Alexander Saint-Amand

Some VC investors believe that brick and mortar - referring to a physical presence of some kind - should be avoided at all costs. Yet, the track record of clinic and hybrid care businesses in health care indicates otherwise. ==> One Medical (sold for $3.9 billion to Amazon), Oak Street (bought by CVS for $10.6 billion), Lifestance (IPO at $7.5 billion market cap), and PE-backed Premise Health (acquired by OMERS Private Equity for $1.1 billion) If a clinic is indicated as the optimal way to deliver care for that patient population, there are creative ways to build and operate them. Full article below with advice and strategies on how to build and operate hybrid clinics from my teammate Anarghya Vardhana from Maveron, Amir Dan Rubin from OneMedical Group, Steven Eidelman from Modern Animal and more!

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Imagine swallowing the competition whole. That's what many players in tech do via roll-up strategies, gobbling up smaller firms to deliver richer solutions and amass greater market share. Where else are roll-up strategies common? // HEALTHCARE Picture being a patient at a medical practice that’s been part of a roll-up in Healthcare Services. It's an industry ripe for roll-ups due to its fragmented nature and potential for greater efficiency. // CONSUMER SERVICES Or let's say you needed your HVAC serviced, and notice your local repairman is now part of a bigger Consumer Services entity? Centralized management and scale economy turn these localized businesses into roll-up targets. // FINANCIAL SERVICES Think about your insurance agent or wealth management advisor. They're working in complex, highly regulated environments. In the Financial Services sector, roll-ups offer an effective way to consolidate expertise, streamline operations, and enhance customer offerings. // MANUFACTURING Now, imagine driving past factories under a new name — the result of Manufacturing and Industrial Services roll-ups. Bulk purchasing reduces costs, enhances production capabilities, and expands geographical footprints. // REAL ESTATE Lastly, envision your real estate brokerage firm. The industry sees roll-ups as a strategic move to increase market penetration, enhance service offerings, and hike up portfolio value. Roll-ups play a huge role in most industries, rather like a snowball rolling downhill, gaining momentum, and size. Are you seeing roll-ups in your sector or considering M&A?

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The (Healthcare) Ground Beneath Our Feet… This year it is likely that over $10 billion will be invested in the digital health sector – a robust amount, no doubt, but inconsequential when compared to the amount of capital tied up in healthcare real estate assets, which is estimated to be $1.2 trillion by Jones Lang Lasalle. Of that amount, approximately $790 billion is in the hospital sector while the remaining $490 billion is in medical office assets. It is estimated that there are 48.6k facilities with 3.4 billion square feet of healthcare real estate, 42% of which are owned by REITs and another 33% held by other private investment vehicles. Much of the digital health investment is meant to make the physical healthcare infrastructure more productive: greater operating efficiencies, greater patient throughput, more relevant personalized care models with better outcomes. As the healthcare system is being pushed to be more distributed to lower cost sites of care, accelerated now by the rapid proliferation of automation and AI capabilities, the potential impact on healthcare infrastructure assets will be profound. Thoughts on what that might look like... https://lnkd.in/eTfAdUbS #digitalhealth Flare Capital Partners

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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. Link to the full episode is in the comment section below.

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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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Exciting news from Monica Chopra, Jeffrey De Flavio, MD, Samantha Adelberg, and the rest of the Auxa Health team as they officially announce their $5.2M Seed round. The team's deep industry expertise and drive for change have led them to solve critical infrastructural friction to providing quality healthcare and adoption of value-based care. Auxa's AI benefit navigation platform is simplifying the complexities of healthcare by streamlining all of the fragmented and siloed data and information to make it actionable in real-time for healthcare organizations. For the 70% of Americans who aren't getting access to the health and social care benefits they deserve, Auxa's solution will be pivotal in enabling equitable care. We're thrilled to partner with co-investors Zeal Capital Partners, AlleyCorp, Laconia, and Chaac Ventures on this journey and look to share many more milestones ahead. Cc K50 Ventures, Ryan Bloomer, Daniel Vásquez, Nick Talwar, Stefanie Ng https://lnkd.in/dPDY7-Db

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Healthcare is highly suited for AI automation, with many opportunities to improve accessibility, affordability, and outcomes. AI can drive efficiencies across various functions, though it will inevitably reduce the need for some human roles. #higherorder #ai #automation #healthcare #healthtech

