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Export of Doctolib service to the Latvian market

1. ABOUT THE PRODUCT

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.

2. POSSIBLE ENTRY MODES TO LATVIA MARKET

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.

● Establishing a local subsidiary or office to build relationships with healthcare


providers, government agencies, and regulatory bodies in Latvia.
● Developing partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer Doctolib's services to
their patients.
● Partnering with insurance companies or employers to offer Doctolib's services as part
of their healthcare benefits packages.

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

● Partnering with a local telemedicine provider, such as Telemed.lv or Tele2 Doctor, to


offer Doctolib's services to their patient base.
● Partnering with a local hospital or healthcare network, such as Riga Eastern
University Hospital or Latvian Medical Association, to offer Doctolib's services to their
patients and members.
● Partnering with a local medical association or professional organization, such as the
Latvian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians or the Latvian Dental
Association, to promote Doctolib's services to their members.
Acquisition of a local company: Another option for Doctolib would be to acquire a local
company that already has a presence in the Latvian market. This would allow Doctolib to
quickly establish a local presence and build relationships with local stakeholders.

● Acquiring a local telemedicine provider, such as Telemed.lv or Tele2 Doctor, to


quickly establish a presence in the Latvian market.
● Acquiring a local healthcare technology company, such as Doctus or CgM, to
leverage their expertise in the Latvian healthcare market and accelerate Doctolib's
growth in the region.
● Acquiring a local healthcare network or hospital, such as Riga Eastern University
Hospital or Latvian Hospital Association, to gain access to their patient base and
expand Doctolib's services in Latvia.

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

successful entry into a new market.

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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.

According to a report by Market Research Future, the telemedicine market in Europe is


expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.8% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023. The
market is driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising
healthcare costs, and advancements in telecommunication technologies.

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:

eMedicine: eMedicine is a Latvian telemedicine platform that offers remote consultations


with doctors and specialists. The platform allows patients to schedule appointments, receive
medical advice, and get prescriptions online.

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.

Tele2Doctor: Tele2Doctor is a Latvian telemedicine platform that offers remote consultations


with doctors and specialists. The platform allows patients to schedule appointments and
receive medical advice through video or phone consultations.

It is important to note that the competitive landscape in the telemedicine industry is


constantly evolving, and new players can emerge at any time. Conducting regular market
research can help identify potential competitors and stay up-to-date on market trends and
changes.

3.3. Determine regulatory requirements: Understand the regulatory requirements and


compliance standards for telemedicine services in Latvia. This can include researching the
local laws and regulations that govern healthcare services and telemedicine, such as
licensing requirements and data privacy laws.

Here are some key regulatory requirements and compliance standards that Doctolib should
be aware of when entering the Latvian market with its telemedicine services:

Licensing and registration requirements: In Latvia, telemedicine providers are required to


register with the Health Inspectorate and obtain a license to provide telemedicine services.
The registration process involves submitting detailed information about the provider's
services, technology, and personnel, as well as complying with local data protection and
confidentiality regulations.

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.

Professional standards and guidelines: In Latvia, telemedicine providers are expected to


adhere to the same professional standards and guidelines as traditional healthcare
providers. This includes providing high-quality care, maintaining accurate and complete
patient records, and complying with local medical ethics and legal requirements.

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:

Healthcare providers: Collaborating with local healthcare providers, such as hospitals,


clinics, and private practices, can help establish credibility and build trust in the Latvian
market. Working with healthcare providers to promote Doctolib's platform and services can
help increase adoption among patients and providers.

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.

Professional organizations: Collaborating with professional organizations, such as medical


associations and healthcare trade groups, can help establish credibility and build
relationships with key stakeholders in the industry. In Latvia, the Latvian Medical Association
and the Latvian Association of Family Physicians are examples of such organizations.

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.

Accessibility: In addition to convenience, Latvian patients may be looking for telemedicine


services that are accessible and user-friendly, particularly for elderly or disabled patients
who may have difficulty using complex technology. Doctolib will need to ensure that its
platform is easy to use and accessible for all patients, regardless of their age or technical
proficiency.

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.

4. COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES THAT CAN DIFFER DOCTORLIB FROM LATVIAN’S


COMPETITIORS

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.

Some of Doctolib's key competitive advantages include:

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.

Extensive network: Doctolib has a large network of healthcare providers, including


doctors, specialists, and healthcare facilities. This can help ensure that patients have access
to a wide range of healthcare services and 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.

5. PESTEL ANALYSIS FOR DOCTORLIB EXPORT TO LATVIA -> ALEXIA


telemedicine services

Political factors:

Latvia is a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a stable political system


that is generally favorable to foreign investment. The Latvian government has been actively
promoting the development of e-health and telemedicine services, with initiatives such as
the National e-Health Strategy and the establishment of the Latvian Telemedicine Society.
However, there may be some regulatory hurdles to overcome, such as compliance with data
privacy laws and obtaining the necessary licenses to operate in Latvia.

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.

National Development Plan: Latvia's National Development Plan is a long-term strategic


plan that aims to promote sustainable economic growth and social development. The
plan includes initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship, improve infrastructure,
and promote regional development. It programmes Latvia’s commitments to achieve the
Latvian Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 (Latvia2030), the UN Sustainable
Development Goals and to improve the quality of life in Latvia over the next seven years.

- 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.

“We’re fully committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of your gender,


religion, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability or place of origin, and we are proud that
our employees can feel valued and accepted for who they are.”

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.

1. TRANSITION REPORT 2022-23, BUSINESS UNUSUAL, https://www.ebrd.com/transition-


report-2022-23

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.

2. TRANSITION REPORT 2022-23, BUSINESS UNUSUAL, https://www.ebrd.com/transition-


report-2022-23

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.

