Better Ventures provides funding and support to technology startups building innovative solutions to big and important problems, from work and education to health and sustainability. Given the magnitude of the these problems and the enormous market opportunities they represent, it takes the best and brightest minds armed with the best resources to address them. These are the people they seek to back – entrepreneurs committed to using the tools and methodologies of the modern technology startup to build world-changing companies that make money and do good. They're thinking big and expecting big results, and so are the entrepreneurs they back.

Better Ventures

FOUNDER.org invests in student entrepreneurs solving big problems they help these courageous innovators build great companies. Their mission is to get more student starting companies, creating jobs and changing the world. But they know it takes more than just money and an idea. Their approach immerses teams in a holistic experience using the 8D© program based on intense challenges, real-world skills development and shared experiences among the most talented student founders around the world.  They are a team of serial Silicon Valley entrepreneurs who have built billion dollar companies. Now they’re working with the next generation of student entrepreneurs from universities around the world to help them build high impact companies. Each of them works closely with the teams, bringing their experience in ideation, team building, business models, product and technology, market and customer development, operations and fundraising to bear as hands on mentors.

FOUNDER.org

Lifeforce Capital invests in digital health companies enabling new care delivery models or more efficient therapeutic development. Lifeforce Capital is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Lifeforce Capital

SGH Capital is a group of funds focusing on disruptive business models and creative entrepreneurs in the US, Europe, and India. SGH is agnostic and constantly enters new Technology verticals. The firm was founded in 2014 by Alexandre Azoulay and is headquartered in Luxembourg.

SGH CAPITAL

StartX is a 501(c)(3) Stanford-affiliated nonprofit in Silicon Valley that runs one of the world’s top startup accelerator programs. Its mission is to advance the development of the best entrepreneurs through experiential education and peer learning. Since launching in 2010, it has supported more than 450 companies and 1000 entrepreneurs, from early to pre-IPO stage, working across a wide spectrum of industries.    StartX and StartX Med, dedicated to medical and biotechnology innovation, provide founders with access to a powerful network of entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and industry partners, along with office space and a variety of other resources. Based in Palo Alto, the accelerator also operates StartX-QB3 Labs and the Stanford-StartX Fund. We are funded by Stanford University, Stanford Health Care, Microsoft, Steelcase, Hyundai, Oriza Ventures, Nissan, Panasonic, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Analog Devices, Silicon Valley Bank, Greylock Partners, Sequoia Capital, and many others. For more information, visit startx.com The company is associated investment vehicle, the Stanford-StartX Fund is a partnership between StartX, Stanford University and Stanford Health Care.  It can invest only in StartX companies who raise qualified rounds of venture capital using objective criteria; it is founder opt-in.

StartX (Stanford-StartX Fund)

The House Fund is a pre-seed and early stage venture capital fund focused on the boldest Berkeley startups.  UC Berkeley has some of the most brilliant minds and daring businesses in the world, like Tesla, Apple, and Intel. It has never had a place to unite its entrepreneurs, until now. Started in 2016, with 50+ investments, $2B in follow-on funding, and 10 exits later, The House Fund has become a thriving ecosystem for the boldest Berkeley startups to grow.

The House Fund

10x Group is a group of serial entrepreneurs and founders investing in founders of digital start-ups in Europe and Silicon Valley.

10x Group

Founders backing Founders. Swift Ventures is the fund that we wish existed when we were starting out -- a low-ego, sincerely helpful firm led by former founders who get it. With decades of company-building experience, Swift provides relevant and practical “garage-to-IPO” building and scaling expertise.We invest in AI and Automation companies with B2B business models.  Typically, we are looking for companies that have an early compelling product with positive revenue and retention signals.

Swift Ventures

ARTIS Ventures is a financial services firm that finances early-to-late-stage venture investments. The team supports its portfolio companies through their entire life cycle, from initial venture investment to public offering and beyond.

Artis Ventures (AV)

Dreamit is a leading venture fund focused on startups with revenue or pilots that are ready to scale. Dreamit specializes in startups building transformative companies in Securetech. Founders meet with dozens of potential customers and partners on Customer Sprints® and pitch leading venture firms during Investor Sprints®. Since its founding in 2008, Dreamit has partnered and helped grow over 320 startups, including LevelUp (acquired by GrubHub), Trendkite (acquired by Cision), SeatGeek, HouseParty (acquired by Epic Games), Elevate, Adaptly (acquired by Accenture), Wellth, Biomeme, Tissue Analytics (acquired by Net Health), Redox, Eko Devices, NestEgg, Cherre, Cylera, RaySecur, SpecTrust, Tidal Cyber, TestifySec, Nirmata, and Accuknox.

