makeO acquires Dubai-based health tech startup Smileneo

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In response to the growing tech adoption for orthodontic care, Asia's makeO and MENA's Smileneo, both leading direct-to-consumer teeth-straightening platforms in their respective markets are joining forces. The combined entity will become the largest clinical beauty technology platform across the markets, with the scale to match consumers' demand.

The deal is a significant milestone for the MENA and India entrepreneurship ecosystems since it is one of the first ever acquisitions of a GCC venture capital-backed startup by an Indian company.

Founded by Dr. Jonathan Doerr, Smileneo and its orthodontic partners offer safe and effective doctor-prescribed and monitored clear aligners to straighten teeth for beautiful smiles. Launched in 2020, Smileneo has served thousands of patients through a network of more than 30 licensed partner orthodontists in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. Smileneo’s adherance with health authorities in the region made it the first and only licensed regional teledentistry platform for direct-to-consumer teeth straightening in the MENA.

makeO, India’s leading clinical beauty technology startup, offers consumers access to doctor-backed smile and cosmetic skin therapies in an easy and affordable manner. makeO houses toothsi as India’s largest dental aligner brand which has offerred clear aligner treatments to more than 200,000 customers at-home, in clinic and at experience centers. Being the only consumer facing USFDA clear aligner platform in India, this acquisition marks makeO’s foray into the UAE and Saudi Arabian regions.

Dr. Arpi Mehta, CEO & Co-Founder, makeO commented: “Having garnered strong market leadership in the Indian selfcare industry, this acquisition marks our foray into the MENA region where aesthetic dentistry is seeing massive growth due to new government policies in favor of dental services and consumers’ increased interest in oral health.

Smileneo’s high-quality medical and tech-driven approach, as well as its footprint and expertise in the region will accelerate our growth ambitions and materialize our vision to expand beyond India. With this acquisition we will not only be able to enter the Middle East, but also have a basis for further expansion to South Asia & Africa.”

Dr. Pravin Shetty, Clinical Director & Co-Founder, makeO explains, "We anticipate that makeO’s clear aligner treatments will be well received by the Middle East that is known to have a progressive approach towards self-care procedures. makeO’s state-of-the-art aligner facility infrastructure in Mumbai, paired with Smileneo’s expertise & growing number of partner clinics in the Middle Eastern region, will revolutionize the space of smile makeovers for GCC customers.”

Learn more about Smileneo | makeO: www.smileneo.io/ae

For more information, please contact:

Riya Shah | [email protected] | +91 9619256120