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Thank you, Selin Bucak, for shining a light on the funding disparities in the femtech space. Despite women founding over 70% of femtech startups, male founders consistently raised more capital. In 2022 alone, 57 male-founded femtech companies raised $731 million, while 105 female-founded femtechs raised only $408 million. As a female founder in the femtech space, I have personally faced these challenges. Even with a successful exit under my belt, fundraising remains an uphill battle. This disparity is not just a statistic—it's a reality that impacts the growth and potential of innovative femtech solutions. Despite the funding disadvantage, women-owned businesses generate higher revenues than their male counterparts. The average return on investment for women-owned companies is double that of men-owned businesses. According to the World Bank, women-owned firms in the US are growing at more than double the rate of all other firms and contribute almost $3 trillion to the economy. The numbers for 2023 create hope with some improvement, where femtech companies founded by women raised $7.5 million on average this year, versus $5.7 million raised by men. A shout out of gratitude for all the hard work of my fellow female founders and ecosystem partners. Unfortunately, the work is not done - we still have a long way to go to achieve true equity. It's not only about ensuring women have a seat at the table but also about making sure they have the resources to bring their innovative ideas to life. A big thank you to Rachel Bartholomew for establishing the Femtech Canada organization. Behind every great woman is another incredible woman who believes in her - Femtech Canada is a place where women founders can share, learn, and support one another, encouraging and empowering each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Let's continue to raise awareness about these disparities and work towards a future where female founders receive the funding and support they need to thrive. Sigrun WatsonOrchid Jahanshahi, Hannah Parish, Lauren Reid, Jigna Shah Ana Maria Palusci, Vanessa Williamson, Lisa Heath, Jane J. Wang, Angela Podolsky, Cindy C Comeau, Joanne Fedeyko, Eve Blossom, Jennifer Meldrum, Monique Rudder, Nancy Simonot, Golda Naana Boakye, Vicki Bradley, Sayeh Radpay, Rita Loncar, Monique Moran, Cherry Rose Tan, Louella Woodworth, Jodie Tatlock, Kathryn Speer, Lucia Cesaroni, Susan Richards, Julia Elvidge, Karen Linseman, Jocelyn Wessels, Julia Slanina, Alison Smith, Shelley Kuipers, Danielle Brewin Graham, Diane Wolfenden, Sarah Willson, Sarah Whittaker, Nancy Lockhart #Femtech #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #Entrepreneurship #FundingEquity #Innovation #Healthcare https://lnkd.in/g252DVrY

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The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of patient care. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ambar Bhattacharyya, Co-Managing Partner at Maverick Ventures, on the latest episode of The Full Ratchet. Ambar has partnered with numerous billion-dollar companies like hims & hers, Cityblock Health, Devoted Health, and ConcertAI. His unique journey from rural America to becoming a prominent figure in venture capital offers invaluable insights into the future of healthcare and technology. We discuss his investment strategy at Maverick Ventures, the megatrends shaping healthcare, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of integrated care. Ambar also shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in healthcare investment, offering a comprehensive view of what lies ahead. Check out TFR Episode 438 to catch our conversation. You'll be glad you listened.

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🔔 In today's HealthTech of the Week series, I'm presenting something special. Instead of showing you another exciting startup, I will share an insightful interview with Olivia BLANCHARD, Managing Director at Health Venture Lab (HVL), an international accelerator supported by GE HealthCare. 🔥🔥 🔍 Discover how HVL is empowering startups to redefine healthcare through innovation and technology. Highlights from our conversation include: 🔹HVL’s role in accelerating medical innovations without equity participation. 🔹Benefits for startups include access to a robust international network and strategic development opportunities. 💡 Dive into the full interview to see how HVL is shaping the future of healthcare! The article is available in two language versions. 👉 EN: https://lnkd.in/dvvThsBA 👉 PL: https://lnkd.in/dfGTfyuF Olivia BLANCHARD, Thank you very much for sharing your amazing experience with us! 💙 PS. If you are interested in the HealthTech of the Week series, you can find more interesting materials on my blog! #HealthTech #Innovation #HealthVentureLab #HealthTechOfTheWeek #MedTech #HVL

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We founded Oak HC/FT to invest in diversified market opportunities and built a team that would get to know those subject areas broadly and deeply. To succeed in #healthcare specifically, we have a few key focuses: 1. High-quality patient care is our number one priority. We're looking to build companies that provide better access and services at a lower cost. 2. We look for opportunities to streamline processes. We want to build administrative efficiency to reduce waste and free up resources that can positively impact patients. 3. Talent is everything. It's a key ingredient in scaling, which requires human capital and a great deal of support that we're eager to provide. Want to hear more? I dove deeper into these insights with RJ Lumba on the GrowthCap Growth Investor podcast. Listen to our full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/eiCbqDSU

