US investor looks to back new digital health startups

Digital health entrepreneurs will get the chance to test and expand their businesses as part of an initiative run by San Francisco-based seed investor and mentor, Launchpad Digital Health.

The investor has opened applications for the next Launchpad Digital Health – Ground Zero (LDH-GZ) programme, which begins in the New Year.

Running from 17 January, 2018, until 16 February, the month-long immersion programme includes co-location at Launchpad’s San Francisco headquarters, alongside portfolio companies, mentors and corporate partners.

The LDG-GZ cohort is designed to immerse entrepreneurs in Launchpad’s digital health hub, testing and calibrating business plans and operations.

Launchpad receives no equity from companies in the scheme, and the total cost for companies includes rent and all aspects of the programme.

All companies upon completion have opportunities for investment – the top companies in any six month period will present at the next LDH Finalist Day for consideration as investments.

In Q3, Launchpad said it backed 11 companies following similar programmes, providing new seed funding for eight early stage companies and closing follow-on investments in three others.

New seed deals included Addicaid, and its virtual addiction recovery programmes, Mentia, a therapeutic digital village for people with dementia and caregivers, and Omicure, which provides telemedicine for intensive care units of medical facilities.

The follow-on investments were Amicomed and its digital platform mastering blood pressure, Stop Breathe & Think, promoting emotional wellbeing for a younger generation, and Tueo Health, and its technology focused on controlling paediatric asthma.

Amicomed’s CEO and co-founder, Giangiacomo Rocco di Torrepadula, said: "If you are entering the US market, you must understand that domain-specific, value-added guidance is critical. Launchpad provides it on a daily basis. And this is real value. I've learned an invaluable amount in a very short period of time."

Applications may be submitted at www.launchpdh.com.