Software doc Halfpenny to hire 15 with new millions

Halfpenny Technologies Inc., a Blue Bell firm that builds electronic medical record (EMR) connections for medical practices and laboratories, says it's raised $2.6 million from Philadelphia-based Osage Ventures, New York's Milestone Partners, and local privatel-investor group LORE ("Loosely-Organized Retired Executives"). Osage's David Drahms and Milestone's Todd Pietri join Halfpenny's board.

The firm employs around 40 people, some of them contractors, and will use the money to "expand new platforms" and add 15 new software and sales people in the next few months,  spokeswoman Kathleen Bowley told me. The business is growing as medical practices slowly put patient records online under pressure from insurers and the Obama administration.

Halfpenny, founded by EMR pioneer Charles Halfpenny ('82 LaSalle High) in 2000 after he sold his previous company, Dr. Chart, says it's done 1,500 installations and has lately upgraded its systems so they can move medical data through smart phones. Founder Halfpenny remains the company's president; chief executive is Medical Records Online (MRO) veteran Jerry Baker.