Venture capitalists (VCs) are taking note of the healthcare industry. It’s been discussed by many prominent VCs that healthcare is prime for disruption. The United States ranks last among industrial countries in overall health care. It’s costly and frustrating to deal with. Two factors that pique the interest of anyone looking to build a disruptive startup.
In 2014, venture capitals poured $308 million into the healthcare startups. That’s more than three times the amount that was invested in 2013 ($88 million). With more money being invested and more healthcare companies popping up, who are the health care companies that you should keep an eye on for 2016?
Theranos
For better or worse, Theranos makes the list. The embattled startup is going through its roughest patch yet. There are growing concerns around the legitimacy of its proprietary blood-testing technology. The claim that they can accurately test blood through a few drops of blood from the fingertip rather than taking a small vile intravenously is in question.
How this current controversy plays out will impact how successful 2016 will be for the 12-year old company.
ZocDoc
ZocDoc is a well-funded healthcare startup that helps millions of people simplifies the maddening healthcare process. Through its software, ZocDoc allows you to find doctors in your area, read reviews, and schedule appointments seamlessly.
Ginger.io
Ginger.io is a big data startup that uses data gathered to improve healthcare. The app tracks your daily activity and monitors your health. When it detects irregularities, it can help connect you to health care providers faster.
Lantern
Wellness is all about mind and body. Sometimes we forget the mind. Lantern is focused on helping individuals strengthen emotional well-being. The app helps people create plans of action, like you would a workout plan, to improve their own personal well-being. The app offers personal coaching to help individual move through the plan.
Calm
Calm.com is another startup focused on mental well-being. Calm specializes in meditation. Its app helps individuals set aside time for daily meditation and walks you through it. In an age of always being connected to our devices, it’s a useful tool to help clear our minds and mentally recharge. Calm is backed by prominent angels like Jason Calacanis and Matt Mullenweg.
CakeHealth
CakeHealth helps you manage your healthcare expenses. U.S. health care can be costly and can be anxiety inducing. CakeHealth helps you track your health care related expenses and helps you save money. Everything is managed in one place so you’re not running around trying to track down information. Since being founded in 2010, CakeHealth has raised a mere $150,000.
Watsi
Watsi is the Kiva.org of healthcare. Instead of it being a platform where you can manage/improve your own healthcare needs, it helps you fund healthcare for others in emerging countries. Watsi helps those in need pay for procedures and care through individual donations or general donations to its Universal Fund.
CrowdMed
Having an undiagnosed ailment can be a very anxious time for a person. As educated as doctors are, they don’t have all the answers. CrowdMed turns to the masses to help individuals get diagnosed. You can safely share your case (symtoms/story) that a community of “medical detectives” review and collectively come up with diagnostic suggestions and solutions.
Bellabeat
Bellabeat is newly launched (still in beta) app that helps women improve mind and body wellness through its smart jewelry, the Bellabeat Leaf. The Leaf, which can be worn as a necklace, pendant, bracelet, or brooch, is meant to track activity, stress, and sleep for moms or moms-to-be.
Technology is increasingly becoming intertwined with our healthcare systems. Companies are popping up to leverage today’s technology to make our healthcare an easier and more effective experience. Watch for these 9 healthcare companies in 2016 to make big waves.
[Image Courtesy of Theranos Facebook]