Go1 co-founders raised $2.5m for OneMRI, offering whole-body MRI scans to detect over 500 conditions before symptoms appear.
What’s happening: Brisbane healthtech startup OneMRI has raised $2.5 million to expand whole-body MRI scans across Australia, targeting the growing market of health-conscious consumers seeking early disease detection.
Why this matters: With preventive healthcare demand rising and MRI machines operating at just 30 per cent capacity nationwide, OneMRI’s model addresses both consumer appetite and healthcare resource optimisation.
The billionaire co-founders of edutech unicorn Go1 are back with a new venture that could transform how Australians approach preventive healthcare.
OneMRI, launched in October 2024 by Dr. Vu Tran and Andrew Barnes alongside entrepreneur Gopi Sara, has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to democratise whole-body MRI scans across the country.
The heavily oversubscribed round attracted investment from OIF Ventures, TEN13, Antler, Salus VC, AfterWork Ventures, Archangel Ventures, Black Sheep Capital, Prtnr, Larsen Ventures, Tribe Global Ventures, and a select group of clinicians and radiologists. The funding success reflects broader trends in Australian startup investment.
Go1 veterans return
The timing reflects a broader shift in Australian healthcare attitudes, with consumers increasingly seeking proactive rather than reactive medical care. OneMRI positions itself as Australia’s first and only national provider of whole-body MRI scans, targeting what the company calls the “health curious” market.
“OneMRI’s process is genuinely customer-centric, with a rigorous eligibility and informed consent framework,” said Gopi Sara, co-founder and CEO. “We have a duty of care to every individual, which is why thoughtful screening is at the core of our approach.”
The company’s advanced imaging technology is designed for early detection of over 500 potential conditions, including cancers, metabolic disorders like fatty liver, benign growths, autoimmune conditions such as MS, spinal degeneration, and brain aneurysms.
The health curious market
Several individuals have already identified life-threatening conditions through OneMRI’s technology that may have otherwise gone undetected. All scans are reviewed by radiologists and discussed with doctors to maintain clinical rigour throughout the process.
Michelle, a 49-year-old life coach from Sydney, exemplifies OneMRI’s target demographic. “I did a preventive MRI not out of fear, but because I believe in being proactive with my health,” she said. “It gave me peace of mind and reminded me how important it is to listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves before something feels wrong.”
Dr. Vu Tran, co-founder and head of medical, believes the sector is poised for significant growth. “Wellness and preventive health are only going to grow as sectors, and technology will play a critical role in that evolution,” he said. “Right now, radiology is one of the most underutilised tools in preventive care.”
Using spare capacity
OneMRI’s business model addresses a significant inefficiency in Australia’s healthcare system. The company claims over 100 MRI machines across Australia operate at just 30 per cent capacity, creating an opportunity to deliver services without straining existing resources.
The startup partners with underutilised radiology clinics including Scan Medical and Pinnacle Medical Imaging, plus healthcare professionals and wellness brands like The Banyans, Evergreen Doctors, Melbourne Functional Medicine and Longev that align with its proactive care model.
“The ‘health curious’ increasingly want autonomy, access, and answers,” Dr. Tran explained. “Individuals should have the agency to take a proactive approach to their health, and whole-body MRI scans are one of the safest ways to do that.”
Early detection stories
David Shein from OIF Ventures highlighted the investment opportunity. “Investing in OneMRI is not only an exceptional opportunity to back a fast-growing sector, but it’s also a way for us to support improved and more accessible care for Australians over time,” he said.
OneMRI currently operates across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Perth, Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne, with new locations being continuously added. International expansion across Asia Pacific is also planned.
The company’s approach includes pre- and post-scan consultations with qualified clinicians and dedicated care coordinators, ensuring patients fully understand the process, their results and potential next steps. The imaging is designed to complement, not replace, diagnostic tests that may be more appropriate for specific medical concerns.
For everyday Australians from schoolteachers to nurses who have already benefited from the scans, OneMRI represents a shift towards taking control of long-term health before problems arise.
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