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"Digital health is no longer the future; it is the present, reshaping our healthcare landscape in real-time." Excited to be part of the UCSF Digital Health Hub Foundation's Quarterfinalist Party! As a past board member, I'm honored to celebrate the outstanding quarterfinalists. As we reflect on the state of digital health in 2024, it's evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally transformed healthcare delivery. The rapid adoption of telemedicine during the crisis has become a permanent fixture, with over 60% of physicians continuing to utilize this technology. The sprint towards smarter healthcare, catalyzed by necessity, has shattered preconceptions about digital-first health experiences. Virtual care is no longer a stopgap but an integral part of a seamless, anytime, anywhere health ecosystem. 🌍 We're witnessing the rise of B2B2C models in remote consultations, with companies like Teladoc Health and Amwell partnering with insurance providers to integrate their services into health plans. Public sector collaborations, like eConsult Health 's partnership with the NHS in the #UK, underscore the potential for remote consultations to enhance efficiency and accessibility at a national level. The digital health landscape is evolving rapidly, with advancements in remote consultations, mental health support, at-home diagnostics, and patient monitoring. AI and generative AI transform care delivery, making it more efficient, personalized, and patient-centric. 🤖 Yet, challenges remain. While venture capital funding for digital health has stabilized after the pandemic boom, it remains below its 2021 peak. Sectors like digital therapeutics face reimbursement hurdles, and we've seen major players like Walmart and Optum close telehealth businesses. Looking ahead, we anticipate further consolidation in digital health, driven by acquisitions to create broader ecosystems encompass telemedicine, mental health, and other specialized services. As healthcare leaders, we must leverage these digital advancements to improve access, enhance patient outcomes, and drive efficiency in our healthcare systems. The future of healthcare is digital, and the time to embrace this transformation is now. Congratulations to all the finalists! 🎉 Looking forward to the grand finale at #HLTH2024 in #LasVegas! 🙌 By the way, the pink drink that we were holding was delicious—and nonalcoholic! The Digital Health Hub Foundation - Digital Health Awards #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #UCSFHealthHub #Networking #HealthTech #Entrepreneurship #LasVegasFinale Walter Greenleaf, PhD Daniel Kraft, MD Unity Stoakes StartUp Health University of California, San Francisco UCSF Innovation Ventures American Association for Precision Medicine (AAPM) WISE World Investors & Entrepreneurs Society #AAPMhealth #aapm_health

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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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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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Today's post is about our commitment at Bread and Butter Ventures to investing in women's health within our healthcare vertical, which is a big focus of our fund. Our mission in healthtech broadly is to invest in technology that democratizes access to quality care for all. A report this year from Deloitte shared that investment in women’s health rose by 5% between 2022 and 2023 - heading in the right direction, however, women's health represented just 2% of the $41.2 billion in venture funding that went to health companies in 2023, according to Deloitte’s analysis. There is such tremendous opportunity to innovate and invest for half the world's population. This an economic imperative. Spotlighting today 5 outstanding healthcare startups innovation in women's health who are very proud to have in our portfolio: ⭐ Gabbi: is building a comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment and early detection platform, combining cutting-edge technology with personalized care. As a woman's virtual breast specialist, Gabbi ensures every woman knows her risk and has access to early detection via telehealth. https://www.gabbi.com/. Shoutout Kaitlin Christine ⭐ Chiyo: is a personalized & integrative food-as-medicine platform that helps the next generation of mothers looking for guidance as they navigate the acute transitions of fertility, pregnancy and post-partum. https://wearechiyo.com/. Shoutout Irene Liu ⭐ Delfina: is creating an AI-powered pregnancy care platform to solve the global maternal health crisis. Delfina lowers rates of adverse outcomes, hospitalizations, and NICU stays to deliver substantial savings for health plans and risk-sharing providers. https://www.delfina.com/. Shoutout Senan Ebrahim, MD, PhD Priyanka Vaidya Ali Ebrahim ⭐ Nest Collaborative is the first to create a nationwide network of lactation consultants, available to mom 24/7 through virtual consultations. We were also the first to offer mom a no-cost, insurance-paid experience - which means when she has a problem we can connect her with a consultant within hours and we take care of all the payment and paperwork on the back end. We are, in all ways, her BFF - Breast Feeding Friend. https://lnkd.in/gKCVYvtF. Shoutout Judith Nowlin ⭐ Myya: provides breast cancer survivors completely customizable, fully insurance billable post-mastectomy prosthetics with a state-of-the-art fitting experience online and in-person. https://myya.com/ Jasmine Jones #womenshealth #digitalhealth #venturecapital #startups

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According to the latest report from Rock Health, digital health funding in Q1 2024 totaled $2.7B across 133 deals, with an average deal size of $20.6M. It doesn’t break out device-related investments, but most medtech founders I meet these days are being forced to chase tiny rounds made up of endless little checks, consuming valuable energy and slowing their progress. The benign neglect of this next generation of diagnostic and therapeutic devices is counterproductive and surprising. Given the crowded virtual care market, for example, I’d expect more such companies would be exploring medtech partnerships, investments or acquisitions that'd enable them to back integrate into delivering sharper, and more differentiated, care and treatment. This is exactly what Maverix Medical is doing from the other direction: Reshaping the entire spectrum of lung cancer care by integrating more advanced + effective approaches to screening and diagnosis, treatment and therapeutics, and even palliative care…And putting it all to work through an innovative provider network. One notable investor exception is Y Combinator partner Surbhi Sarna who’s been backing great teams like Selera Medical (YC W24) doing foundational work on ambitious medical devices. Without more support from investors like her, we’re going to increasingly find ourselves stuck with the incremental portfolio improvements from the incumbents, and that’s just not nearly enough.