Dreamit Ventures

Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit medical group practice, provides medical care, research, and education services. It offers medical care services in various specialties, including diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynecology, cancer, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology, rheumatology, nephrology, urology, and cardiology and heart surgery.

Mayo Clinic

Sutter Health Corporation, a not-for-profit organization, operates a network of hospitals and physicians in Northern California. Its services include ambulatory surgery, cardiology, children's health, complementary medicine, cosmetic surgery, diabetes, home health/hospice, mental health, oncology, orthopedics, pregnancy and childbirth, sleep disorders, Sutter express care, transplant services, and weight loss surgery (bariatrics). The company supports acute care hospitals, as well as physician organizations; medical research facilities; home health, hospice, and occupational health networks; and long-term care centers. Sutter Health Corporation was incorporated in 1981 and is based in Sacramento, California.

Sutter Health

At DigiTx Partners,we believe that the pace of change in healthcare will only accelerate in the coming years.  We believe that there are many smart people with great insights and drive who are developing innovative technologies and solutions.  We look forward to supporting innovative companies that will make a difference in our healthcare ecosystem, from companies that will change how patients navigate the healthcare system, that will integrate the disparate elements that comprise both diagnosis and treatment, that will speed the development of more effective drugs and that will enhance and enable efficient and accurate physician-patient interaction.  DigiTx Partners looks forward to investing in those digital health companies that strive to keep all of us in better health.

DigiTx Partners

It all began in 2003, with a conversation outlining the inefficiencies in Angel investing in addition to the difficulties entrepreneurs face while raising start-up capital. Few investment groups specialize in investing $50k to $2 million in early-stage companies and even fewer bring a broad value-add network to support entrepreneurs. The Seraph Investor Network was founded with the vision of providing capital and support  in an expedient and efficient manner without geographic prejudice. Our Investor Network reaches 91+ cities and spans three continents. The reach provides valuable expertise to entrepreneurs and investors.  Seraph Group is comprised of a diverse group of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders across wide array of different industries. By leveraging this expertise, Seraph Group is able to evaluate and invest in venture scalable opportunities across most industries. Investments range from $50K to $1.5 million and can participate along any financing stage of the company. While Seraph Group is comprised solely of angel investors, the investment process mimics a traditional venture capital firm where there is a fund managed by a small investment team. This pool of smart capital brings singular access to a prestigious group of individuals that are all invested in an entrepreneur's business and its success.  In today' market, companies have proven that only a relatively small amount of capital infusion, under $1 million, is enough to build a venture scalable business. However, most entrepreneurs will attest, that raising $500K to $1.5 million, is the hardest amount of capital to raise because it is too small for traditional venture firms. Seraph Group's focus is to fill this unmet need in the market for professional, smart capital.  The primary investment criteria for companies raising money is for it to be a venture-scalable business and not a life-style business. Seraph Group will consider investing in any round of financing and has often invested alongside later-stage venture firms.

Seraph Group

Launched in 2019, NTTVC is an independent venture capital firm formed in collaboration with NTT. Leveraging a unique partnership-focused strategy and deep industry network, NTTVC unlocks doors to relationships that can help startups reach global scale. With its $500M inaugural fund, the firm invests broadly in technology startups of all stages and sectors, with an emphasis on the future of enterprise, digital health and innovations powered by AI, machine learning and data. NTTVC is headquartered in Silicon Valley.

NTT Venture Capital

XTX Ventures is the venture capital arm of XTX Markets. XTX Markets is a leading, innovation-driven algorithmic trading firm. XTX Ventures focuses on early stage startups (Seed to Series A) applying machine learning and leverages XTX Markets’ deep expertise in ML and financial technology to help grow and enhance those businesses. We are geography and industry agnostic.

XTX Ventures

Founded in 1988, Highland Capital Partners is a global venture capital firm focused on putting the entrepreneur first.  With offices in Silicon Valley, Boston and Shanghai, Highland has raised over $3 billion in committed capital and invested in more than 225 companies, resulting in category-defining businesses across consumer and enterprise technology.  Investments include 2U, Ask Jeeves, Bromium, Gigamon, Leap Motion, LevelUp, Lycos, MapQuest, Nebula, QD Vision, Qihoo 360, Quattro Wireless, RentJuice, Rent the Runway, Starent Networks, Sybase, Violin Memory, VistaPrint and WePay.  Highland also serves as a mentor for future entrepreneurs through Summer@Highland, a program that provides students and university-affiliated startups with the environment and resources to take their initiative to the next level.

Highland Capital Partners

Questa Capital Management is a healthcare venture growth equity firm investing in breakout growth companies. Questa seeks out disruptive business models that improve lives and provide better quality and more efficient care. They partner with superior management teams to help build innovative market leaders. Questa Capital Management's mission is to generate outstanding returns for investors and management teams.