Can you provide recommendations on how to adapt Doctolib to those specificities?


What can be the solutions?

Sure, here are some recommendations for adapting Doctolib to the specificities of the
Latvian market:

Addressing regulatory challenges:


To address the regulatory challenges related to data privacy laws and licensing/certification
requirements, Doctolib may consider the following solutions:
● Working with local legal experts to ensure compliance with Latvian regulations and
the GDPR.

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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.

Addressing cultural challenges:


● To address the cultural challenges related to face-to-face consultations, language
barriers, and trust in telemedicine, Doctolib may consider the following solutions:
● Working with local healthcare providers to promote telemedicine services and
educate patients about the benefits of remote consultations.
● Offering language-specific versions of the Doctolib platform and recruiting healthcare
providers who are fluent in Latvian to provide telemedicine services.
● Building trust with Latvian patients by establishing partnerships with local healthcare
providers and developing a reputation for high-quality telemedicine services.
● Developing a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and encourages patient
engagement to build trust and overcome cultural barriers.

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.

6. FIND A BALTIC START-UP WITH WHICH YOU COULD COOPERATE TO ASSIST


THEM IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND/OR IN ENTERING THE FRENCH MARKET
OR GLOBAL MARKET. EXPLAIN YOUR CONTRIBUTION, POTENTIAL SYNERGY AND
THE MAIN IDEA FOR THE COOPERATION AGREEMENT.

Start-up: Longenesis
Country: Latvia
Sector: Healthcare, Biotechnology, and Data Science

Longenesis is a Latvian start-up focused on developing life data economy solutions,


leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The company
specializes in creating a decentralized ecosystem for the exchange of medical and
health-related data, fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, including
researchers, healthcare providers, and patients.

Contribution and Potential Synergy:

1. Data exchange and interoperability: Longenesis can assist Doctolib in creating


a secure and decentralized data exchange platform, enabling seamless
sharing of patient records and medical data among healthcare professionals
and institutions.

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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.

Main Idea for the Cooperation Agreement:

The cooperation agreement between Doctolib and Longenesis would focus on a


strategic partnership aimed at enhancing data exchange, interoperability, and
innovation in digital healthcare solutions. The partnership would involve:

1. Collaboration on the development of a secure and decentralized data


exchange platform, integrating blockchain and AI technologies to improve
data management, security, and analytics for Doctolib users.
2. Joint research initiatives and projects leveraging shared medical and health-
related data to identify best practices, improve patient outcomes, and develop
new digital health solutions.
3. Cross-promotion and marketing efforts to support Doctolib's expansion into
the Latvian and Baltic markets, with Longenesis providing local insights and
connections to healthcare providers and institutions.
4. Sharing of resources, expertise, and networks to foster innovation and
collaboration in the digital healthcare space, targeting both the European and
global markets.

The partnership would be mutually beneficial, allowing Doctolib to tap into


Longenesis' expertise in blockchain, AI, and data-driven research while expanding
into the Baltic market. In return, Longenesis would benefit from Doctolib's experience
in the digital health sector and gain exposure to the French and global markets.

Doctolib can contribute to Longenesis' development and expansion in several ways:

1. Market Access: Doctolib, as a leading telemedicine and medical appointment


booking platform in France and Europe, has an extensive network of
healthcare professionals and institutions. By partnering with Doctolib,
Longenesis can gain access to this network, facilitating its entry into the
French and global markets.
2. Regulatory Expertise: Doctolib has experience navigating complex healthcare
regulations and data privacy requirements in the European market, particularly
in France. This expertise can be invaluable for Longenesis as it seeks to
expand its presence and ensure compliance with local regulations.
3. Integration with Existing Services: Doctolib can help Longenesis integrate its
blockchain and AI-powered data exchange platform with Doctolib's
telemedicine and appointment booking services. This integration can provide

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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.

4. Co-development and Innovation: Doctolib can collaborate with Longenesis in


the development of new digital health solutions that leverage the strengths of
both companies. Doctolib's experience in telemedicine and patient
management can complement Longenesis' expertise in blockchain, AI, and
data exchange, resulting in innovative solutions that address the needs of
healthcare providers and patients in the French and global markets.

5. Co-marketing and Branding: Doctolib's strong brand presence and reputation


in the digital healthcare space can help Longenesis establish its credibility
and visibility in the French and global markets. Joint marketing initiatives,
such as co-hosting events, webinars, and promotional campaigns, can raise
awareness of Longenesis' solutions among healthcare professionals and
institutions, driving user adoption and market growth.
6. Financial Support: As an established company with substantial resources,
Doctolib may offer financial support or investment in Longenesis to
accelerate its product development and market expansion efforts. This
support can enable Longenesis to scale its operations more rapidly and
achieve its growth objectives.

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.

CONSIDER HOW STARTUP CAN BENEFIT FROM OUR COOPERATION, ENTER


FRENCH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES IF NEEDED OR ANY OTHER

ONE OF THE SLIDES - MARKET MATERIALS THAT EXPLAINS TO POTENTIAL USERS


ITS VALUE

- Our client? Is he able to pay? Do we have credibility?


- Why our offer is a better choice? How advanced is our value chain? Quality/price relation?
- What is our potential? Marketing skills? Productivity? Qualified labour? Any core
competence or only being at the right place at the right time?

PESTEL Analysis should be included in presentation:


● FOR FRENCH EXPORTER

15
● FOR FRENCH START-UP INVESTOR AND PARTNER

LITERATURE SOURCES
TAXATION SYSTEMS THAT ARE RELEVANT FOR YOUR PROJECT
REFERENCE STYLE: APA
MANY COMPANIES FROM BALTIC REGION CORPORATE WITH ESTBAN
ESTONIAN STARTUP DATABASE

FOODOCS
HOFSTEDE

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