Digital Health Heavyweights
This conversational podcast brings you exclusive interviews with all the Heavyweights in Digital Health. Hosted by Norm Volsky, a top industry headhunter, whose team helped scale companies including Livongo, Hinge Health, Lyra, Virta, Progyny and many more. This series will bring listeners insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies driving the digital health revolution.
In each episode, Norm sits down with some of the most influential and innovative leaders in healthcare technology today from legendary founders who have built successful companies, venture capitalists who have led funding rounds, HR/Benefits leaders at forward thinking companies, Consultants and Brokers at the top benefits consulting firms, and other impactful visionaries challenging the status quo in healthcare. Listeners can learn from the industry greats who have created what we now know as health benefits, and who are changing the face of healthcare as we know it.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, a tech enthusiast, a start-up founder, benefits aficionado, jobseeker in Digital Health, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, Digital Health Heavyweights has something for you.
Digital Health Heavyweights
Episode 41 - Maria-Helen Maras, Venture & Growth Investor at Kinnevik
Welcome back for episode 41 of the Digital Health Heavyweights Podcast! Today Norm sits down with Maria-Helen Maras, venture and growth investor at Kinnevik AB. Maria shares her insights on healthcare technology, venture capital, and her career journey. She discusses her experience in consultancy, her role as the chief of staff at Pelago, and the focus of Kinnevik in healthcare and biosciences. She also highlights the traits of successful founders and the future of healthcare startups. Maria shares her insights and experiences in the healthcare investment space, discussing the impact of public offerings, the importance of urgency and storytelling, and the key ingredients of a compelling investment pitch. She also delves into deal sourcing, evaluation criteria, and the challenges of the venture capital landscape. Additionally, she provides valuable advice for founders and offers bold predictions for the future of digital health. The conversation concludes with a discussion on personal wellness and healthy eating.
Takeaways
🏥🔬 The intersection of technology and science in healthcare presents significant opportunities for disruption and transformation.
🚀💪 Successful founders in healthcare need to be fast learners, persevering, and deeply motivated to make a difference in the complex healthcare industry.
💼💉 Kinnevik's focus on healthcare and biosciences reflects a long-term view of investing and a commitment to supporting companies across their growth stages.
🤝💼 The role of a chief of staff at a startup involves cross-functional working, communication, and knowledge capture, providing valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building a business. 🤝💼
💸⏱️ The funding process for healthcare startups involves a tight and fast process, reflecting the competitive nature of the market and the importance of founder-friendly support from investors. The impact of public offerings on perspectives and urgency in healthcare investment.
🌟💡 The key ingredients of a compelling investment pitch: big vision, engaging founders, clear story, clear plan, and a mix of qualitative and quantitative information.
💼🔍 The importance of deal sourcing, evaluation criteria, and the challenges of the venture capital landscape.
🤖🏥 Bold predictions for the future of digital health, including personalized healthcare and the integration of AI in medical practice. 🤖🏥
🍎🧘♂️ The significance of personal wellness and healthy eating in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, especially in high-stress professions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Technology and Venture Capital
03:03 Career Journey and Consulting Experience
05:59 The Role of a Chief of Staff at a Startup
09:00 Kinnevik's Focus on Healthcare and Biosciences
21:05 The Future of Healthcare Startups
45:16 Balancing Wellness and High-Stress Professions
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