The Digest for Health Transformers & Changemakers
From Pivots to Perseverance: Founder Wisdom Worth Watching
The best startup advice doesn't come from a playbook – it comes from founders who've already navigated the hard parts. This week, we're spotlighting three short conversations with StartUp Health community members on the real challenges of building in health: when to pivot, how to earn credibility in an industry that demands proof, and what keeps you going over the long haul. These are the kinds of conversations that happen every day inside the StartUp Health community – and a small window into why being part of it matters.
🚀 Find Your Mission-Aligned Community
When fundraising stalled, Avanlee Christine made a counterintuitive call: stop pitching and start talking to customers. That pivot unlocked product traction, health plan partnerships, and renewed investor interest.
▶️ Watch on StartUp Health TV
Richard Hanbury of Sana Health has a message for health founders: you can't jump to proof, you have to climb the ladder. In an industry built on validation, credibility is earned one rung at a time.
▶️ Watch on StartUp Health TV
Nearly a decade in, Aubrey Sawyer and Michelle Alencar, PhD, have earned the right to say: just keep going. The inHealth co-founders share what sustained them through years of iteration.
▶️ Watch on StartUp Health TV
Today’s Sponsor
Wonders of Wellness Awards from Mather Institute
Wellness is evolving fast—and innovative ideas are leading the way. The Wonders of Wellness (WOW) Awards from Mather Institute recognize programs, technologies, workplace practices, and community experiences redefining wellbeing and helping people live healthier, more connected lives. Created by Mather Institute, the research hub of Mather, a not-for-profit creating Ways to Age Well—these awards spotlight fresh approaches to sleep, movement, nutrition, relaxation, and social connection. Top awardees can receive up to $5,000. If your organization is creating meaningful wellness solutions, we want to hear from you. Apply for free by June 12.
This week's digital health funding roundup spans the full stack of AI-powered health innovation — from a $145M unicorn transaction in enterprise health AI to seed raises tackling hospital superbugs and blood biomarker intelligence. Mental health, drug discovery, preventive care, and neurotechnology all drew fresh capital across the US, Europe, and India. Here's everything that moved the needle this week.
📈 Read on Health Transformer Journal
Wisdom from Health Transformers
The ‘Unintended Consequences’ of Using AI in Health Insurance Coverage Decisions | A Conversation with Jude Odu of Health Cost IQ
WLRN/WUSF (NPR)
Sami Inkinen of Virta Health — Reversing Type 2 Diabetes, Rowing 2,750 Miles, and Lessons from Fixing Metabolic Health in 100,000+ People
The Tim Ferriss Show
The Medicare Playbook for Health Tech Founders, with Abe Sutton of CMS
StartUp Health NOW
StartUp Health Community News
9amHealth Moving Beyond Obesity
San Diego Business Journal
Michael A. Harris, PhD, of NICH Named to the ADA's 2026 National Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Committee
American Diabetes Association
Upcoming Health Innovation Events
Fireside Chat with ŌURA Vice President Jill Angelo
StartUp Health Members Only
Jun 3
American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions
New Orleans, LA
Jun 5-8
Texas Brain Economy Summit
Houston, TX
Jun 9-10
Get 50% off tickets: TexasBrainHalf
Fireside Chat with General Catalyst's Holly Maloney
StartUp Health Members Only
Jun 10
Alzheimer's Association International Conference
London, UK
Jun 12-15
Civic Health Forum: A Health Moonshot for the 99%
New York, NY
Jun 16
Are you ready to tell YOUR story?
Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world’s biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our newsletters, podcast, and YouTube channel – is available to StartUp Health Members. If you’re mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit.
👉 Learn more and join today
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When you shoot for the Moon, it’s important to surround yourself with people who help you get there.
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