StartUp Health

advert
advert

About StartUp Health

Application Process

Selection Process and Criteria

Program Cost and Benefits

Time Commitment, Schedule, and Location

Curriculum

Join the StartUp Health Team

About StartUp Health

  • What is StartUp Health?

    StartUp Health is a national academy for health and wellness entrepreneurship. StartUp Health is a new model for helping innovation succeed in the health sector. Part community, part academy, and 1,000% passion, we provide health and wellness innovators with a structured curriculum designed to help navigate the unique challenges of building a sustainable growth business in healthcare.

  • How is StartUp Health different from an Accelerator or Incubator?

    StartUp Health is a long-term program (12 to 36 months) and based on a structured curriculum with a focus on customer development and strategic relationships to help you build a sustainable growth business. We are a national program and do not require entrepreneurs or innovators to relocate to participate. Instead of investing capital, we invest in infrastructure, resources, and services to help you grow your business. In some ways StartUp Health is like having “an advisory board on steroids” along with access to tools, coaching, customers, and investors to help you long-term.

    Most accelerators are intensive programs for idea or early stage startups lasting a short period of time (usually every day for three to five months) with the goal of securing additional capital. We focus on customer development and building a sustainable business over several years. Incubators are similar in that they help launch and support a company often out of an investor’s office during the early stages of growth.

    We work closely with accelerators and incubators and welcome anyone who has graduated from BluePrint Health, Healthbox, Rock Health, TechStars, DreamIt, YCombinator, or any other programs to apply to StartUp Health Academy to get ongoing coaching and support.

  • What is the Mission of StartUp Health?

    The StartUp Health mission is to ‘Close the Health Gap’ and facilitate change in healthcare through entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help 1,000 Healthcare Transformers build sustainable growth businesses over the next 10 years. Together we will achieve this by providing the Healthcare Transformers who we believe can make a big impact with access to a structured curriculum, ongoing support from peer networks and subject matter experts, and continuing to connect to customers, investors, and strategic partners.

  • Who founded StartUp Health?

    StartUp Health was founded in early 2011 by health tech entrepreneurs Steven Krein and Unity Stoakes and is Chaired by former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin. We launched the initiative in partnership with StartUp America and with the help of US CTO Aneesh Chopra and US Department of Human Services. Read press release.

  • Who are the Partners and Sponsors of StartUp Health?

    StartUp Health is supported by a passionate and generous group of investors, foundations, advisors, doctors, media partners, corporate partners, and organizations who share our passionate vision and want to support the health and wellness ecosystem and transform healthcare.  The generosity and support of our investors and Scholarship Partners make it possible to provide tuition for entrepreneurs and host free community events around the nation.  Learn more about our partners and how your organization can support StartUp Health on our partner page.

  • What is a Healthcare Transformer?

    Healthcare Transformers are those extraordinary and passionate entrepreneurs and innovators who are on a mission to solve one of the great challenges of our time: fixing a broken system in ways that improve care and dramatically reduce costs. With big visions, full hearts, and an endless drive, Healthcare Transformers are the leaders, thinkers, and doers who push us forward by reinventing and re-imagining health and wellness. Healthcare Transformers inspire action and can’t be ignored. Healthcare Transformers don’t just have visionary dreams, but are also the ones who get busy making them come true.

  • How can I get involved with StartUp Health?

    If you are a health innovator, entrepreneur, doctor, developer, designer, health professional, patient advocate, health organization, or just someone truly passionate about supporting the health and wellness ecosystem and changing healthcare through innovation and entrepreneurship, we encourage you to get involved today:

  • What are people saying about StartUp Health?

    People in all aspects of the healthcare ecosystem have wonderful things to say about StartUp Health. Read their comments and watch their videos here.

  • Do I have to be an entrepreneur or startup to participate?

    The StartUp Health community is open and free to any Healthcare Transformer who is passionate about supporting the health and wellness ecosystem and driving innovation and change in healthcare. If you are an innovator or entrepreneur with a big vision, we encourage you to apply to the StartUp Health Academy. Many of those participating are serial entrepreneurs who have built successful companies before. Others are doctors and innovators who are leading their fields. All are leaders and passionate about improving care.

  • How can my company support the entrepreneurs in StartUp Health?

