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Doing Business in Baltic Countries - Assignement
Doing Business in Baltic Countries - Assignement
Doctolib: Doctolib is a French health-tech startup that provides an online booking platform
for medical appointments. The company's platform allows patients to book appointments
with doctors and other healthcare providers, access their medical records, and receive
reminders for upcoming appointments. Doctolib has gained popularity in France and
Germany and has recently expanded to other European countries but is not currently
available in Latvia.
Doctolib was founded in 2013 by Stanislas Niox-Chateau and Ivan Schneider in France. The
company was created with the goal of digitizing healthcare and making it easier for patients
to access medical services. Doctolib provides a range of services, including online
appointment booking, telemedicine consultations, and medical record management.
Since its founding, Doctolib has grown rapidly and now serves more than 300,000
healthcare providers registered in the system in France, Germany, Italy (key markets)
and other European countries.
The startup’s growth has been bolstered by the Covid crisis, which has democratized online
appointment booking and remote consulting, especially since Doctolib became the official
platform in France for arranging screening tests or vaccinations either at a dedicated center
or an approved healthcare practitioner’s.
Doctolib had previously raised €400 million. Its last fundraising round was in 2019 when it
secured €150 million. In 2022, Doctolib has raised 500 million euros in a new surprise
operation led by its historical (French) investors Bpifrance and Eurazeo. The valuation of the
new health giant stands at 5.8 billion euros, beyond Back Market, Qonto and Sorare, which
competed for the first place of the biggest French unicorns at the start of the year.
Almost a decade after its launch, Doctolib has topped the ranks of French unicorn startups.
Among professionals, the heart of its business model, 150,000 have subscribed to its offers
for dematerialized tools (100,000 new in 2021). With the new fundraising, the importance will
be to reach more and more professions: medical specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.
Doctolib is working on an instant messaging system so that professionals can chat and send
files to each other quickly and securely.
The deployment of the Doctolib brand internationally is also a matter of life or death.
Doctolib is still not profitable and the management teams, behind the founder and CEO
Stanislas Niox-Chateau, favor growth over profitability. The first step of Doctolib abroad was
German. In October 2021, it opened up to the Italian market with a spectacular takeover of
its competitor Dottori for 250 million euros.
In terms of entry modes to the Latvian market, Doctolib may consider the following options:
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Direct market entry: Doctolib could enter the Latvian market directly by establishing a local
presence, building relationships with healthcare providers and regulatory bodies, and
developing a marketing strategy to promote its services.
Partnership with local stakeholders: Doctolib could also consider partnering with local
healthcare providers, hospitals, or government agencies to establish a presence in the
Latvian market. By leveraging the expertise and local knowledge of these stakeholders,
Doctolib could accelerate its entry into the market and build a stronger presence more
quickly.
Doctolib can leverage its local expertise and relationships to establish a foothold in the
market while building trust with local patients and provide
By partnering with a local telemedicine provider, such as Telemed.lv or Tele2 Doctor, to offer
Doctolib's services to their patient ba
Ultimately, the entry mode that Doctolib chooses will depend on a variety of factors,
including the company's resources, expertise, and strategic goals. By carefully considering
the opportunities and challenges presented by the Latvian market, Doctolib can develop a
tailored entry strategy that maximizes its chances of success.
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WHICH ENTRY MODE IS BETTER TO CHOOSE?
Based on the results of the PESTEL analysis, there are a number of factors that Doctolib
should consider when deciding on an entry mode into the Latvian market. One key
consideration is the regulatory environment, which is relatively complex and may require
Doctolib to partner with local stakeholders or establish a local subsidiary in order to navigate
the local legal and regulatory requirements.
Given these factors, a partnership with local stakeholders may be the best entry mode
for Doctolib to enter the Latvian market. By partnering with a local telemedicine provider
or healthcare network, Doctolib can leverage their local expertise and relationships to
establish a foothold in the market, while also building trust with local patients and providers.
Another key consideration is the cultural differences between France and Latvia. By
partnering with a local stakeholder, Doctolib can also gain valuable insights into the
local healthcare culture and tailor its services to meet the unique needs of Latvian
patients and providers.
