GrowthCap is pleased to announce The Top 25 Healthcare Investors of 2024. In our fourth year running this awards process, we continue to be amazed by the caliber of the nominees and the professional accomplishments they have achieved.
To be selected, nominees must demonstrate expertise and success investing in healthcare, whether in healthcare software, healthcare services, medical technologies, biotechnology, the connected patient experience, or other related areas. In addition, selected nominees provide unique strategic and/or operational value to the companies they invest in and have earned the respect of their peers in the industry.
GrowthCap takes considerable time to evaluate each nominee and while track record is important, we also pay close attention to the fundamental attributes of the individual. This year’s awardees were nominated by their firms, portfolio companies, healthcare industry colleagues, and/or peers at other investment firms.
We want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s process. There were many highly impressive nominees we were not able to select but who deserve to be acknowledged and recognized.
Healthcare is integral to the quality of our lives and is the foundation for all business and economic activity to occur. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of The Top 25 Healthcare Investors of 2024.
Firm: Silversmith Capital Partners
Title: Managing Partner
Jeff co-founded Silversmith Capital Partners in 2015. In his role as a Managing Partner, Jeff focuses on investments in healthcare IT & services. Within healthcare IT, Jeff partners with talented leaders of proven, high growth software and data companies that can either materially improve clinical outcomes or reduce administrative inefficiency within all segments of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem. Jeff’s healthcare services investments are centered around innovative care delivery models oriented towards value-based care that can be scaled both organically and through M&A.
With more than 20 years investing experience, Jeff has led many of the firm’s key healthcare investments including Fortified Health Security, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health (Nasdaq: LFST), MediQuant, Nira Medical Group, Nordic (acquired by Bon Secours), Panalgo (acquired by Norstella), Sound Physicians, Upperline Health and US Health Partners. Some of Jeff’s notable investments prior to founding Silversmith include ABILITY Network, Liberty Dialysis, Liazon and MedHOK.
Jeff received an AB in government and mathematics from Dartmouth College where he graduated magna cum laude, and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.
“Silversmith was founded to partner with growing, founder-led, healthcare and technology companies focused on delivering products and services that provide real and measurable value. It is a privilege to work alongside and support the growth of exceptional entrepreneurs and companies across the healthcare ecosystem, all working towards the shared goal of driving down costs, optimizing care quality and maximizing patient satisfaction.” — Jeff Crisan
Firm: Advent International
Title: Managing Partner
John Maldonado is a Boston-based Managing Partner at Advent International who has been instrumental in driving the success of 22 notable investments in the healthcare and tech verticals.
In 2023, John helped lead Advent and Warburg Pincus’ $4.25 billion acquisition of Baxter’s BioPharma Solutions (BPS) business, a leading provider of sterile contract manufacturing solutions, parenteral delivery systems and customized support services to the pharma and biotech industries. BPS is now a fully independent end-to-end CDMO operating under the name Simtra BioPharma Solutions, where John currently serves on the board. John has also helped to source and execute other investments in the healthcare and tech spaces, including Bharat Serums and Vaccines, Cotiviti, Definitive Healthcare, Genoa Healthcare, Iodine Software and Suven Pharmaceuticals.
At Advent, John plays an integral role in firm recruitment efforts and working toward achieving long-term goals for gender and ethnic diversity. John also sponsors the Advent Leadership Academy to enhance DEI and cultivate talent across the Advent portfolio in partnership with Harvard Business School, and he was instrumental in bringing the Ownership Works program to Advent.
John received a B.A., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. as a Baker Scholar from Harvard Business School.
“As healthcare undergoes significant transformation around the world, private capital has a critical role to play in fueling innovation and building resilient, nimble companies that can meet evolving needs in the sector. Advent’s depth of expertise across both healthcare and tech, global platform and operational mindset enable us to support businesses in navigating complexities and delivering on their missions to serve patients and providers.” — John Maldonado
Firm: Spectrum Equity
Title: Managing Director
Jeff Haywood has been co-head of Spectrum Equity’s healthcare investments since 2015, joined by his co-winner Steve LeSieur. The firm’s healthcare efforts are focused on high growth internet-enabled software and data services companies serving all parts of the healthcare continuum.
