Shezlong, an online platform specialising in connecting people with licensed psychiatric specialists, obtained funding worth $150,000 during October, according to founder and CEO Ahmed Abu El-Haz. Abu El-Haz said that he seeks to expand his company's services in the Gulf, as well as contract with companies to provide psychological support in exchange for a monthly subscription by the beginning of 2017. He added that Shezlong also obtained other investments from the entrepreneurial company A15, Endure Company, and CEO of D-Kimia Diagnostic Solutions Karim Hussein in exchange for shares in the company. Shezlong aims to use these new investments to expand in the Gulf and the Arab region as a whole, in addition to the Egyptian expatriates in foreign countries. Abu El-Haz said the number of Shezlong's clients reached 14,000 in 2016, with the aim of increasing this number to 50,000 over the next year. Shezlong offers online psychiatric treatment from 35 doctors who come from different countries. The company plans to increase the number of doctors to 1,500 by the end of 2016. He pointed out that 50% of the company's clients comes from the Egyptian market, the rest of its clients are from other Arab countries. Abu El-Haz added that each doctor determines their fees according to the duration of the session and other factors. Shezlong's sessions are conducted between the doctor and patient over the internet, and last for different durations ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. The prices start from EGP 50 per session and can reach up to EGP 400. Abu El-Haz said that the sessions are conducted via chat or video call over the site, and that Shezlong ensures full confidentiality and privacy of the patient's disclosures.