    Please contact us to learn more about our Scholarship Partner Program and Perks Program for health and wellness startups.

  • What is the StartUp Health Pledge?

    The StartUp Health Pledge is a powerful statement that says that you are committed to supporting the health and wellness ecosystem.  We launched the Pledge as a way to organize those in the community who are truly passionate about innovation and change in healthcare.  When you opt-in for the Pledge you will be given a profile on the StartUp Health Network and be added to our email newsletter. The newsletter contains updates about upcoming events and community announcements.  We do not rent or sell this list and keep it private.  Take the StartUp Health Pledge here.

  • What are StartUp Health Roundtables and StartUp Health Pavilions?

    StartUp Health Roundtables are free community events where we invite special guests and thought leaders to discuss, engage, and dialog with health innovators, practitioners, and those interested in supporting the community.  StartUp Health Pavilions are exhibition and demo opportunities we organize to promote health startups. We work to negotiate free or discounted opportunities for entrepreneurs to help them get exposure and grow their business.

    Learn about our events here.

  • Where can I get StartUp Health updates and news?

    Take the StartUp Health Pledge to be added to our newsletter, read our blog, and follow us on Twitter.

Application Process

  • How do I apply to StartUp Health Academy?
    Apply here.

  • When is the application deadline?

    Because of our rolling admissions process there is no application deadline, but we encourage you to submit your application today if you are ready.  Even if you are not selected for the upcoming class you may be selected and considered for a future class, so we encourage you to stay in touch with us and update us on key progress.

  • How much does it cost to apply?

    It is free to apply to StartUp Health.

  • How does StartUp Health make money?

    In addition to partners and investors who help fund the infrastructure and support the Healthcare Transformers over many years, StartUp Health gets stock in the startups we work with. Similar to strategic advisors we get between 2-10% stock determined by a range of issues including stage, size, and team. Usually companies at the early startup stage would be 6 or 7%.

  • When will I find out if I am selected to join the StartUp Health Academy?

    We award scholarships and invite companies to participate in StartUp Health on an ongoing basis.  While we touch base with, interview, and are available for office hours frequently, you will only be formally contacted if you are selected to join StartUp Health Academy.  We will keep your application on file for future enrollment when we have a peer group that may be more suitable for your stage, business model, area of expertise, or specific needs.  We accepted 24 companies in 2012, and our plan is to enroll approximately 75 more companies in 2013.

  • My company was not selected to the most recent class.  Can I apply again?

    There is no need to reapply.  All you have to do is stay in touch with us and update the StartUp Health team about your ongoing progress, which you can do by keeping your profile on StartUp Health Network current. You will automatically be considered for future enrollement. If your idea has changed completely or you launched a new company you should reapply.

  • Will you sign my non-disclosure agreement?

    We evaluate too many ideas and too many companies to sign an NDA, much like venture firms.  That said, we respect the confidentiality of your application and will not share it with anybody outside of StartUp Health.  Only provide us with as much information as you are comfortable sharing and keep in mind that we will be able to better evaluate your application with more information.

  • Can I apply to StartUp Health Academy if I’m living in another country?

    Yes! We have met amazing entrepreneurs from Canada, Israel, UK, France, India, Russia, Brazil, and many countries in between. Everyone accepted into the program, however, must be able to travel to the U.S. for our quarterly DEMO days and live events.

Selection Process and Criteria

  • What are the selection criteria?

    We take special care to make sure each company we invite into the Academy is exceptional and deserving of a scholarship award.  Here are some of the considerations and criteria we use to ensure that we select the right entrepreneurs and startups for each class:

    • Stage:

      The stage of the company or idea is considered so that startups that are farther along are grouped with other companies going through similar challenges.  We do consider idea stage companies, however, we look first for companies that already have some traction, seed capital, or would be at the stage where we could start introducing to potential customers and pilot programs.

    • Theme:

      We group classes around particular themes, so for example a class around “Mobile Health,” “Health Home,” “Mobile Diagnostics/Devices,” “Provider Solutions,” “Behavior Change,” “Quantified Self,” “Improving Access to Care,” “Reducing Costs/Efficiency Solutions,” “Payor Solutions,” “Pharma Solutions,” and so on.