Questa Capital Management

Sand Hill Angels is a group of Silicon Valley angel investors passionate about helping entrepreneurs get to the next level. What makes the group unique is the collective experience of its members building and scaling deep technology companies. The group has been around for more than two decades. Sand Hill Angels works openly and collaboratively with venture capital funds, other angel organizations, and the Bay Area ecosystem that fosters the growth of technology startups.  For additional information, visit www.sandhillangels.com or follow @SandHillAngels.com on Twitter.

Sand Hill Angels

3M New Ventures was created to strengthen 3M's position at the leading edge of global innovation by complementing 3M's holistic innovation strategy with a focus on disruptive, early stage innovations outside of the company's existing portfolio. 3M New Ventures identifies and invests in the most promising new-to-3M technologies, services and business models with long term strategic relevance to 3M.

3M New Ventures

Longevity Vision Fund is a $100M investment fund dedicated to making longevity affordable and accessible to all. The fund accelerates longevity breakthroughs by investing in companies that develop technologies, products, and services that extend healthy human lifespans and overcome the negative effects of aging Longevity Vision Fund provides Seed to Series C funding to biotech and life extension-focused companies that have demonstrated affordable longevity potential and vision of milestones driving up the value of the company and market validation.

Longevity Vision Fund

PROOF invests in breakout high-performing companies in growth rounds across all VC sectors except life sciences. The firm works in partnership with early stage VCs and leverages their pro-rata rights in exchange for sharing part of the upside.

PROOF

Morningside Venture Investments is an investment group that provides industry investments and social responsibility. It was founded in 1986 and is based in Shanghai, China.

Morningside Venture Investments

Eko Health

Eko Health is a leading digital health company advancing how healthcare professionals detect and monitor heart and lung disease with its portfolio of digital stethoscopes, patient and provider software, and AI-powered analysis. Its FDA-cleared platform is used by hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide, allowing them to detect earlier and with higher accuracy, diagnose with more confidence, manage treatment effectively, and ultimately give their patients the best care possible. Eko Health is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with over $125 million in funding from Highland Capital Partners, Questa Capital, Artis Ventures, DigiTx Partners, NTTVC, Morningside Technology Ventures Limited, Mayo Clinic, Sutter Health, and others. For more information visit www.ekohealth.com.  Eko exists to ensure all patients have access to early heart and lung disease detection that improves and extends their lives.

Eko Health is a cardiopulmonary digital health company that aims to improve heart and lung care for patients using sensors and artificial intelligence. The company produces connected handheld digital stethoscopes with electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality to detect heart rhythm abnormalities using AI algorithms. The device also features noise cancellation and high-quality audio and color displays.

More important now than ever, telehealth will long outlast the pandemic that drove its growth.

Telehealth

Membership-based, non-insurance healthcare companies helping maintain a steady state of well being.

Preventive Healthcare

Eko Health develops products and software to aid healthcare professionals in the early detection and monitoring of heart and lung diseases. The company's flagship offering is the CORE 500 Digital Stethoscope, launched in June 2023. This device combines AI software, a high-fidelity audio experience, a full-color display, and a three-lead electrocardiogram to provide healthcare professionals with an essential patient assessment tool. When supported by Eko Health's FDA-cleared AI products, the stethoscope can flag abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia within seconds, assisting in patient evaluations. The advanced audio capabilities featured in the device include up to 40x sound amplification, active noise cancellation, and Eko's proprietary TrueSound technology for optimal sound filtering and noise reduction.

Pushing the envelope in MedTech with emerging technologies

Next-gen Medical Devices

Top digital health funding: Sword, Eko Health

Eko Health is a cardiopulmonary digital health company that aims to improve heart and lung care for patients using sensors and artificial intelligence. The company produces connected handheld digital stethoscopes with electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality to detect heart rhythm abnormalities using AI algorithms. The device also features noise cancellation and high-quality audio and color displays.Eko Health's technology aims to reduce diagnostic bottlenecks and enhance patient outcomes by facilitating early detection of cardiac and pulmonary diseases. With over 500,000 healthcare professionals utilizing its FDA-cleared platform worldwide as of June 2024, the company has established a substantial presence in the market.In 2020, the company obtained FDA clearance for multiple algorithms that help detect heart murmurs and atrial fibrillation, or AFib. These algorithms were used in 2022 to develop the Eko App, which pairs to the company's stethoscopes for report generation, information sharing and carrying out examinations. In April 2024, Eko obtained FDA 510(k) clearance for its AI-aided cardiac tool, Eko Low Ejection Fraction Tool (ELEFT).In June 2023, Eko Health launched its next-generation digital stethoscope, CORE 500, featuring advanced capabilities such as a full-color display, 3-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and TrueSound technology for optimal sound filtering. The CORE 500 received FDA 510(k) clearance and seamlessly integrates with the SENSORA platform.Key customers and partnershipsIn July 2023, the company partnered with pharmaceutical company Astellas to develop Z1608, a non-invasive device-DTx solution for heart failure patients.In November 2023, Eko Health announced a large-scale deployment of its AI-enabled technology through the TRICORDER program, an implementation initiative led by Imperial College London and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The program aims to deploy Eko's technology to 100 General Practitioner (GP) practices across the UK, assisting clinicians in evaluating heart failure, valvular heart disease, and atrial fibrillation.