That being said, the optimal entry mode for Doctolib will depend on a number of factors,
including its specific goals and priorities in the Latvian market, as well as the availability of
local partners and acquisition targets. Ultimately, Doctolib should carefully evaluate all of its
options and choose the entry mode that best aligns with its strategic goals and maximizes its
chances for success in the Latvian market.
For the French startup Doctolib, partnering with local stakeholders, such as hospitals or
healthcare networks, would be the best entry mode for several reasons:
1. Local Expertise: Local stakeholders have deep knowledge and understanding of the local
healthcare system, regulations, and patient preferences. Partnering with them allows
Doctolib to leverage their expertise and insights to navigate the market effectively.
2. Established Relationships: Local stakeholders already have established relationships
with healthcare providers, professionals, and patients. By partnering with them, Doctolib
can gain access to these networks and benefit from their existing trust and credibility.
3. Market Access: Partnering with local stakeholders provides Doctolib with direct market
access. It allows them to tap into the local customer base, reach a wider audience, and
establish a presence in the market more quickly than starting from scratch.
4. Local Integration: Partnering with local stakeholders helps Doctolib integrate seamlessly
into the local healthcare ecosystem. It enables them to align their services and offerings
with the specific needs and preferences of the local market, increasing their chances of
success.
Overall, partnering with local stakeholders offers Doctolib a strategic advantage by capitalizing
on local expertise, relationships, market access, and integration, which are crucial for a
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3. MARKET RESEARCH FOR DOCTORLIB’S EXPORT TO LATVIA
3.1. Identify the market size and potential: Determine the size of the Latvian market for
telemedicine and identify the potential demand for Doctolib's services. This can include
analyzing population demographics, healthcare spending, and market trends in Latvia.
In Latvia, the healthcare system is largely funded by the government, and there is a growing
interest in telemedicine services as a way to increase access to healthcare, especially in
rural areas where access to medical care can be limited. According to a report by the
European Commission, telemedicine services are currently offered in Latvia by both public
and private providers, and there is a growing interest in the use of telemedicine to improve
access to medical care.
As of 2021, there are several telemedicine platforms operating in Latvia, such as eMedicine,
TeleMed, and Tele2Doctor, as well as foreign platforms such as Zava. However, there may
still be potential demand for Doctolib's services in the Latvian market, especially if it can offer
unique features or services that are not currently available.
Overall, the size of the Latvian market for telemedicine is still relatively small compared to
other European countries, but it is growing, and there may be opportunities for Doctolib to
establish itself as a key player in the market. Conducting further market research and
analyzing patient and provider needs can help determine the potential demand for Doctolib's
services in Latvia.
3.2. Analyze competition: Research the competitive landscape in Latvia for telemedicine
services and identify any existing players in the market. Determine their strengths and
weaknesses, and understand what makes Doctolib's platform unique and different from
competitors.
In the Latvian market, Doctolib could face competition from other telemedicine platforms and
healthcare providers offering similar services. Here are some potential competitors to
consider:
TeleMed: TeleMed is a Latvian telemedicine platform that provides online consultations with
general practitioners and specialists. The platform offers a range of services, including
remote monitoring and follow-up consultations.
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Zava: Zava is a UK-based telemedicine platform that has recently expanded to the Latvian
market. The platform provides online consultations with doctors, allows patients to order
prescription medications online, and offers sexual health services.
Here are some key regulatory requirements and compliance standards that Doctolib should
be aware of when entering the Latvian market with its telemedicine services:
Data protection and confidentiality: Telemedicine providers in Latvia are required to comply
with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Latvian Personal Data
Processing Law. Providers must ensure that patient data is stored securely and protected
against unauthorized access, and must obtain patient consent before collecting, storing, or
processing any personal health information.
Reimbursement and billing: Currently, telemedicine services in Latvia are not covered by the
national healthcare system, and reimbursement for these services is typically arranged on a
case-by-case basis between the patient and the provider. However, there are ongoing efforts
to expand reimbursement options for telemedicine services, so Doctolib may need to stay
updated on any changes to the reimbursement landscape.
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Overall, Doctolib will need to ensure that its telemedicine services comply with all relevant
regulatory requirements and professional standards in Latvia in order to build trust with local
patients and providers, and to avoid any legal or compliance issues down the line.
3.4. Identify potential partners and collaborators: Research potential partners and
collaborators in Latvia that can help establish Doctolib's presence in the market. This can
include healthcare providers, healthtech startups, government agencies, and professional
organizations.
