Mario M. Casabona

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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Great article on page 74 about Josh Allen - one of OnCore's great shareholders and ambassadors!

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We had the pleasure of speaking to the inimitable Gordon Sanghera, co-founder and CEO of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, valued at around $6.8bn in 2021. Gordon somewhat accidentally ended up as an entrepreneur, breaking the conventional VC wisdom around 'born founders'. The technology is wild - democratising access to genomic sequencing giving us a new understanding of living organisms. In the episode of Riding Unicorns, we cover: 00:00 Defining Entrepreneurship 00:55 Understanding Oxford Nanopore's Technology 06:10 Gordon's Journey to Founding Oxford Nanopore 12:09 Commercialization Challenges and Strategies 16:27 Building a Strong Founding Team 20:55 Navigating the Ups and Downs of Deep Tech 25:54 Innovative Applications of Nanopore Technology 28:57 Company Culture and Operational Insights 35:05 Attracting Talent in a Competitive Market 37:22 The IPO Experience and Future Outlook https://lnkd.in/eQZVSGeK

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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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"A recent study published by Blue Health Intelligence using data from a national dataset of private insurers found that about half of all patients prescribed a #GLP-1 drug for weight loss discontinued after the first 12 weeks, with approximately 30% discontinuing in the first 4 weeks," commented Jeb Besser, CEO of Modular Medical (NASDAQ: MODD). "These discontinuations appear to be due to a combination of tolerability, cost, and inconsistent efficacy. We suspect that short-acting peptides may mitigate many of these side effects and dosage swings by better modulating dosage, but these therapies have generally been abandoned as "too difficult to use" because they required multiple doses per day to be effective. We see the potential for such dosing regimes to be greatly simplified and even improved by the use of pump technology to provide both a basal dose and boluses to control hunger. Using #Gubra's gold-standard DIO mouse model, MODD will seek to determine whether an existing FDA approved, short-acting peptide delivered from a pump platform can provide a more personalized and more tolerable solution for patients who found long acting GLP-1 drugs too difficult to tolerate, while delivering comparable glycemic control and weight loss, specifically for people with type 2 #diabetes and #obesity."

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Another Important article by Zachery Eanes in Axios Hey #RealEstate developers, MAYBE you should be investing into / sponsoring the #startup ecosystem to help more #Entrepreneurs get to scale so they need more LAB space. Yes we are the ones who make the introductions of the Entrepreneurs to the #investors to move the company forward. Give and TAKE https://lnkd.in/e6hDmTPj #Biotech #LifeSciences #NorthCarolina

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Last week, I had the pleasure of moderating a discussion on navigating FOAK in climate tech at the Greentown Labs Summit in Boston (which had >600 people!!). Here’s a quick rundown of what was shared by Katherine St. James of Spring Lane Capital, Paris Smalls, PhD of Eden GeoPower, and Hannah Friedman of Planeteer Capital: 🌱 What is the definition of FOAK? We discussed how the term can be controversial - it's almost too general because it doesn't identify what kind of "First" FOAK refers to - first team project? First geography? First of a technology in a sector? First time for the integration of a system? It's also too specific because it has the word "first" in it, which can be anathema to later stage / project finance investors. 💰 Partnerships for Funding FOAK Projects We discussed how important it is to build a blended capital stack & use off-balance sheet capital for a project so you're not using the most expensive equity dollars to fund an infrastructure project with low-ish IRR. We also talked through being creative about using corporate partners to provide in-kind services or ink some agreement (at least an LOI) to attract this funding. 🏛 Role of Government We talked about how government capital is seen by investors & how it can be catalytic for FOAK. Government capital can provide validation that a startup has passed a rigorous diligence process by a third party - and incentives like grants or credits can help improve returns for the first project- but it's important to be doing this in conjunction with getting customer validation and to be able to present line of sight to competitive economics without concessionary capital. 👥 Advice for FOAK startups The panelists offered some very specific pieces of advice for startups going through FOAK: how to get creative with things like revenue sharing agreements or convertible notes, getting smart with project development early on (like with DeveloperU), being careful about using FOAK too liberally with certain investor groups, getting the right commercialization / FOAK talent in and around you early Huge thanks to the panelists and the team at Greentown Labs (Jill Kirkpatrick, Julia Travaglini, Aisling Carlson, etc you rocked it!!) for hosting this discussion on bridging the FOAK gap. Also immensely enjoyed the rest of the agenda. Check out the full recap & videos here: https://lnkd.in/d9ApYe9Y #ClimateTech #FOAK #ClimateFinance #ProjectDevelopment #GreenTech #CleanEnergy