<div>
 
 Nice Healthcare is a US based telehealth company with a focus on primary care services to business-to-business (B2B) clients. Once the employer signs its employees with Nice (at a cost of USD 30 to USD 36 per employee per month), employees do not have to incur out of pocket expenses for Nice services and can schedule virtual or home visits within the time frames specified by the company. It connects patients with practitioners through a mobile app over video calls or text messages. Members can also request home visits which will be completed within a few hours, as claimed by the company. As of March 2022, Nice was operating in twelve states, and had over 400 small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
 
 
 In March 2022, the company raised USD 30 million in Series A financing led by DNA Capital which has been earmarked to expand its platform&rsquo;s reach among small and medium businesses. Additionally, the company is hiring three members for its management team to support the continuing growth of the organization.
 
 
 
</div>

Nice Healthcare

Amicomed is a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform which provides blood pressure monitoring services. It collects blood pressure data of patients from at-home devices, applies algorithms, and assesses the fluctuations in the blood pressure. Physicians can be connected and provided with blood pressure data of their patients in order to facilitate their workload, enabling more personalized management of patients regarding medication and lifestyle indications.Amicomed can also recommend actionable and personalized lifestyle interventions such as daily diet and exercises via virtual coaching.

Amicomed

Winston is a men’s health telemedicine platform that treats common issues impacting men such as sexual problems, hair loss, acne, and cold sores. Winston allows patients to consult doctors, place orders for prescription drugs, and offers free delivery to the homes of patients.The Toronto-based company aims to avoid men deferring doctor visits or withholding sensitive information. The consultation fee is covered by the provincial health plan, but the prescriptions are billed to the customer.

Winston

<div>
 
 Dialogue partners with employers and health insurers to offer telehealth services to their employees and members. The users have 24/7 access to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals via audio, video, and chat options for wide arrays of physical and mental health needs, artificial intelligence-enabled (AI-enabled) triage, referrals, and prescription renewals. 
 
 
 The company launched its trademarked Integrated Health Platform in January 2021 to consolidate its virtual care, wellness programs, mental healthcare services, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) onto a single platform. The company claims to be the only integrated health and wellness B2B platform in Canada. 
 
 
 Key Customers and partnerships
 
 
 Dialogue had direct relationships with over 2,000 customers across Canada and Germany as of December 2020 and served around 50,000 organizations through these partnerships. In addition, the number of members with access to the virtual platform topped 1 million in January 2021. 
 
 
 Fundings and financials
 
 
 As of March 2021, Dialogue was planning to raise CAD 100 million (USD 80 million) from an initial public offering that will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol &ldquo;CARE.&rdquo; 
 
 
 In Q2 2023, net losses reduced significantly YoY to CAD 5.8 million (USD 4.3 million) from CAD 8.4 million (USD 6.3 million) in Q2 2022. Top-line revenue met internal expectations, growing 17.2% YoY to CAD 25.5 million (USD 19.0 million), driven by &nbsp;an increase in new members (by 18.6% YoY), 
 an expansion of the attach rate as existing customers added more services, and full-quarter contributions from Tictrac.
 
 Dialogue Health has not provided any forward-looking guidance as the company has entered into an agreement to be 
 <a href="https://investors.dialogue.co/English/news/news-details/2023/Dialogue-to-be-Acquired-by-Sun-Life/default.aspx">
 acquired by financial services company Sun Life Financial
 </a>
 for a consideration of CAD 365 million (USD 270 million) or CAD 5.15 (USD 3.82) per share. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2023. Post acquisition, Dialogue will delist from the Toronto Stock Exchange but will continue to operate as a standalone entity under the &ldquo;Sun Life Canada&rdquo; brand from its head office in Qu&eacute;bec. 
 