If you are considering exporting Doctolib to the Latvian market, there may be potential to
collaborate with local startups and stakeholders in the healthcare and technology sectors.
Here are some potential collaborations to consider:
Healthtech startups: Collaborating with local healthtech startups can help establish a
network and build relationships with other players in the industry. Healthtech startups in
Latvia, such as TeleMed, have developed telemedicine platforms and could potentially offer
complementary services to Doctolib's platform.
Government agencies: Collaborating with local government agencies can help navigate the
regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. In Latvia, the
Ministry of Health and the State Health Inspectorate are responsible for regulating
healthcare and telemedicine services.
It is important to note that establishing partnerships and collaborations takes time and effort,
and it is essential to build trust and establish a strong network in the Latvian market.
Conducting market research and identifying the needs and preferences of local stakeholders
can help inform the development of a successful export strategy for Doctolib in Latvia.
3.5. Conduct customer research: Conduct research to understand the needs and
preferences of potential customers in Latvia. This can include surveying patients and
healthcare providers to gather feedback on telemedicine services, as well as conducting
focus groups to better understand customer preferences and expectations.
Based on research and analysis of the Latvian healthcare market, here are some potential
needs and preferences of potential customers of Doctolib in Latvia:
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Convenience: Latvian patients may be looking for a more convenient and accessible way to
access healthcare services, particularly for routine medical issues that do not require an in-
person visit. Telemedicine services like Doctolib that allow patients to receive care from the
comfort of their own homes may be particularly attractive.
Cost-effectiveness: Latvian patients may also be looking for more cost-effective healthcare
options, particularly if they are paying for healthcare out of pocket. Telemedicine services
like Doctolib may be able to offer more affordable options for routine care, particularly if they
are able to offer lower prices than traditional in-person consultations.
Quality of care: Despite the convenience and cost savings offered by telemedicine, Latvian
patients are likely to prioritize high-quality care and may be hesitant to use telemedicine
services that they perceive as lower quality than traditional in-person consultations. Doctolib
will need to ensure that its services meet or exceed local quality standards in order to build
trust with patients and healthcare providers.
Multilingual support: Latvia has a diverse population, and many patients may prefer to
receive care in languages other than Latvian. Doctolib could potentially offer multilingual
support for patients who prefer to receive care in other languages, in order to meet the
needs of this population.
Overall, Doctolib will need to carefully consider the needs and preferences of Latvian
patients in order to tailor its services to this market and build a strong customer base.
Doctolib has several competitive advantages that differentiate it from other telemedicine
platforms, including those operating in Latvia such as eMedicine, TeleMed, and Tele2Doctor,
as well as foreign platforms such as Zava.
Integrated platform: Doctolib's platform is designed to integrate all aspects of the patient
journey, from appointment booking to video consultations and follow-up care. This
integrated approach can help improve efficiency and patient satisfaction, as well as reduce
administrative burden for healthcare providers.
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Customizable features: Doctolib's platform can be customized to meet the needs of
different healthcare providers, including private practices, hospitals, and healthcare
networks. This can help ensure that the platform meets the specific needs of each provider
and their patients.
High-quality user experience: Doctolib places a strong emphasis on user experience and
design, with a focus on making the platform easy to use and navigate for both patients and
healthcare providers.
Strong privacy and security measures: Doctolib has strong privacy and security measures in
place to protect patient data, including encryption and secure data storage.
These competitive advantages can help Doctolib differentiate itself from other telemedicine
platforms in the Latvian market and potentially attract new customers. However, it's
important to note that the competitive landscape in the telemedicine industry is constantly
evolving, and new players can emerge at any time.
Political factors:
Latvia introduced new mechanisms to pay for telemedicine services, including both
global budgets and fee-for-service. In Latvia, both global budgets and fee-for-service
are used to pay telemedicine providers. Fee-for-service is used by key purchasers to
pay for teleconsultations provided by general practitioners and some specialists,
while global budgets are used by specific specialists (e.g. specialists providing care
for patients with rare diseases, patients with cystic fibrosis, children with mood
disorders, among others).