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Big congrats to our outstanding rising clinical research stars and global health practitioners at IGHS, UCSF! After months of dedicated hard work, we've all completed our qualifying oral exams. I believe these projects hold the potential to lead to the development of new healthcare technologies, services, or interventions that address pressing global health issues and aid underserved populations. The breadth of our research is evident in the diverse range of global health issues we explored, including but not limited to: 1. Women's empowerment and reintegration programs. 2. Telehealth systems for Native American children with complex medical needs. 3. Performance of COVID-19 exposure notification systems. 4. Mental health interventions during natural disasters in low- and middle-income countries. 5. Cancer screening and treatment access in underserved communities. 6. HIV care and support services. 7. Predictors of disease severity in pediatric febrile illnesses. 8. Cost-effectiveness analyses of various interventions (malaria detection, CAR T-cell therapy, cervical cancer screening). 9. Social media analysis of tobacco product marketing strategies. 10. Pediatric emergency triage tools for resource-limited settings. 11. The impact of food insecurity on mental health. 12. Acculturation, diet quality, and their connection to childhood obesity. 13. Nursing perspectives on COVID-19 pandemic interventions. This wide range of topics underscores the multifaceted nature of global health challenges and the critical need for innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness analyses, cost-of-illness studies, and implementation studies can inform strategies for sustainable and scalable solutions.

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Med Tech in Focus:   Wearable Ultrasound Patch Offers Continuous Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring Researchers at University of California San Diago have developed a postage-stamp sized ultrasound patch that can continuously monitor three-dimensional cerebral blood flow in real time. The technology is worn on the temple and is composed of silicon embedded with several layers of soft, stretchy electronics that produce and enhance ultrasound signals. Currently, a technician uses a Doppler ultrasound device on a patient’s head at specific times each day to monitor blood flow. That procedure has limits because such measurements can vary depending on the accuracy of the technician and data can fluctuate between readings.  The device is connected by cables to a computer and uses ultra-fast imaging and AI to collect and post-process data about the brain’s blood vessels. Patients who are undergoing and recovering from brain surgery could benefit from the device and it’s hoped that the continuous monitoring could tell if a patient is about to experience a stroke and provide an opportunity for timely intervention. VC Investors are always adjusting their "Play Book" with a variety of options for investing. Mikal Ventures is one of those alternatives, offering curated solutions to real world problems. Reach out if you have questions on how we can be of assistance and bookmark https://mikalventures.com/ for additional insights and information.

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As I said right at the start of this week's The Heart of Healthcare Podcast, Shivdev Rao is one of the most exceptional founders I have ever worked with. He is also a great human being. In this week's episode he shares what is it like leading the 🚀 that is Abridge and some awesome life lessons. IMHO this is a great listen for founders building in both the AI and healthcare fields!

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Abby Levy talks about venture's role in US healthcare and what we can expect to see as technology impacts the space on TFR. Check out the rest of the conversation with Abby & Alan Patricof of Primetime Partners on Episode 433.

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To my amazing network - I am thrilled to announce the launch of Pave Health Ventures, an early-stage venture fund dedicated to broadening access to healthcare and improving the overall well-being of our communities. I’ve been very fortunate in my healthcare career. As the Founder & CEO of MedPilot, we capped off a seven-year journey with a successful exit when we were acquired by Vytalize Health. For the last three years, serving as Chief Innovation Officer, I’ve had the honor to contribute to the remarkable growth at Vytalize, impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients by enhancing the quality of care they receive. I am immensely grateful to Matt Buder Shapiro, not only for being the perfect partner and co-founder but also for being an incredible friend. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Faris Ghawi, Amer Alnajar, and Jordan Brown for their outstanding leadership and for broadening my perspective on the significance of value-based care. This journey has not only provided me with industry expertise but has allowed me to cultivate invaluable relationships and an incredible network. As I embark on this new chapter, I am profoundly grateful to be supported by top executives and thought leaders in the investment, wellness, and healthcare industries. Within the healthcare ecosystem, we are represented by key stakeholders from health systems, insurers, governmental organizations, retail health businesses, provider groups, and value-based care organizations. At Pave Health Ventures, we believe the timing couldn't be more opportune to help support health-focused startups. With the growing prevalence of illness and chronic health conditions impacting our communities, consumers and key Healthcare Stakeholders are increasingly prioritizing proactive and preventative care. This shift in focus is fueling demand for technology, products, and services aimed at improving health outcomes, unlocking trillions of dollars in growth potential within the healthcare landscape. Pave Health Ventures is all-in. We are actively seeking solutions that tackle the root causes of illness, manage chronic conditions, and optimize care and care teams. Please support us in our mission by opening your networks and introducing us to amazing founders and entrepreneurs. Together, let's help pave the way to a healthier tomorrow. Jacob Myers

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A new era of deep tech has emerged. First time funds will raise “unheard of” amounts of capital to fuel next gen deep tech startups - producing outsized, superior returns for LP’s compared to the rest. Prudent investors will act on this data and shift investment strategy as LP’s or risk being left behind savvy wealth managers and CIO’s / FO’s who saw this trend begin 4 years ago.