 
 
</div>

Dialogue

Grin offers telemedicine and remote monitoring services for orthodontic needs such as braces and teeth straightening. Patients can conduct self-scans (using a Grin device made available to patients in collaboration with 3M) which can be connected to their smartphones and share the feed with orthodontists to access dental solutions. The company plans to go to a subscription-based model after the pandemic. The app also encourages patients to have a 40-second check monthly and share the scan with a dentist in order to allow patients to regularly maintain their dental hygiene.Grin is the only Telehealth disruptor covered on the hub that provides virtual orthopaedic consultations.Funding and financialsIn April 2021, the New York-based teledental platform concluded a seed funding of USD 14 million, and the funds will be allocated to develop additional functionalities by building out its technology. The proceeds will also be used to scale up its team, expand its geographic footprint, and add doctors to the company’s orthodontic partner network.

Grin

Real-time collection of patients’ health-related data using any remote patient monitoring device combined with general telemedicine services to reduce readmission rates. 


A platform that facilitates the transmission of patient data to different locations for further evaluation and interpretation by medical specialists. 


A digital platform that offers specialty care services to address the specific needs of a patient or demographic, including consultations where patients are generally reluctant to meet practitioners face-to-face.

Primary care through virtual consultations for general health-related concerns using a digital platform or mobile app. 

Companies developing B2B software solutions for patient engagement, care navigation, practice management, and electronic health records integration to facilitate telehealth services for healthcare providers. 

IoT is used by most telehealth providers to operate virtual services

All telehealth players are involved in digital health via virtual offerings

Industry players offer varying degrees of personalization for each target audience

Some players offer technology and platforms to healthcare providers, converting physical-only services into virtual services

Specific telehealth offerings focus on diversity and inclusion, providing care to LGBTQ+ or BIPOC populations

Generative AI is used to streamline administrative tasks such as clinical note-taking

Cardiomo Care is developing noninvasive wearable devices to alert users and caretakers when there are abnormalities in the heartbeat. The company’s AI engine, trained on existing and growing data sets, can predict potential heart issues up to two hours before they occur, enabling early detection and intervention for arrhythmias and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).The company's product, CardiomoPatch, is a waterproof, wearable patch capable of long-term wear with a 10-day battery life. The patch monitors a patient's cardiac data, including ECG outputs, breathing, and skin temperature, and transmits the data via a mobile app for analysis by Cardiomo's AI engine.&nbsp;As of May 2024, the company is yet to commercialize its product and has over 1,600 pre-orders.

Cardiomo Care

Omada is a prevention-focused digital therapeutics startup that helps members achieve health goals through lifestyle changes. It offers four evidence-based, virtual prevention programs for managing hypertension, musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, prediabetes, and diabetes.Omada offers real-time data tracking through connected devices (such as wireless scales, blood pressure, and glucose monitors) and access to personalized coaching sessions via a mobile app as part of its prevention program. It also provides an online community of peers with similar health conditions to discuss challenges and provide support. In May 2021, Omada became the first fully-virtual healthcare provider to earn the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Population Health Program Accreditation for its type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes + hypertension programs.Unlike its peers, Omada operates a performance-based business model where it charges clients an enrollment fee based on the number of users and a performance fee based on how much weight their employees lose. In May 2020, the company acquired virtual physical therapy startup Physera.Key customers and partnershipsAs of May 2024, Omada had more than 1 million members from more than 1,900 enterprise clients across all 50 US states. Its B2B employer and health plan client base include key clients such as American Eagle, Kaiser Permanente, Costco Wholesale, 3M, and Marvin. Additionally, the company has partnered with health systems and hospitals such as Intermountain Healthcare to provide its preventive programs as a covered benefit.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15587">January 2023</a>, the company partnered with health service company Castell (a subsidiary of Intermountain Healthcare) to provide its diabetes programs to members from Intermountain Healthcare’s primary care providers in its Utah Medical Group. Further in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25245">January 2024</a>, the company partnered with Amazon to expand access to its cardiometabolic program.

Omada Health

VillageMD provides primary care services for patients. It also provides tools, technology, and staffing support needed for physicians to deliver high-quality services. VillageMD’s service delivery methods include traditional freestanding clinics, Village Medical at Walgreens co-located clinics, as well as at-home and around-the-clock virtual visits. It also leverages a team-based approach to care where physicians lead nurse practitioners, pharmacists, mental health specialists, and dietitians to offer a holistic care program. The technology of VillageMD includes docOS, an operating system that enables better patient care by connecting various clinical source systems with ongoing patient-generated data coupled with an AI engine to continuously analyze messages to enable patient self-care.The company made several acquisitions to expand its footprint: 1) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/14347">Summit Health</a> for USD 8.9 billion in November 2022, 2) Healthy Interactions, an interactive patient education platform, in February 2022, and 3) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16968">Starling Physicians</a>, a primary care and specialty care provider, in March 2023.Key customers and partnershipsIn June 2020, VillageMD and Walgreens Boots Alliance announced a collaborative effort to open at least 600 Village Medical centers at Walgreens across more than 30 US markets by 2025. Walgreens invested USD 5.2 billion in VillageMD (from the previously announced USD 1.0 billion), raising its ownership stake to 63% (from 30%).However, as of May 2024, Walgreens had plans to close 160 VillageMD clinics as part of a cost-cutting plan.