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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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TL;DR: Solving a fundamental point of friction in US health care: affordability The LEAD team is excited to back The WiTT Group and Rahul Mahadevan in their latest financing round led by Sopris Capital to expand their impact efforts of distributing non-clinical support to patients more efficiently! "Financial toxicity for patients undergoing treatment in the U.S. healthcare system is a critical issue that needs urgent attention. What excites us about backing WiTT is its platform's unique ability to align incentives across key stakeholders and support patients in need in the community. It efficiently delivers financial and non-financial assistance to patients, driving improved treatment compliance for healthcare providers. We're excited to support their commercial expansion as they grow the most valuable, proprietary patient dataset focused on self-reported social determinants of health." CC: Thomas H. Rudy Kaiwen Liu Matthew Foran Sopris Capital Taylor Paul Abinav Sankar Charlie Regis Kendel Fiorentino

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Anne Wojcicki, CEO of 23andMe, has announced plans to take the genetic testing company private. This strategic move aims to provide more flexibility in navigating regulatory challenges and to accelerate growth opportunities. The decision follows a trend of health tech companies seeking private ownership to focus on long-term objectives. Wojcicki highlighted the importance of this shift to maintain the company's commitment to innovation and customer-centric services. Taking 23andMe private reflects a bold step towards enhancing its position in the rapidly evolving genomics industry. Read more about this exciting development here: https://lnkd.in/gdrC3a64 #genomics #IPO #privatisation #23andMe

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I’m optimistic about the potential of generative AI to reduce provider burnout and improve provider-patient interactions. However, that optimism is tempered by the data that indicates the technology is not quite ready yet. Bright Ventures is interested in digital health founders who understand the realities of provider-patient interactions, and the role technology can play in strengthening clinical outcomes. Which founders and teams are getting this right? Tag them in the comments below.

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Today, we are thrilled to announce Maven Clinic's $125 million Series F funding round led by StepStone Group, with participation from existing investors including General Catalyst Partners III LP, Sequoia Capital, Oak HC/FT, and Lux Capital. To date, Maven has raised more than $425 million, and with this round the company is now valued at $1.7B. The company plans to use this funding to further invest in Maven Managed Benefit, Maven's fertility benefits administration platform, and to expand its end-to-end virtual care platform, for maternal care, parenting and pediatrics, and menopause. Over the last 10 years, FFF Founder & CEO Kate Ryder has redefined the model for care for women and families by putting the patient at the center of the healthcare experience. She shared that in this next decade, they have “the platform breadth, depth, and data required to create the scaled change this industry so sorely needs.” In addition to Amazon, Maven’s services are used by the nation’s leading employers, including Microsoft, AT&T, Morgan Stanley, and L’Oréal. Female Founders Fund is proud to be an early investor in Maven, and we are excited by Kate’s vision for the decade to come as the Maven team continues to reimagine the standard of care within the healthcare industry. Maven's model is setting a new standard for personalized, comprehensive care for women and families, shaping healthcare for generations to come & inspiring so many other female founders along the way. More from CNBC 👇 https://lnkd.in/ekf7Kk-Y

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In our latest publication in Health, Management, Policy, and Innovation – "Why AI Is Good for Our Health but May Hurt Our Wallets," we examine how current regulatory frameworks, reimbursement structures, and business models for AI in healthcare are decoupled, creating an environment in which AI may significantly increase costs without necessarily improving outcomes. We recommend three interconnected reforms to unlock the full potential of healthcare AI: (1) Rigorous pre- and post-deployment evaluation to verify proposed clinical value, (2) Development of assessment standards through shared guidelines, and (3) Strategic alignment of AI deployment modalities with sustainable business models – "modality-business model-market" fit 👉 https://lnkd.in/d8NiczyM Sneha Shah Jain, MD, MBA, Clinical Professor and Kevin Schulman Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, Nigam Shah, Chief Data Scientist, Michael Pfeffer, Chief Information and Digital Officer, and Linda Hoff Chief Financial Officer at Stanford Health Care

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We are getting closer to a new era in healthcare: a biological renaissance that I'm calling the age of MMMs, or Massive Multimodal Models. As they continue to evolve, MMMs will become incredibly adept at working with the different modalities of healthcare data at scale - pathology slides, radiology scans, molecular files, unstructured text, lab results, structured results, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, and etc. In a new blog post, I share my thoughts on the ingredients necessary to make MMMs effective so that we can apply them to transform the healthcare landscape. https://lnkd.in/g_kvk9fG

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