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- https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/168d03c5-en/index.html?itemId=/
content/component/168d03c5-en
Economic factors:
Latvia has a small, open economy that is heavily reliant on exports. The country's GDP per
capita is lower than the EU average, and the healthcare sector is largely funded by the
government. However, there is growing interest in private healthcare services, especially in
urban areas. The potential demand for telemedicine services in Latvia is expected to grow
due to factors such as the aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic
diseases.
- https://www.pkc.gov.lv/sites/default/files/inline-files/Summary_Latvian%20National
%20Development%20Plan%202021-2027_final_pdf.pdf
Sociocultural factors:
Latvia has a relatively homogeneous population, with Latvians comprising the majority of the
population. There is a growing interest in digital health and telemedicine services among
Latvians, especially younger generations who are more comfortable using technology for
healthcare. However, there may be some cultural barriers to overcome, such as the
preference for face-to-face consultations and concerns about the quality of remote
consultations.
One key point for Latsia in 2023 if for the authorities to focus on designing and putting in
place comprehensive inclusion measures. The country’s National Recovery and Resilience
Plan (NRRP) contains measures designed to reduce labour shortages, skills mismatches
and income inequality, and bridge the digital divide.
The health system is confronted with a double burden of high rates of infectious diseases
and the growing challenge of noncommunicable diseases. In terms of causes of death
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that can be mainly avoided through timely and effective health care interventions, Latvia
reported the second highest mortality rate from amendable causes in the EU in 2019. A
major challenge is the comparably low level of resources available for health care services,
which hampers efforts to improve health outcomes.
- Latvia, Health system summary 2022, European Observatory on Health System and
policies
Health workers and health facilities in Latvia are mainly concentrated in urban areas, leading
to equity and accessibility issues, especially for rural populations (Villerusa et al., 2015). For
example, about 52% of GP practices are based in the Greater Rīga Area, with the
accessibility of primary care gradually decreasing with increasing distance from Rīga. There
is a similar pattern for specialist care. Regional hospital networks are being created to
overcome the unequal distribution, with centralization and specialization of services and the
development of telemedicine.
- Latvia, Health system summary 2022, European Observatory on Health System and
policies
Technological factors:
Latvia has a relatively high level of internet penetration and mobile phone usage, which can
support the adoption of telemedicine services. The country also has a well-developed
telecommunications infrastructure, which can support the delivery of high-quality
telemedicine services. However, there may be some challenges related to access to
technology, especially in rural areas.
Latsavian authorities are targeting digital, inclusion and rule-of-law reforms in the early
implementation stages of the RRF. In June 2022, following the completion of nine reform
targets, Latvia requested that the European Commission disburse the first tranche of the
country’s €1.8 billion RRF allocation. The Commission provided a positive preliminary
assessment of the milestones, which were achieved in the key areas of digital transition,
inclusion and rule of law. Inclusion measures comprise the development of a minimum
income support strategic framework, as well as amendments to existing rental legislation to
improve affordable housing in the country.
In the area of digital transformation, the country adopted two important frameworks on the
organisation of remote learning in educational institutions and the development of last-mile
broadband connection infrastructure, helping to narrow the digital divide. Improvements in
public procurement were achieved, with the establishment of a regulatory framework to
reduce corruption risks and improve the competition environment.
Environmental factors:
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“In April 2022, we disclosed our first carbon assessment audit. This study, updated
yearly, evaluates the 3 scopes of CO2 emissions at Doctolib. This analysis serves to
build our yearly sustainability roadmap, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions and
increase our positive impact on the environment. We align our roadmap with
international reduction targets set out by the Paris Agreement for the private sector,
and design it according to the Net-Zero Initiative Framework as well as the Science
Based Target initiatives (SBTi).”
Latvia has issued its first sustainability bond. The bond, issued in December 2021 with
an eight-year maturity, raised €600 million. The first among the Baltic and Nordic countries to
issue a sovereign sustainability bond, Latvia established a sustainability bond framework in
order to attract investments to support the country’s green agenda, in line with its financial
development plan 2022-23. The issuance attracted strong interest from more than 120
investors, with an order book exceeding €2.5 billion.
Legal factors:
Latvia has a well-developed legal system that is generally favorable to foreign investment.
However, there may be some legal challenges related to compliance with data privacy laws
and obtaining the necessary licenses to operate in Latvia. Doctolib will need to ensure that it
complies with all relevant regulations and obtains the necessary licenses to operate in
Latvia.