VillageMD

Cityblock Health is a value-based healthcare provider focused on delivering comprehensive care to underserved communities, primarily Medicaid and lower-income Medicare beneficiaries. The company combines primary care, behavioral health, and social services to address the complex physical, mental, and social needs of its members.Cityblock's model involves partnering with local community-based organizations and deploying multidisciplinary care teams that include doctors, nurses, behavioral health specialists, and community health workers. These teams provide personalized care through 24/7 access to multi-modal care delivery, including in-home visits, telehealth, and community health hubs.The services of Cityblock are available to members at no additional cost if they are covered by an eligible health plan.Key Customers and PartnershipsAs of May 2024, the company’s services were available in seven states across the US and served over 100,000 members.In May 2024, it partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/29647">Sunshine Health</a> to expand to Florida, and, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13270">September 2022</a>, it partnered with MDwise to expand into Indiana. Prior to that, the company had partnered with insurance providers such as ConnectiCare (Connecticut), Tufts Health Plan (Massachusetts), Emblem Health (New York), Healthy Blue (North Carolina), Molina Healthcare (Ohio) and CareFirst (Washington DC).Funding and FinancialsCityblock is a spin-off of Sidewalk Labs, an Alphabet company that incubates and invests in tech companies and products to improve urban infrastructure. It completed a USD 400 million Series D funding round led by Softbank in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/5326">September 2021</a>, valuing the company at USD 5.7 billion. The funds were used to expand its services.

Cityblock Health

Everside Health (formerly Paladina Health) offers preventative care for chronic conditions and primary, mental and occupational healthcare treatments for acute conditions. Patients benefit from around-the-clock access to care, same-day or next-day appointments for in-person, and virtual care visits with zero copays.Everside aims to generate around 17% healthcare cost savings in three years and 31% in five years for its corporate members by leveraging a data-driven approach to care coordination.The company leverages data from past medical records, predictive analytics, and AI in the delivery of preventative care services.Founded in 2010 under the name Paladina Health, the company was rebranded in November 2020 as Everside Health following a merger between three primary care groups (Paladina, Activate Healthcare, and Healthstat). Furthermore, in February 2024, Everside Health merged with primary care provider Marathon Health to form a combined entity that would operate as Marathon Health, and, as of May 2024, the integration was ongoing.Key customers and partnershipPost-merger with Marathon Health, the combined entity would serve 2.5 million patients through over 680 clinics across 41 states.Funding and financialsThe company received its most recent investment in July 2022, amounting to USD 164 million in growth equity funding. The round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). The funds were allocated toward growing its market presence and exploring opportunities for M&amp;A as well as to enhance and improve its product features. Additionally, the firm planned to expand its coverage of specialty care services aimed at individuals, employers, and union organizations.

Everside Health

Platforms offer a subscription-based or B2B-sponsored, evidence-based program for managing a specific long-term health condition.

DPCs offer value-based primary and preventive care services addressing whole-person (social, mental, physical) needs for a fixed monthly or annual fee paid by either the patient, insurance provider, or employer.

Companies offer B2B and D2C evidence-based treatments delivered via software programs to prevent and manage a variety of chronic conditions.

Tools that collect and analyze real-time patient data that supports healthcare providers with clinical decisions,  improves patient outcomes, and reduces medical errors.

Companies offer independent physician practices and hospitals with the tools (patient engagement, care coordination, administrative services) to help manage and improve clinical health outcomes of a defined group of individuals or large populations.

Platforms are used to track and gather patient health-related information via either a connected device or at-home test kits to detect the early onset of disease and identify any abnormalities in readings—but do not include a treatment plan.

To gather large amounts of real-time data for chronic care management, DTx, and patient monitoring

XR used by some startups for chronic pain management

Offers digital means of providing direct primary care, passive remote monitoring, chronic care management, etc.

