2020 Q1 7wireVentures Connect

March 17, 2020

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OUR PERSPECTIVE

The recently deemed Black Swan of 2020, COVID-19, has led us at 7wireVentures to consider the power of digital health solutions to address the growing challenges associated with this crisis. Vast opportunities exist to improve disease screening, expand access to remote consultations, and equip pharmaceutical organizations with data to expedite the process of clinical trial development for a vaccine. While we believe that this virus may lead healthcare organizations to embrace digital methods to improve patient care, we recognize that this pandemic will result in a great deal of loss for many. We wish that you, your families, and employees remain in good health and are safe during this tragic time.

This quarter, David Schonthal, joined the 7wireVentures team as Operating Partner. David brings a wealth of relevant experience as a venture capital expert, Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management professor, healthcare professional, and innovation veteran. David will work to drive growth across current and future portfolio companies. Read more about David and his experience in our news post .

We also welcomed Grayson Meyer Jaffee to the 7wireVentures family! Grayson entered the world on January 12th weighing 7lbs 14oz. We are excited for Alyssa and her family.

Additionally, this quarter our portfolio company Yaro was acquired by Virgin Pulse. The Yaro platform provided a foundation for Virgin Pulse to launch a new benefits navigation solution, making it easier for consumers to understand and access benefits that are most relevant to them. Yaro's acquisition represents demand for innovative solutions to simplify and improve the healthcare experience for employers, health plans and consumers.

We at 7wireVentures are also paying close attention to the presidential race, particularly as healthcare is continuing its decades-long tradition as a heavily discussed national issue. In light of the elections, we published our thoughts on where we would like presidential candidates to focus. Read our blog sharing our perspectives here .

TOP OF THE LADDER

7wireVentures portfolio company ConsejoSano , a patient engagement platform that connects payers, providers and health systems with their multicultural Medicaid and Medicare patient populations, was named Rock Health’s company Most Devoted to Health Equity. We profiled its Founder and CEO Abner Mason who also founded Rock Health’s Nonprofit of the Year, HealthTech4Medicaid.

Read more about Abner and his journey to impact multicultural Medicaid and Medicare patient populations.

CONNECTED CONSUMER HEALTH COALITION

In February, 7wireVentures conducted a deep dive on digital health solutions addressing sleep disorders. Through this report, we facilitated a discussion with our Strategic Limited Partners (SLPs) on the opportunities and high costs associated with sleep, and how healthcare organizations can leverage digital health tools to address unmet needs in diagnosis and treatment.

See here for a summary of our research and the 7wireVentures predictions for where this market is heading.