self-management tools, remote patient monitoring, diabetes prevention program, population health management, healthcare technology, mobile health app, telehealth, corporate wellness, New Zealand healthtech, Pegasus Health, Siobhan Bulfin, digital therapeutics, patient support, health insurance solutions