Sermo, the MA-based social network for doctors has received $3 million in a first round funding led by Longworth Venture Partners. You need to be a doctor to become a member of the site. However, they will open up for those who are not doctors in the coming days.
Though Sermo is free with 2000 active members now, their revenue model is pretty interesting indeed. They charge investors to gain access to the knowledge and poll results in the community. Suppose if a company is investing in new treatments, it would like to know how the physicians feel about the product or market.
Also, if the doctors give valuable contributions they get paid adding as an incentive to be seriously involved in the site.
Given the unique nature of the site and the potential moneymaking prospects from the drug companies, investors in medicine, medical research etc, this can be one of the top money grosser in the niche social network division. However, given the nature of the site, rumours and half-truths can spread just as quickly as the good advice and valuable info.
Via: Mashable