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Severe mental illness remains one of the most underserved areas in mental health, possibly because it is difficult to address with the type of virtual, easy-to-scale models that VCs love to back. We're so excited that Sonia Priscilla García and Stas Sokolin at Amae Health have been able to break the mold, bringing better in-person solutions for patients and families dealing with SMI, and attracting strong venture partners to do so cc: Lisa Jacobs Blau, Alison Ryu, Claire Akkan Quiet Capital, Healthier Capital, Jan Ellison Baszucki, Karin Kissane, Mike Volpi

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The obesity crisis in the U.S. has become unsustainable. We are broken, and we have to change... The prevalence of obesity in adults has grown from 14.5% in 1975 to 41.9% in 2020, and childhood obesity has more than TRIPPLED since the 1970s. The total annual cost of obesity is at a staggering $1.4 trillion. Treatment options range but the emergence of GLP-1's has taken on a national debate. It is our view at 7wireVentures that the growing obesity crisis requires innovative and personalized solutions and digital health companies are rising to meet this challenge. Our team took a deep dive into the market landscape and came up with key predictions on how the market will evolve. ✨ PREDICTION 1: The emergence of high-cost anti-obesity medications and their growing consumer demand will push employers and payers to seek increasingly creative plan design structures that tackle weight management as a discrete disease category.​ 💉 PREDICTION 2: Greater emphasis will be placed on proactive identification and management of patients with an obesity diagnosis 🔬 PREDICTION 3: Key differentiators of successful solutions will include long-term engagement and the ability to address multiple chronic conditions. 🤝 Innovative companies such as 9amHealth, Parsley Health, Transcarent, Everly Health, Foodsmart, Livongo, Season Health, Iron Health, Cylinder, and more. See our full analysis and perspectives on enabling positive change in weight management. 👇 #digitalhealth #obesity #GLP1 #disease #healthcare https://lnkd.in/gUCttSZj

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Some great advice in this interview — featuring Jeffry Weinhuff of Visionary Ventures — relevant to all sub-sectors of #medtech. My favorite line is “investment capital is not tuition.” 😂 But the best advice stems from the insight that good exits via IPO or M&A processes with multiple buyers competing for your company require that most medtech companies must prove their value via strong commercial metrics. And doing that takes a lot of time, expertise and money. Plan, hire and raise capital accordingly. At Vensana Capital, our investment process centers on a deep analysis of every aspect of getting a breakthrough medtech innovation to market, no matter what stage of development a company is at today. We like entrepreneurs who believe their innovation can be highly impactful to patients. We love the ones who want to leave no doubt. https://lnkd.in/eDsUqgn6

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Summary: J2 Ventures, a firm led by U.S. military veterans, has raised a $150 million second fund to invest in startups whose products serve both civilians and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm focuses on companies with technologies that benefit the health and well-being of military personnel. Key takeaways: J2's latest fund is more than double their debut fund, despite the struggles of many other emerging VC firms to raise second funds. The firm does not position itself as a defense tech investor and instead focuses on technologies that support the health and well-being of military personnel, historically adopted by the Department of Defense before civilians. J2's investments include healthcare, cybersecurity, and advanced computing startups, and its limited partners include JPMorgan and New Mexico State Investment Council. Counter arguments: Some may argue that J2's focus on companies serving both civilians and the Department of Defense could create conflicts of interest, as the two groups may have different priorities and needs. Some may view J2's investments in healthcare as too narrow of a focus, limiting potential growth opportunities in other industries.

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_What makes a good investment in healthcare? _ When is a good time to start thinking about the path to exit? _Where do we see the next #unicorn in #systemichealth? Experienced healthcare investor Dai Feng from CareCapital Group joins me and Jonathan Levine for our very first *video* episode of the #ThinkOralHealth #podcast. Take a listen.