    • Expertise:

      We are grouping entrepreneurs or founders together who we think will accelerate each other as a group. Our biggest criteria is in assessing the founders’ expertise/experience.  We are looking to work with either experienced entrepreneurs who may have already built successful companies previously, or innovators who we think will excel with a peer-group of professionals.

    • Customer Focus:

      We assess your business model and your customer focus so we can make sure to group you with a peer group who can also help facilitate introductions.

    • Coachability:

      Everyone in the group must be coachable, able to contribute, and also compliment the others in the group.

  • What types of entrepreneurs and companies can apply to join StartUp Health?

    We accept applications at every stage including idea/research, startup, rampup, and speedup.  While we focus generally in “health tech” or “digital health,” we accept applications from any health and wellness entrepreneur focused on innovation.  We look for exceptional entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, developers, and doctors who we believe can help transform healthcare and build a sustainable business.

  • How many Healthcare Transformers will you select to join StartUp Health?

    Our goal is to help 1,000 Healthcare Transformers over the next decade. In 2012, we enrolled 24 of the most deserving entrepreneurs and innovators. We plan to accept another 75 Healthcare Transformers in 2013.

  • Do I have to be an entrepreneur to apply?

    No.  We love to get applications from doctors, researchers, innovators, developers, or anyone with the passion, expertise, and ability to see their idea through the challenges of building a sustainable business.

  • What if my business is still at the idea stage? Can I still apply?

    Yes.  We review every application and consider every idea.  We often also recommend idea stage companies to other accelerator programs if we think there is a better immediate fit.

  • What if I have already raised financing?

    Many of the companies we select and invite to join the Academy have already raised seed-stage or A-round financing.

  • What if I’m an academic researcher but I have an idea for a business?  Can I still apply?

    Absolutely.  Much of the best innovation comes from academia.  We work hard to pair these innovators up with other talent who may be able to help transform the best ideas into sustainable businesses long-term.

  • I am a practicing doctor with limited time.  Can I still participate?

    Yes.  One of the reasons we made this a nationwide program and don’t require entrepreneurs to relocate is so that we can make it possible for more health practitioners to participate without having to leave their practice or uproot their family.

  • Does my company have to be based in the United States and do we need to be U.S. citizens?

    No. But you will need to attend the quarterly workshops in the U.S.

  • Do we need to submit a business plan as part of the application process?

    No.  We will look at them if you have one.  We much prefer live working prototypes, live offerings, and customer validation, although none are prerequisites for acceptance.

Program Costs and Benefits

  • How much does StartUp Health cost?

    StartUp Health Academy usually gets between 2 to 10% stock over three years in exchange for the ongoing program and services. All other aspects of the Academy are free, however, Startups do have to incur their own travel expenses to attend customer meetings, demo days, and quarterly in-person workshops.

  • What are the benefits of attending the StartUp Health Academy?

    We focus on helping each company get access to the customers, pilot programs, strategic partners, talent, and capital needed to build a successful growth business.  Additionally, we provide the education, tools, and coaching required to help you navigate the challenges of building a company in the health sector.  One of the biggest advantages to participating in StartUp Health is having access to the networks and peer-groups to help propel your business forward.

  • What do the Healthcare Transformers in StartUp Health Academy say about the program?

    The Healthcare Transformers involved in StartUp Health Academy are raving about the program and the benefits they are receiving. Don’t take our word for it, listen to them in their own words!

  • Do you provide seed capital to companies in the Academy?

    Our philosophy is the best investor is a customer.  That’s why we do not invest seed stage capital and focus on helping entrepreneurs connect with customers, pilot programs, and strategic partners.

  • Can the StartUp Health Academy help us get customers?

    That’s our goal.  We maintain a big network of relationships at every level of the broader health and wellness ecosystem and will present you with numerous opportunities to meet and interact with potential customers.  Ultimately, it is up to you to close the deal, but we will do everything we can to help you refine your sales efforts.  We host Customer Demo Days where we invite potential customers and pilot partners so that you can showcase your offering and receive feedback.

  • Can StartUp Health help us get investors?

    While our focus in on customer introductions, we maintain relationships with a vast network of both angel and institutional investors, as well as strategic companies seeking to invest in growing health and wellness companies.  We provide countless opportunities for you to meet and interact with this powerful network and coach you to best position yourself to receive required additional funding.

