Mumbai-based ambulance service platform Dial4242 has raised INR 9 crore in a pre-Series A round to further its mission to change the face of emergency healthcare in India. The round was led by Indian Angel Network (IAN) Group, with participation from BioAngels, IIM Bangalore’s NSRCEL and a host of strategic angel investors. This is a big step in the company’s plan to reduce ambulance turnaround times and make emergency response on-demand for millions of Indians.
Founded in 2016 by Jeetendra Lalwani, with Nilesh Mahambre and Atin Verma as co-founders, Dial4242 is the largest on-demand ambulance network in the country, covering over 850 cities and managing a fleet of more than 12,000 ambulances. The platform offers real-time ambulance tracking, automated dispatch and 24/7 call centre support. The tech-first, asset-light model has helped it partner with big corporations like Amazon, Zomato, Swiggy, Tata Group, Samsung and HDFC Bank.
A Mission Born Out of Personal Loss
At the heart of Dial4242’s story is a personal tragedy. Jeetendra Lalwani, an ex-ad professional, lost his father in 2016 after struggling to arrange an ambulance. That pain became the driving force behind a bigger mission: “to ensure no life is lost due to lack of an ambulance.” This mission has not only driven the company’s growth but also shaped its social impact strategy, from affordable membership plans to partnerships to serve gig workers and underprivileged communities.
The Numbers: From Seed to Scale
Dial4242 started with a small seed round of INR 1 crore in 2023 from investors including G Vamshi Raju and Starfish Ventures. At that time, the company was already operational in 750 cities. Since then, the company has grown in scale, tech and corporate relevance. In total, Dial4242 has raised around INR 5.2 crore (~ USD 5,19,000) before this round.
The newly raised INR 9 crore will be used for:
- Reducing average turnaround time from 12 minutes to under 8 minutes
- Expansion of medical centres in under-served areas
- Upgrading the tech platform for faster dispatch and user experience
- Marketing, recruitment and hospital tie-ups
- Free ambulance services via INR 100 annual membership
India’s Ambulance Crisis: A Timely Intervention
Dial4242’s work comes against a stark healthcare backdrop. According to a report, 2.4 million Indians die every year from treatable conditions. Ambulance response time remains a critical bottleneck—often 25 to 30 minutes nationally, and worse in rural areas. Poor infrastructure, traffic congestion, and a limited number of vehicles make emergency medical transportation a persistent challenge.
Dial4242 aims to tackle these systemic issues head-on. The company promises sub-12-minute response times and membership plans that reduce the cost of ambulance rides—typically priced at around INR 3,500—to just INR 100 a year.
“Today, we can support our users in real-time with a turnaround time of 12 minutes. That is a record that no one has accomplished in this space,” Lalwani said in an earlier interview. “We have delivered on the promises we have made.”
Corporate Backing and Healthcare Synergies
Beyond venture capital, Dial4242 is increasingly becoming a go-to healthcare partner for corporations. From Tata and Samsung to Kellogg’s and Marico, companies are integrating the platform into their employee welfare programs. Zomato and Swiggy are leveraging Dial4242 to provide ambulance services to gig workers, along with free health checkups and eye care.
Moreover, the startup is eyeing deeper integration with the insurance ecosystem, which Lalwani believes could be a game-changer for driving user adoption and building credibility in India’s fragmented healthcare system.
Competition and Future Outlook
Dial4242 operates in a competitive space, contending with players such as MeduLance, HelpNow, ESahai, AmbiPalm, and RED.Health (formerly StanPlus). Yet, its blend of tech-driven operations, deep city penetration, affordability, and emotional brand story gives it a distinctive edge.
Over the next 12 months, Dial4242 plans to:
- Expand into more rural and Tier II/III cities
- Build and scale membership-driven free ambulance services
- Strengthen its hospital and insurance integrations
- Grow its product, business, and operations teams
Final Word
As India races toward becoming a global digital economy, healthcare infrastructure—especially emergency response—remains an area crying out for innovation. Dial4242 is not just building a business; it is crafting a lifeline, one that leverages technology, human empathy, and strategic foresight. With INR 9 crore in fresh capital, the company is better equipped than ever to close India’s ambulance availability gap and ensure that in moments of crisis, help is always just a click away.
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