The Academy Investor Network invests in venture-backed startups at the seed stage.

Academy Investor Network

Early Stage Venture Fund that invests in dual-use technology (deep tech) companies and veteran-led companies.

AIN Ventures

Laborie Medical Technologies is a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of innovative medical technology and consumables used for the diagnosis and treatment of Urinary and Fecal Incontinence, as well as other pelvic floor disorders in the Urology, Gynecology, and Colorectal fields. Laborie is owned by Audax Group Private Equity based in Boston, MA.

Laborie Medical Technologies

The University of California opened its doors in 1869 with just 10 faculty members and 38 students. Today, the UC system includes more than 238,000 students and more than 190,000 faculty and staff, with more than 1.7 million alumni living and working around the world. For almost 150 years, UC has expanded the horizons of what we know about ourselves and our world. Our campuses are routinely ranked among the best in the world, but our reach extends beyond campus borders. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni exchange ideas, make advancements, and unlock the secrets and mysteries of the universe every day. They engage with their local governments, serve California schools, protect the environment, and push the boundaries of space. Education and research as pioneering as California itself From all backgrounds, ethnicities, and incomes, UC attracts the best and brightest. UC undergraduates come from all over California, and they work hard to make it to college. Over 40 percent of UC students come from low-income families. UC's faculty are the drivers behind innovations in biotechnology, computer science, art, and architecture and they bring that knowledge, that greatness, directly to the classroom. Thousands of California jobs, billions of dollars in revenues, and countless everyday household items from more plentiful fruits and vegetables to compact fluorescent light bulbs can be traced back to UC discoveries. Similarly, many of the state’s leading businesses are based on UC technology, founded by our faculty or led by UC graduates.

University of California

Freepoint Capital Group focuses on advancing healthcare innovation by investing in enterprises at the intersection of technology, data science, and life sciences. The company aims to enhance clinical efficacy, quality, and accessibility of care through strategic partnerships. With over 70 years of combined experience, Freepoint Capital Group leverages its extensive network and expertise to drive operational excellence and value creation in the healthcare sector.

Freepoint Capital Group

Laurelin Investors is an investment firm.

Laurelin Investors

Bright Uro

Bright Uro is an early-stage medical technology company. It is building the next generation of diagnostic devices for Urology. Utilizing advanced hardware, software, and data science can unlock new data streams and offer actionable insight for clinicians.

Bright Uro is focused on developing its investigational technology, Glean Urodynamics System (Glean), to reinvent urodynamic testing. The system eliminates the need for invasive catheters during monitoring, offering a wireless and catheter-free solution. The company obtained an exclusive IP license from the Cleveland Clinic for this innovative approach.

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

Preventive Healthcare

Bright Uro raises USD 32 million in Series A funding to support product launch.. Bright Uro.. product 

Bright Uro is focused on developing its investigational technology, Glean Urodynamics System (Glean), to reinvent urodynamic testing. The system eliminates the need for invasive catheters during monitoring, offering a wireless and catheter-free solution. The company obtained an exclusive IP license from the Cleveland Clinic for this innovative approach.The system comprises a single-use disposable sensor, a reusable meter for measuring urinary flow and volume, and software apps for both patients and clinicians. By providing critical information without invasive procedures, the company aims to enhance the accuracy of urodynamic testing, improve patient comfort, and increase clinic efficiency.Funding and financialsFounded in 2021, the company secured USD 23 million in December 2023 via a Series A investment round led by Laborie Medical Technologies. The funds were allocated toward securing FDA approval for Glean, which it aimed to launch to the US market by 2024.

Bright Uro is focused on developing its investigational technology, Glean Urodynamics System (Glean), to reinvent urodynamic testing. The system eliminates the need for invasive catheters during monitoring, offering a wireless and catheter-free solution. The company obtained an exclusive IP license from the Cleveland Clinic for this innovative approach.The system comprises a single-use disposable sensor, a reusable meter for measuring urinary flow and volume, and software apps for both patients and clinicians. By providing critical information without invasive procedures, the company aims to enhance the accuracy of urodynamic testing, improve patient comfort, and increase clinic efficiency.The company aims to launch its Glean Urodynamics System in 2025.&nbsp;

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

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 Diagnostic tool provider Bright Uro has raised USD 32 million in Series A funding. The funding round was led by Laborie Medical Technologies and included participation from University of California (UC Investments), Freepoint Capital Group, and Laurelin Investors.
 The raised funds will aid the expected 2025 launch of the Glean Urodynamics System, help expand manufacturing capacity, and support R&amp;D activities for future development. The Glean Urodynamics System, which is waiting for FDA approval, aims to facilitate wireless, catheter-free urodynamics monitoring for patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms.
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Bright Uro

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