In Latvia, there are no detailed regulations or requirements for telemedicine. Thus, the
general requirements for healthcare services apply, in particular the Medical Treatment
Law (MTL), which regulates qualified prophylaxis, diagnosis, and the medical treatment and
rehabilitation of patients, and determines special provisions for the economic activity of
medical treatment institutions.
- https://www.sorainen.com/publications/legal-aspects-of-telemedicine-in-belarus-and-
the-baltic-states/#latvia
Overall, the PESTEL analysis suggests that there may be opportunities for Doctolib to export
its services to Latvia, but it will need to navigate regulatory and cultural challenges and adapt
its platform to meet the specific needs of the Latvian market.
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CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT REGULATORY AND CULTURAL CHALLENGES
THAT WE NEED TO CONSIDER IN ADAPTING THE DOCTOLIB TO LATVIAN MARKET?
Sure, here are some regulatory and cultural challenges that Doctolib may need to consider
when adapting its platform to the Latvian market:
Regulatory challenges:
One of the main regulatory challenges that Doctolib may face when entering the Latvian
market is compliance with data privacy laws, particularly the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR). The GDPR is a European Union regulation that governs how
companies collect, store, and use personal data, and it applies to companies that process
the personal data of EU citizens. Doctolib will need to ensure that it complies with all relevant
GDPR requirements when collecting and processing patient data in Latvia.
Doctolib may also need to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications to operate in
Latvia, such as the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system certification, which is required for
all e-health systems that store patient data.
Cultural challenges:
One of the main cultural challenges that Doctolib may face in the Latvian market is a
preference for face-to-face consultations. In Latvia, many people still prefer to visit a doctor
in person rather than have a remote consultation. Doctolib may need to develop strategies to
address this cultural barrier, such as educating patients about the benefits of telemedicine
and working with healthcare providers to promote telemedicine services.
Another cultural challenge that Doctolib may face in Latvia is language barriers. While
English is widely spoken in Latvia, Latvian is the official language and many patients may
prefer to receive healthcare services in Latvian. Doctolib may need to develop language-
specific versions of its platform and recruit healthcare providers who are fluent in Latvian to
provide telemedicine services.
Finally, there may be some cultural barriers related to trust in telemedicine services. In
Latvia, many people still prefer to receive healthcare services from a trusted, local provider
rather than a remote provider. Doctolib may need to build trust with Latvian patients by
establishing partnerships with local healthcare providers and developing a reputation for
high-quality telemedicine services.
Sure, here are some recommendations for adapting Doctolib to the specificities of the
Latvian market:
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● Obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses to operate in Latvia, such as the
EHR system certification.
● Building a secure, user-friendly platform that protects patient data and complies with
GDPR requirements.
● Educating patients about how Doctolib collects, stores, and uses their data to build
trust and ensure compliance with GDPR.
Overall, adapting Doctolib to the specificities of the Latvian market will require a combination
of regulatory compliance, cultural sensitivity, and strategic partnerships with local
stakeholders. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the
Latvian market, Doctolib can develop targeted solutions to address these issues and deliver
high-quality telemedicine services to Latvian patients.
Start-up: Longenesis
Country: Latvia
Sector: Healthcare, Biotechnology, and Data Science
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2. Blockchain and AI technologies: Longenesis' expertise in blockchain and AI
can help Doctolib integrate these technologies into their platform to enhance
data security, transparency, and analytics capabilities.
3. Research and innovation: Longenesis' focus on promoting data-driven
research can contribute to the development of new digital health solutions
and the identification of best practices, benefiting both Doctolib and the
broader healthcare community.
4. Expansion in the Baltic region: Longenesis' presence and connections in the
Latvian and Baltic markets can support Doctolib's entry into these regions,
facilitating collaborations with local healthcare providers and institutions.
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Longenesis with a broader user base, generate more data for its platform, and
enable healthcare providers to benefit from seamless data sharing and
improved analytics capabilities.
Through this strategic partnership, both Doctolib and Longenesis can benefit from
each other's expertise, networks, and resources to achieve their respective growth
goals and jointly contribute to the advancement of digital health solutions in the
French and global markets.
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● FOR FRENCH START-UP INVESTOR AND PARTNER
LITERATURE SOURCES
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REFERENCE STYLE: APA
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