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As physicians, we are committed to improving patient care through clinical excellence. However, there's an often-overlooked avenue where our expertise can significantly impact healthcare innovation: serving as medical advisors for startups. Here are a few reasons why I believe we should engage with the entrepreneurial community 👇 1️⃣ Driving Innovation Forward: Startups are at the forefront of medical technology and services. By contributing our clinical expertise, we can guide these companies to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and patient-centered. 2️⃣ Broadening Impact: While our primary influence is within the confines of our practices or hospitals, working with startups allows us to extend our impact globally. Technologies we help develop could benefit patients worldwide, many of whom could never visit us in person. 3️⃣ Learning and Growth: Engaging with startups exposes us to the latest technologies and business strategies, enriching our understanding beyond the medical field. This cross-disciplinary knowledge can enhance our own practices and the way we approach patient care. 4️⃣ Professional Networking: Collaborating with entrepreneurs and other tech innovators can open new doors. These connections can lead to other advisory roles, speaking opportunities, and even advancements in our own careers. 5️⃣ Financial Opportunities: Often, advising roles come with financial compensation, including equity options. These can provide significant financial benefits, particularly if the startup succeeds. 6️⃣ I urge my fellow clinicians to consider stepping into the role of a medical advisor. Our insights are invaluable, and our participation can be the key differentiator in the success of health-focused innovations. ---- Join our vibrant community of 2,000+ healthtech experts and thought leaders. Comment below or DM me, and I’ll provide you with an invitation to our fast-growing network. 📩

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Why Physicians Should Consider Investing in HealthTech Venture Funds As a physician deeply entrenched in the world of healthcare, I've observed firsthand the transformative impact of technology on our industry. From telemedicine to AI-driven diagnostics, the pace of innovation is staggering—and it’s only accelerating. Today, I want to share why we, as physicians, should consider investing in HealthTech venture funds 👇 - Driving Innovation: By investing in HealthTech funds, we're not just placing capital; we're actively propelling the future of medicine. Our investment helps fund the technologies that could one day revolutionize patient care and our daily medical practices. - Insider Expertise: Who better to understand the potential of a new medical technology than those of us in the field? Our clinical experience enables us to assess the feasibility and potential impact of innovations, making us well-suited to make informed investment decisions. - Spreading Impact Beyond Practice: While we impact lives daily through direct patient care, investing in a HealthTech fund allows us to extend our influence by supporting solutions that reach a global patient base, potentially benefiting millions. - Financial Returns: HealthTech is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and investing in this area offers a valuable opportunity for substantial financial returns. Diversifying our portfolios beyond traditional stocks and real estate into venture funds can offer a unique balance of risk and reward. - Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging with the startup and tech ecosystem exposes us to new ideas and business strategies, broadening our horizons beyond clinical practice. This can lead to professional growth and networking opportunities that may not otherwise arise. I encourage my fellow healthcare professionals to look into HealthTech venture funds as a way to participate in the broader spectrum of healthcare innovation. Our expertise and capital can play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. ---- To join our vibrant community of 2,000+ healthtech experts and thought leaders, click the link in my profile bio.

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What’s happening in healthtech? 💊🎉 💰Brandon Capital announced a $270m first close of its new life sciences fund 🚀ARM Hub (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) and MTPConnect launched a new Biomedical AI Sprints Accelerator (BASA) to elevate Aus's Biomedical Sector 🚑 updoc snagged $20m from ASX-listed Bailador Technology Investments (ASX:BTI) to expand 🧊 Southern Cryonics cryopreserved Aus's first-person 💉 GPN Vaccines raised $18m to advance a vaccine targeting Streptococcus pneumoniae 💊Telstra Health is acquiring the remaining 50% of Fred IT 🦠 Translational Research Institute Australia researchers bagged $4m from US Department of Defence for Parkinson’s treatments targeting the gut microbiome 🚨MediSecure, the e-script provider, entered administration following its cyber attack 🌏 The NHS is losing 1 in 5 departing UK doctors to Aus 🏛️ Medical Costs Finder, a $24m gov initiative for healthcare cost transparency, has seen only 20 doctors nationwide opting to list their fees 🌍 Aus is leading the way in tobacco control, with its anti-vaping measures recommended by the World Health Organization 🍄 AbbVie inked a US$2bn deal with Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals aimed at developing next-gen therapies and novel neuroplastogens for psychiatric disorders 🌍 Google for Startups selected 24 startups across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for its 'Growth Academy: AI for Health program'. Keen for the links & delicious deets?? 🍩🙌 Take a gander at last week's newsletter in the comments below👇😊 --- PS - if you liked this and are keen to join >7900 legends getting health tech and innovation news dropped direct to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter, What the Health! 💜 📩 #healthtech  #health  #healthcare  #digitalhealth  #medtech  #biotech

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If you're in venture capital, innovation, or the healthcare sector, this episode is a must-listen. Deeply inspirational and resonant with what's often missing from our conversations, our strategic visions, and our lives... Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/gASqX3av #onbeing

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