What It Takes to Start, Run, and Sustain an Impactful and Profitable EdTech Startup

Levi Cheptora

Sun, 08 Jun 2025

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the need for skilled professionals to navigate the intersection of healthcare and technology has never been greater. As digital transformation sweeps through industries, healthcare is no exception. However, this shift leaves many healthcare professionals unprepared, unable to leverage the very tools that could revolutionize patient care, streamline operations, and improve overall health outcomes. This gap became my calling and ultimately led to the creation of Digital Doctors College (DDC), an EdTech startup focused on equipping healthcare professionals with essential digital skills.

Starting, running, and sustaining an EdTech venture is no small feat, especially one that aims for both impact and profitability. My journey with DDC has been filled with lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the power of purpose. Below, I share insights and key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to create a meaningful, sustainable EdTech startup that doesn’t just serve a market but addresses a vital, unmet need.

The First Step: Knowing Your “Why”

The most crucial element for any impactful startup is a compelling “why.” For me, the “why” behind Digital Doctors College was clear from the outset. In my work as a healthcare professional and digital health innovator, I witnessed the growing skills gap in the industry. While technologies like telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), artificial intelligence, and mobile health applications became increasingly integral, many of my colleagues lacked the training and knowledge to utilize these tools effectively. This lack of digital proficiency not only hinders individual careers but also impacts patient outcomes and the healthcare system as a whole.

I knew then that I wanted to build something that would make a real difference—a platform where healthcare professionals could continuously “learn, unlearn, and relearn” essential digital health skills. This core mission remains the foundation of DDC. It’s also the driving force that helps me persevere through the inevitable challenges that come with any entrepreneurial journey.

Building a Relevant, Evolving Curriculum

For any EdTech startup, the curriculum is at the heart of your offering. With DDC, I knew that creating a meaningful impact required a curriculum that was not only relevant but also adaptable. The digital health landscape is fast-paced, and staying ahead means that our content has to evolve continually.

Our curriculum includes courses in telemedicine, health informatics, cybersecurity, mobile health (mHealth), and digital health entrepreneurship. These courses aren’t just theoretical; they are built with practical applications in mind, allowing students to immediately apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Unlike traditional medical programs, which can sometimes take years to incorporate new developments, our courses are updated regularly to reflect the latest advancements. This commitment to relevance gives DDC a competitive edge and ensures that our graduates are equipped to meet today’s demands in digital healthcare.

Accessibility and Flexibility as Core Principles

One of the guiding principles for DDC has been accessibility. As I designed the platform, I wanted it to be fully online, allowing healthcare professionals worldwide to access our resources regardless of location or schedule constraints. This model of accessibility, combined with flexibility, is what sets DDC apart.

Our platform is designed to let students learn at their own pace, making it feasible for working professionals to balance their careers with continued education. In addition, we provide mentorship and peer support networks, creating a community that enriches the learning experience. This flexible, accessible approach has been instrumental in attracting healthcare professionals who are otherwise unable to commit to traditional, location-bound learning programs.

Sustainability Through Diverse Revenue Streams

Starting and scaling an EdTech startup requires a clear business model that balances impact with financial viability. DDC’s approach to sustainability revolves around multiple revenue streams. By offering individual course subscriptions, certifications, corporate training programs, and partnerships with healthcare institutions, we have created a model that not only supports our mission but also allows us to grow.

This revenue structure offers flexibility, making our programs accessible to both individuals and large healthcare organizations. We also offer pricing models tailored to meet the needs of resource-constrained markets, ensuring that our services are available to a diverse range of professionals. A diversified revenue model has allowed us to achieve profitability while staying committed to our impact-driven mission.

Embracing Innovation as a Competitive Advantage

In the world of EdTech, innovation isn’t optional; it’s essential. At DDC, we constantly strive to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new ideas, exploring emerging technologies, and collaborating with industry experts to keep our curriculum aligned with the latest trends. This commitment to innovation is what keeps us competitive in an industry that’s growing and changing rapidly.

Our courses include the latest in digital health practices and emerging fields like AI-driven diagnostics, making our graduates not only equipped for today’s challenges but prepared for the future. Our agility in adapting to industry needs has allowed us to cultivate a curriculum that stays relevant, offering our students and partnering organizations a unique value proposition.

The Resilience to Overcome Challenges

Running a startup is not without its share of challenges, and EdTech is no exception. Building Digital Doctors College required a significant investment of time, resources, and resilience. From crafting industry-relevant content to developing a scalable, flexible platform, each step came with its own hurdles.

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming skepticism about the relevance of digital health skills in Africa, where healthcare is still developing. Many questioned whether healthcare professionals would embrace the shift to digital. Yet, I remained committed to my vision, driven by a belief in the long-term value and impact that DDC could offer. This resilience, anchored in purpose, is what has helped me push through the early days and continue to drive DDC forward.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring EdTech Founders

Reflecting on my journey, here are some essential takeaways for anyone looking to build an impactful, sustainable EdTech startup in the healthcare space:

·         Start with a Strong “Why”

The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs. A strong “why” serves as your compass, providing direction and motivation when challenges arise. When your mission is grounded in purpose, it becomes easier to navigate difficult times and make decisions that align with your values.

·         Build a Curriculum That Evolves with the Industry

In the fast-paced world of digital health, staying relevant is critical. A curriculum that evolves to reflect current industry trends and needs not only attracts students but also ensures that your graduates remain competitive in the workforce. Partnering with experts and continuously updating your content will give your EdTech startup a long-term competitive advantage.

·         Make Accessibility a Priority

Designing an accessible, flexible learning environment is key to attracting working professionals, especially in healthcare. An online, self-paced model can open doors for students who may otherwise lack access to quality education, particularly those in remote or underserved areas.

·         Diversify Your Revenue Streams

A sustainable business model is crucial to any EdTech venture’s longevity. By diversifying revenue streams—individual courses, certifications, corporate training, and partnerships—you can achieve financial stability and resilience, allowing you to focus on expanding your impact without compromising on your mission.

·         Embrace Innovation Relentlessly

The EdTech landscape is constantly evolving, and digital health is no exception. Embrace innovation, stay connected with industry trends, and be ready to adapt. Incorporating the latest in digital health technologies will keep your platform relevant and your graduates ahead in their fields.

Moving Forward: A Vision for Lasting Impact

For me, Digital Doctors College is more than just a business; it’s a platform to empower healthcare professionals with the digital skills they need to improve patient outcomes and adapt to a digital-first healthcare landscape. The road ahead is filled with opportunities to scale, innovate, and reach even more professionals across the globe.

Ultimately, creating an impactful EdTech startup is about making a difference that extends beyond financial success. It’s about equipping the next generation of healthcare providers with the skills they need to shape a better, more equitable healthcare system. Through DDC, I hope to contribute to a future where healthcare is not only accessible but transformative—for professionals and patients alike.

Dr. Levi Cheruo Cheptora is the CEO and Founder of Digital Doctors College, an EdTech platform dedicated to equipping healthcare professionals with the skills necessary for the digital age.