  • Do I have to give up equity to join StartUp Health?

    Similar to strategic advisors we get between 2-10% stock determined by a range of issues including stage, size, team.

Time Commitment, Schedule, and Location

  • How much time do I have to commit to get the most out of StartUp Health?

    Making the proper commitment is essential to maximizing the value of the Academy.  That being said, we have specifically designed a “structured” curriculum and program over many months to provide maximum impact at regular intervals, rather than ad-hoc mentoring or an intensive 12-week program where you have to move somewhere and commit 24/7.

    We designed the program to be compact, based on set schedules at regular intervals so you can plan well in advance.  Some more detail about the commitment:

    • The Academy is a 12- to 36-month program.  We ask that companies start by making a 12-month commitment.
    • Monthly Peer-group Sessions: Monthly online work sessions with your class and StartUp Health Coaches (3-hours, once per month at a set interval, online/teleconference).
    • Quarterly Workshops: Approximately every 90 days there is a live all-day Workshop. These Workshops are jam-packed with educational, inspirational, and exciting tools, networking, and opportunities. These live events are hosted in various cities around the U.S., such as New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
    • Quarterly Demo Days (3-4 days per year): Approximately every 3-4 months there is a scheduled Demo Day for you to meet with customers, investors, KOLs, coaches, and your peers for an intensive one day workshop, matchmaking sessions, and pitches.
    • Individual Prep Work (1-4 hours per month): Each monthly work session with your peer group comes with a practical tool designed to propel your business forward.  These tools are usually completed in a couple of hours on your own schedule.  The net result provides a practical module you can use in your day to day business such as a Demo Day Deck or Customer Development Plan.
    • Office Hours (0 to 30 minutes per week): The time commitment here is dependent more on your specific needs, but we provide individual online office hours with coaches and experts along the way.
    • Optional Events: We regularly invite StartUp Health companies to attend optional Roundtables, Conferences, Pavilions, and special events to promote your company, introduce you to customers, and connect you to investors, thought leaders, and talent.  We are often able to provide special, discounted, or even free access to these events.
  • Do I have to move or relocate to participate in StartUp Health?

    No.  We facilitate monthly classes via our online education platform, and host quarterly live workshops and demo days around the country.

  • Where is the StartUp Health Academy located?

    Our headquaters is in New York City, however, we have an online campus for companies accepted into the Academy.

Curriculum

  • What is the StartUp Health curriculum?

    The StartUp Health core curriculum consists of 13 modules focused on customer development, your product, and your team. Additionally, each class features a series of customized health and wellness based modules designed by the world’s leading thought leaders in healthcare.

  • How long is the StartUp Health Academy?

    The Academy is a 12- to 36-month program.  We ask that companies start by making a 12-month commitment.

  • Who teaches at the StartUp Health Academy?

    Each class is assigned a strategic coach to lead and facilitate their program via structured tools and an online education platform.  Subject matter experts and specialized coaches are introduced throughout the program to focus on specific tools and modules.

  • How many Healthcare Transformers are in each class?

    Usually 10.  Sometimes fewer depending on the focus and theme of the class.

Join the StartUp Health Team

  • Is StartUp Health hiring?

    Send your linkedIn or resume to info <at> startuphealth <dot> com.

  • How can I become a StartUp Health intern?

    Send your linkedIn or resume to info <at> startuphealth <dot> com. Include “Intern” in subject line. Outline your skills and why you want to be a StartUp Health intern.

Questions?

Contact us!

Upcoming Events

AARP Health Innovation@50+ LivePitch

May 31, 2013
Las Vegas, NV


Health Datapalooza

June 3-4, 2013
Washington, DC


MedCity Engage

June 5-6, 2013
Washington, DC


Cloud Slam 2013

June 18, 2013
Santa Clara, CA


Apply to StartUp Health Academy

Are you a Healthcare Transformer? Are you on a mission to transform healthcare in a big way? StartUp Health is the first Academy to help health and wellness innovators ("Healthcare Transformers") build sustainable growth businesses. If you have a big vision and are looking for access to customers, capital, and peer networks to help you over several years as you grow your business, you should apply today. We have a rolling admissions process and review every application.

Apply to StartUp Health Academy