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AI and Med Tech in Focus   AI System Developed to Identify Pathology in Tissues Engineers at Washington State University have developed an AI tool that uses images of human and animal tissue to detect abnormalities faster and more accurately than people. The AI algorithm was trained using images from past studies that involved kidney, testes, ovarian, prostate, breast and lymph node abnormalities. The new model detected disease in minutes—current processes take humans several hours and require specialized teams to check each other’s work. It was also found to be more accurate, sometimes detecting instances that humans had missed. The engineers designed the system to handle the processing load of the high-resolution gigapixel images by breaking them down into smaller tiles but still retaining the overall context of the tissue sample—akin to the zoom feature on a microscope or phone camera. Aside from getting diagnostic results more accurately and quickly, the new system also shows promise in epigenetics (the study of molecular processes that change gene behavior without changing underlying DNA). Epigenetic researchers can perform analyses and get results that used to take a year or more in just a couple of weeks. 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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In this episode of "The Future of the Bioeconomy," AV Associate Drew Wandzilak and CEO and co-founder of Hyfe Michelle Ruiz discuss the economy's shift from traditional systems to more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Watch now! https://buff.ly/3JZ5gQI

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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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Who Will Win the Race for Next-Generation Battery Technologies? The race to dominate next-generation battery technologies is intensifying, driven by venture capital, governments, startups, and established players, all vying to control key innovations and raw materials. https://lnkd.in/gTnUfFz4 Innovative battery technologies are a key focus area for us at Ventioneers #Venture #Capital #Startups #Battery #Ventioneers

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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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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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āltitude: 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞-𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 We're excited to learn more about remote work from co-founder Matteo Benedetti from our portfolio company Debtist in our SME Tech Leaders webinar "Scaling your Startup Remotely" 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lu.ma/mqgwi5p0 When Marc, Ingo, and I started āltitude last year, we did it remotely from Berlin, London, and Zurich, meeting monthly in person. Our team has since expanded to include Torge, our Chief of Staff, and Fernanda, our visiting analyst, currently based in Luxembourg and Munich. Post-pandemic, we believed against the consensus that building a firm apart was possible—we just had to prove it. Remote work naturally sharpens our focus on priorities, which is crucial for any business but also comes with challenges. Here’s how we’ve approached remote work: 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: We utilise tools like Notion, Asana, Google Docs, Shared Google Calendars and Folk. We also streamline our financial operations by using our own portfolio company cleverlohn for payroll. 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: We hold daily check-ins—morning for strategic decisions and afternoons for operational priorities. If needed, we schedule dedicated calls for deeper discussions on strategic topics. Regular in-person meetings in different cities keep us connected without the overhead of a permanent office. 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀, 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁: Remote work demands trust as you cannot see what people are doing, which we build through clearly defined tasks, deadlines and roles. This clarity ensures that everyone is aligned. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗞𝗣𝗜𝘀: Understanding what outcomes need to be achieved every quarter is key. Especially as we continue fundraising and deploying capital. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Our culture is built on radical candor and transparency, ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals. Open discussions and quick feedback loops allow us to address issues openly. This environment encourages accountability and continuous improvement. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: We meticulously discuss and document our processes via Loom recordings, google docs or notion so everyone understands how things are done. Regular iteration on these processes helps us stay disciplined and efficient. This is particularly important in a remote setup where discipline is key to consistency. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: We anticipate predictable workload:, such as attending events (booking travel/meetings) and LP updates, by planning and working ahead of time. This allows us to be proactive rather than reactive, a necessity in remote work where spontaneous problem-solving isn’t as easy. These strategies have enabled us to build and scale our venture capital firm remotely, proving that it’s possible. #scaleup #venturecapital #remotework