AI/ML is used in predictive analytics, diagnostics tools, and population management

Offers tailored preventive interventions and treatments to the specific needs and characteristics of each individual

Eko Health develops products and software to aid healthcare professionals in the early detection and monitoring of heart and lung diseases. The company's flagship offering is the CORE 500 Digital Stethoscope, launched in June 2023. This device combines AI software, a high-fidelity audio experience, a full-color display, and a three-lead electrocardiogram to provide healthcare professionals with an essential patient assessment tool. When supported by Eko Health's FDA-cleared AI products, the stethoscope can flag abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia within seconds, assisting in patient evaluations. The advanced audio capabilities featured in the device include up to 40x sound amplification, active noise cancellation, and Eko's proprietary TrueSound technology for optimal sound filtering and noise reduction.Eko Health has also developed the SENSORA cardiac disease detection platform, an advanced machine-learning software that doubles the detection sensitivity of cardiac murmurs indicative of structural heart disease. This platform aims to help health systems optimize downstream care and improve patient outcomes.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsEko’s products are used for diagnostic purposes by hospitals and healthcare facilities across the US, as well as by individuals. As of July 2024, the company provided solutions to over 0.5 million healthcare providers.&nbsp;In September 2023, Eko Health partnered with FIGS, a D2C healthcare apparel brand, to launch the Eko CORE 500 Digital Stethoscope. Further, in July 2023, the company partnered with pharmaceutical company Astellas to develop Z1608, a non-invasive device-DTx solution for heart failure patients.

Proximie is a global health technology platform that combines telepresence, augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to enable surgeons to virtually "scrub in" to any operating room from anywhere in the world. The company's core product is a web-based software that allows surgeons to collaborate remotely by sharing live video streams of surgeries from up to four camera perspectives, along with medical scans. It features augmented reality tools that enable surgeons to draw instructions or annotations on the shared screen, providing real-time guidance during procedures.
Founded in 2016 by Dr. Nadine Hachach-Haram, a plastic surgeon, Proximie aims to democratize access to surgical expertise by connecting surgeons across the globe. Its technology helps overcome barriers caused by limited staff, time, and resources, enabling healthcare organizations to improve patient outcomes, safety, and productivity. Proximie's platform also captures data from procedures, creating a secure library that can be used for training, debriefing, and advancing surgical techniques.
As of 2023, Proximie has been used in over 13,000 surgeries across more than 500 hospitals in over 100 countries. The company has partnerships with major healthcare providers, medical device companies, and educational institutions, leveraging its technology for remote mentoring, proctoring, and accelerating the adoption of new surgical products and techniques.

Proximie

Convergent Dental, Inc. is a privately owned dental equipment and technology company. Its flagship product, Solea, is the only CO2 laser cleared by the FDA for all-tissue indications, delivering an anesthesia-free, blood-free, and suture-free experience for dentists and patients. Solea represents a breakthrough in dental laser technology, offering a distinct experience compared to traditional instruments or earlier laser treatments.
Solea is a novel 9.3-micron CO2 laser that nears the peak absorption of hydroxyapatite (enamel), enabling it to vaporize enamel with speed and precision. This unique wavelength, coupled with computer-controlled motors (galvos) that manipulate the beam thousands of times per second, allows dentists to perform procedures ranging from hard tissue to soft tissue with total control and efficiency.
A key feature of Solea is its variable-speed foot pedal, which lets dentists seamlessly transition from hard to soft tissue by adjusting the pressure applied. This intuitive design streamlines the learning curve for dentists accustomed to using a drill. Solea's three ergonomic handpieces – Contra-Angle, Straight, and Ultraguide – further enhance its versatility across various procedures.
Solea not only improves patient experiences but also offers practice benefits such as increased productivity, new patient flow, and efficiency gains. In October 2022, Convergent Dental received FDA clearance for Solea to aid in reducing mineral loss in dental enamel, protecting teeth against acid attack and caries development. This breakthrough application was commercially launched in November 2023 under the name Solea Protect.

Convergent Dental

Ossio is an orthopedic fixation technology company that has developed OSSIOfiber Intelligent Bone Regeneration Technology, a breakthrough implant material designed to securely fixate and fully integrate into the body's native anatomy without leaving any permanent hardware behind. This technology addresses the limitations of conventional metal and resorbable implants, combining unparalleled mechanical strength with natural bone healing.
Made from a proprietary mineral fiber matrix held together by a naturally degradable polymer, OSSIOfiber implants provide surgeons with a more biologically friendly way to restore patient stability and mobility. These implants are engineered to provide the strength required for functional fixation while allowing full integration into the native bone without adverse biological response.
Ossio's product portfolio includes compression screws, trimmable fixation nails, hammertoe fixation systems, suture anchors, and compression staples, all made with OSSIOfiber technology. These implants have received multiple FDA clearances since 2019, and the company has initiated commercialization of its products in the US. As of March 2022, over 6,000 implantations of OSSIOfiber products had been performed, demonstrating adoption of this innovative technology.
OSSIOfiber Intelligent Bone Regeneration Technology can address various surgical applications through the manufacturing of implant designs like nails, screws, staples, anchors, and plates. Ossio plans to pursue multiple applications in distal extremities, trauma, sports, reconstruction, pediatrics, and spine segments.
In February 2023, Ossio launched the world's first and only non-permanent compression staple made with OSSIOfiber technology, designed for predictable bone in-growth, regeneration, and replacement.

