Ongo Science

About Ongo Science

Ongo Science Inc., operating as Ongo, provides a no-code platform for health and wellness creators to develop and monetize their own branded mobile applications. Founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, the company targets a wide range of wellness experts, including fitness trainers, yoga instructors, and mindset coaches, who typically have a substantial social media following. The venture was started by CEO Rick Henrikson, who holds a PhD in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley and a BS in Chemical Engineering from MIT. Henrikson's personal experience during a battle with cancer inspired the creation of Ongo, born from a desire for a unified platform to collect data and find support during a health journey.

The company operates on a two-sided marketplace model, serving both the wellness experts and their end-users. For creators, Ongo offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage their digital business, encompassing content management, analytics, payment processing, customer support, and security features. This allows experts to focus on creating content—such as workout videos, recipes, educational materials, and personalized programs—rather than on the technical aspects of app development and maintenance. The platform supports both iOS and Android apps, providing creators full control over their branding and community engagement, away from the unpredictable nature of social media algorithms.

The business generates revenue through a subscription-based model, where creators set their own pricing for access to their apps. Ongo charges a transaction fee, with creators retaining the majority of the revenue, generally 70% or more. This model empowers creators to build scalable, recurring revenue streams. For instance, a creator with 100,000 followers converting just 1% at a $20 monthly subscription could generate $240,000 in annual recurring revenue. The company has attracted significant investment, raising a total of $11.7M. A notable seed round in October 2021 brought in $3.5 million, with backing from prominent investors like Twitch founder Emmett Shear and Dropbox founder Drew Houston, as well as firms including Day One Ventures and The House Fund.