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🎙️ Thrilled to share that V. Tyrone Lam, COO of GATC Health, was recently featured on the Innovation Wave Podcast! In this insightful 20’ episode with Bob McGriff and me, Ty delves into how AI-driven predictive analytics can transform our approach to disease treatment, making it more proactive and less risky. He shared compelling insights on the future of healthcare and how predictive tools can lead to earlier interventions and better patient outcomes. A must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting-edge of medical technology and AI! 👉 Check out the episode to learn more about Tyrone's vision and GATC Health's pioneering work in this exciting field. Let's discuss how these innovations are reshaping the landscape of healthcare! #HealthTech #AI #PredictiveAnalytics #Innovation

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In this episode of "The Future of the Bioeconomy," AV Associate Drew Wandzilak and CEO and co-founder of Hyfe Michelle Ruiz discuss the economy's shift from traditional systems to more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Watch now! https://buff.ly/3JZ5gQI

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What is the shift to preventive and specialized healthcare services❓ Studies show that preventive health measures could save the U.S. healthcare system up to $3.7 billion annually by avoiding the need for costly treatments later on. Moreover, chronic diseases currently account for up to 90% of healthcare expenditures, yet many of these are preventable with earlier interventions. As healthcare leaders, we have a responsibility to build systems that address issues before they become crises. Investments in preventive and specialized care are steps toward a future where healthcare is proactive, not reactive. At Caresyntax, we’re committed to using #Data to advance preventive care. By integrating AI solutions, our data-driven platform provides insights into patient risks, helping reduce post-surgical complications and offering preventive solutions. 🌟 It’s exciting to see the industry recognizing the value of long-term health and wellness. By investing in these areas, we’re not only tackling today’s challenges but also building a foundation for a healthier, more resilient future. #FutureOfHealth #PreventiveCare #HealthcareInvestment #DigitalHealthInnovation

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San Diego investor event: Aquillius Medical Devices & Diagnostics Symposium, taking place on Wednesday, May 15th, from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This exclusive event brings together leading industry experts, groundbreaking startups, and prominent investors like yourself. Here's what you can expect: Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from renowned speakers on topics critical to medtech success, including design for manufacturing, intellectual property protection, regulatory navigation, and fostering successful startups. Early Access to Innovation: Witness the future of healthcare firsthand as promising Aquillius incubees showcase their innovative medical device and diagnostic solutions during a dedicated startup showcase. Networking Opportunities: Connect and build relationships with other investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping the medical technology landscape. This is a unique opportunity to: Identify promising investment opportunities in the medtech sector. Gain valuable insights from leading experts. Network with a community of like-minded investors and industry professionals. Space is limited, so RSVP today! Medical Devices Symposium (Investor Registration) Tickets, Wed, May 15, 2024 at 12:30 PM | https://lnkd.in/gjWDU9pz

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🌍 How is healthcare linked to climate change? Global warming is one of the most pressing existential issues of our time, and every industry, particularly healthcare, must play a critical role in addressing it. The global healthcare sector is responsible for 4.4% of worldwide net emissions, the equivalent of two gigatons of carbon dioxide each year. In the United States alone, the healthcare sector accounts for 8.5% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this dire challenge, innovative healthcare solutions hold robust potential to make a substantial, green impact. At Caresyntax, we are committed to sustainability and reducing the healthcare sector's carbon footprint. By optimizing hospital operations, our AI-driven solutions can lead to significant environmental benefits. For example, if Caresyntax were installed in all operating rooms worldwide, it could save 14 million tons of GHG emissions annually, equivalent to the emissions of the entire Air France fleet. Caresyntax’s data-driven platform not only enhances patient care but also contributes to a substantial reduction in energy usage and waste production. It's time for the healthcare industry to lead by example and drive positive change for both patient care and the planet. You can read more about healthcare greenhouse gas emissions here: https://lnkd.in/g9nEXtPs #AI #Sustainability #HealthcareInnovation #Caresyntax #GreenHealthcare

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