Ossio

Casana is a healthcare technology company that has developed the Heart Seat, an innovative toilet seat that enables effortless, integrated, and consistent in-home health monitoring. The Heart Seat is a replacement for a standard toilet seat and is designed to measure key clinical parameters such as heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and blood pressure.
In May 2023, Casana received FDA clearance for the Heart Seat to measure heart rate and SpO2 in adults aged 22 years and older, weighing between 90 to 350 pounds. The company plans to file for additional indications, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with the goal of launching the product in the market by the end of 2023.
The Heart Seat is equipped with sensors that passively capture health data whenever the seat is used, eliminating the need for user compliance or behavior changes. The data is automatically uploaded to the Casana Cloud, where it can be viewed by healthcare providers, enabling them to monitor patients' health trends and respond to changes in near real-time.
Casana's technology allows for the effortless collection of consistent and reliable data, assisting medical teams in monitoring chronic conditions beyond the hospital or physician's office. The company aims to unlock a new category in healthcare technologies that enables seamless, integrated, and continuous in-home health monitoring.
In January 2022, Casana was acquired by an undisclosed entity, further accelerating the commercialization of the Heart Seat.

Casana

Neurent Medical is a company pioneering innovative non-surgical interventions to treat chronic inflammatory sinonasal diseases, particularly chronic rhinitis. The company's flagship product is the NEUROMARK System, a device that received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance in October 2021.
The NEUROMARK System is designed to gently apply controlled low-power radio frequency (RF) energy to target regions of the nasal cavity, disrupting the parasympathetic nerve signals that can trigger an inflammatory response. This alleviates chronic rhinitis symptoms such as persistent congestion, rhinorrhea (runny nose), swelling of the mucosal membrane, sneezing, and nasal itching. The system's unique flexible leaflet design and proprietary smart algorithms enable precise neurolysis (disruption) of the posterior nasal nerves (PNN) and accessory pathways, accommodating a range of patient anatomies while maintaining mucosal and vascular integrity.
Neurent Medical announced the limited market release of the NEUROMARK System in the US in February 2023, following the establishment of a new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code by the American Medical Association (AMA) for PNN procedures, effective January 2024. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) also endorsed the PNN procedure in 2023.

Neurent Medical

Companies that develop diagnostic devices used in a hospital setting to identify a disease, condition, or injury, such as imaging systems and endoscopes

Companies that develop implantable medical devices designed to be surgically placed inside the human body, either temporarily or permanently, including devices such as pacemakers, artificial joints, stents, and cochlear implants

Companies that develop non-surgical devices that are used in a procedure or intervention to cure or relieve a patient from an illness or disease such as laser treatments, dental equipment, and wound care management

Companies that develop monitoring devices that are used in a hospital setting to measure patient vital signs and ensure patient well-being post-treatment, such as cardiac and respiratory monitoring systems

Providers of software that enhances the functionality of medical device hardware (diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring)

Companies that develop surgical devices involving invasive interventions (cutting into a patient's body tissues) to treat, cure, or relieve a patient of an illness or disease

Companies that develop devices to administer pharmaceutical substances into a patient's body, ensuring controlled release or targeted delivery, specifically for use in clinical settings to treat or manage medical conditions effectively

Providers of software that helps manage risks, ensure quality, and streamline audit processes during medical device development

Devices are linked to software platforms that use digital technologies such as AI/ML and VR

Startups leverage AI/ML and deep learning to support patient diagnosis and early detection

IoT connects devices to EHR systems for precise patient diagnosis and treatment support

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 Cardiac care company, Eko Health, has teamed up with Louisiana State University (LSU) Athletics and Our Lady of the Lake Health to provide student-athletes with access to AI-enhanced digital stethoscopes. This partnership marks the first time a college sports program will leverage Eko Health's CORE 500 digital stethoscopes, which utilize AI algorithms to detect early signs of heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart murmurs.
 
By integrating this technology into regular physical examinations, the goal is to improve the precision of cardiovascular issue detection in student-athletes. As the Championship Health Partner of LSU Athletics, Our Lady of the Lake Health is set to begin using the AI stethoscopes from summer 2024 onwards to optimize preventive care and heart health monitoring among LSU athletes.

</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 Historically, Eko Health has been partnering with healthcare providers to implement its devices in medical institutions. For example, in November 2023, it partnered with the TRICORDER program to roll out its devices on a large scale across 100 General Practitioner (GP) practices across the UK. However, the latest partnership with LSU expands Eko Health’s device’s potential applications across academic institutions, opening up its potential to further diversify its market presence.

Eko Health

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