NT startup Go Locum lands $350,000 for remote medical staffing platform

Medical startup Go Locum has secured $350,000 in a seed funding round led by Northern Territory firm Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund.

Founded by Dr Joshua Case and Phoebe Bardsley in 2022, Go Locum is a digital medical staffing platform that connects doctors with temporary – or, locum – roles available in regional and remote areas.

Paspalis is a strategic venture investor, specialising in pre-seed to Series A deals into high-growth potential businesses in the Northern Territory.

Prior to Go Locum, Bardsley was a senior analyst in the Deloitte Health Advisory Practice. In addition to being a doctor, Dr Case is a software developer who has created apps for junior doctors to use in hospitals and wrote a book teaching medical professionals how to code.

At present, there are just three employees in the company, as well as an AI named Matilda.

According to Go Locum, its AI-driven platform simplifies recruitment by automating credentialing and matching healthcare professionals to these roles. This is said to significantly reduce administrative burdens and errors, ensuring a seamless experience for both doctors and hospitals.

“We’ve developed internal software tools with modern technology to make the process of finding and filling locum positions faster and more efficient,” Dr Case said to SmartCompany.

“Our platform not only speeds up verification but also provides a transparent and enjoyable digital job-search experience for medical professionals, making it easier for even the most remote communities to access affordable quality healthcare.”

The platform also allows doctors to read locum reviews and explore local attractions in the areas where they might work.

“We’re not just filling positions; we’re building a community,” co-founder Phoebe Bardsley said to SmartCompany.

“By highlighting the unique lifestyle and adventure opportunities in regional and remote Australia, we’re encouraging more doctors to embrace these roles.”

The fresh cash injection will be used to support internal expansion into New Zealand and Ireland, as well as the launch of a mobile app to streamline locum recruitment across Australia.

The business is also planning to launch an impact program focused on entrepreneurship for youth in remote and regional communities this year.

“Our goal is to inspire the next generation through Entrepreneurship Bootcamps. The plan is still in the works, so stay tuned,” Bardsley said.

The company also recently launched Go Ireland in partnership with Rosata Recruitment to deliver a mutual gap year program between Australia and Ireland.

“We’re thrilled to support Go Locum as they tackle the acute challenge of demand outstripping supply in remote healthcare,” said Alex Farrugia, investment manager at Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund.

“Their digital solution addresses the critical need for flexible staffing while empowering medical professionals — a win-win that could reshape the industry globally.”

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