Otto (formerly TeleVet)

Based in Austin, Texas, Otto, formerly known as TeleVet, operates as a customer engagement platform for veterinary clinics. The company was founded in 2015 by Steven Carter and Price Fallin. Their initial mission was to simplify the connection between pet owners and veterinarians while ensuring vets were compensated for their time. Through interactions with veterinary professionals, the founders recognized broader challenges within the industry, such as staff shortages and burnout, which led them to expand their focus beyond telemedicine to improving the overall well-being of veterinary professionals.

Otto provides a subscription-based, all-in-one platform designed to streamline administrative and communication tasks for veterinary practices. The company generates revenue through these subscriptions, which give clinics access to a suite of tools. The platform integrates with existing Practice Management Systems (PIMS) like Cornerstone, Neo, and AVImark, ensuring data accuracy and saving staff time. Key features include "Otto Flow" for automating client communication, "Otto Pay" for payment processing, and "Otto Care," a customizable membership and wellness plan program. The platform also offers tools for online booking, digital forms, AI-powered scribing, and service reminders, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and improve clinic efficiency. Clinics using the platform have reported outcomes such as a 66% faster intake process, a 50% reduction in no-shows, and a 40% increase in prescription sales.

The company has secured significant funding to support its growth and product development. After a $2.3 million seed round in late 2019 and a $5 million Series A in June 2020, the company announced a major $43 million Series B funding round in August 2023. This latest round included participation from existing investors like Mercury Fund and Boehringer Ingelheim, as well as new investor Hill's Pet Nutrition. The rebranding from TeleVet to Otto coincided with this funding and reflects the company's expanded mission beyond its initial telemedicine focus to a more comprehensive customer experience platform. Zeynep Young took over as CEO in December 2022, succeeding co-founder Steven Carter.

Keywords: veterinary practice management, client engagement platform, pet-tech, veterinary software, telemedicine, PIMS integration, clinic automation, veterinary workflow, pet healthcare technology, digital prescription refills, online vet booking, veterinary payments, animal health, client communication tools, veterinary care plans, AI scribe for vets, Austin startup, veterinary operational efficiency, customer experience for vets, practice management software