LetsGetChecked's value breaks $1bn 'unicorn' barrier following $150m fundraising

Irish healthcare company LetsGetChecked has raised $150m in new funding, giving it a valuation of more than $1 billion.

The latest financing round was led by New York-based Casdin Capital, with investment coming from a number of venture capital firms including CommonFund Capital, Illumina Ventures, and Optum Ventures.

Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has also invested in the firm.

LetsGetChecked was founded in Dublin in 2015 and specialises in virtual healthcare, including telehealth services and at-home testing kits.

It has offices in Dublin and New York, employing more than 600 people globally. In February it also opened a new laboratory in Dublin.

The company said the new funding would go towards its international expansion, as well as an expansion in the services it offers to customers.

This, it said, would allow more customers to diagnose and manage conditions virtually.

"Now more than ever, we are seeing unprecedented demand for at-home diagnostics and care as an alternative to traditional in-person medical visits," said CEO Peter Foley. "We are moving beyond just providing services that empower consumers to take agency over their own health.

"We are expanding into new offerings like telehealth services and prescriptions to even further fulfill our mission to help people live longer, happier lives."

The company's fourth investment round brings to $260m the amount it has raised so far. It also makes it the latest Irish firm to achieve 'unicorn’ status - where a privately-held startup reaches a valuation of more than $1 billion.

Others include financial technology firm Fenergo and human resources technology firm WorkHuman.

Reporting: RTE News