Jeff currently serves on the boards of Definitive Healthcare (NASDAQ: DH), RxVantage, Membersy and Datassential. He also led Spectrum’s investment in PWNHealth and subsequent sale to Everlywell, where he continues as a board observer. Jeff was previously involved with GoodRx (NASDAQ: GDRX), Payer Compass (acquired by Zelis Healthcare), Net Health (acquired by The Carlyle Group), Verisys (acquired by Aperture Health), Passport Health Communications (acquired by Experian), and MedHOK (acquired by Hearst Health).
“Spectrum Equity is dedicated to reshaping healthcare, partnering with companies that harness software and data to enhance care access, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. We’re deeply proud to support innovative entrepreneurs and founders who are tackling essential challenges in healthcare.” — Jeff Haywood
Firm: Spectrum Equity
Title: Managing Director
Steve LeSieur is co-head of Spectrum Equity’s investing efforts across healthcare, which he has co-led with Jeff Haywood since 2015. The firm’s healthcare efforts are focused on high growth internet-enabled software and data services companies serving all parts of the healthcare continuum.
Steve recently served on the board of GoodRx (NASDAQ: GDRX) and was previously involved with Payer Compass (acquired by Zelis Healthcare), Definitive Healthcare (NASDAQ:DH), MedHOK (acquired by Hearst Health), HealthMEDX (acquired by NetSmart), Passport Health Communications (acquired by Experian) and QTC Management (acquired by Lockheed Martin).
“Healthcare is undergoing a transformative phase, and it’s our privilege to collaborate with the visionary founders and CEOs at the forefront of this growth.” — Steve LeSieur
Firm: The Vistria Group
Title: Senior Partner & Co-Head of Healthcare
David Schuppan is Senior Partner and Co-Head of the Healthcare Team at The Vistria Group, a Chicago-based next generation private investment firm operating at the intersection of purpose and profit. With over 25 years of healthcare experience, David joined The Vistria Group in 2017 and has helped grow the firm to over $12 billion in AUM.
Known for his expertise within in-home and value-based care delivery and technology, David led the successful exits of St. Croix Hospice, Agape Care Group and Sevita. David most recently led Vistria’s investment in tango, a leading enabler of in-home benefit management solutions. David’s current portfolio is comprised of Rock Dental Brands, Mission Healthcare, Medalogix, VitalCaring Group, Help at Home, Sevita, PANTHERx and HomeFree Pharmacy Services. David prides himself on working closely with management teams to address some of the nation’s largest health challenges, in particular expanding access and value of healthcare for complex and vulnerable populations. David graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University and received his MBA, with honors, from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.
“At The Vistria Group, we pride ourselves on our deep expertise to address the most pressing healthcare challenges. Through collaboration and innovation, we’re not only shaping successful businesses but also contributing to a healthier, more equitable world for generations to come.” — David Schuppan
Firm: Oak HC/FT
Title: Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Andrew Adams, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Oak HC/FT, launched the firm in 2014 to invest exclusively in healthcare and fintech entrepreneurs. Before founding Oak HC/FT, Andrew spent 15 years, primarily at Oak Investment Partners, investing in early and growth stage companies. During the over 25 years Andrew has spent investing in leading healthcare companies, he has had 35 exits, including 6 IPOs.
At Oak HC/FT, Andrew currently serves on the boards of August Bioservices, Curana Health, DispatchHealth, Eating Recovery Center, Galileo, Infusion for Health, Marathon Health, Reveleer, Rialtic, Unified Women’s Healthcare, US HealthVest and Veda. He is also actively involved with Noom and Precision Medicine Group.
His previous investments include One Medical (NASDAQ: ONEM; acquired by Amazon), iHealth Technologies (merged with Connolly), Therapy Brands (acquired by KKR), CLARiENT (acquired by GE Healthcare), PharMEDium Healthcare (acquired by CD&R), Limeade (ASX: LME; acquired by WebMD), Benefitfocus (NASDAQ: BNFT), Core Informatics (acquired by Thermo Fisher), LDI (acquired by Diplomat Pharmacy), Maestro Health (acquired by AXA Group), CareMedic Systems (acquired by Ingenix), American Esoteric Laboratories (acquired by Sonic Healthcare Limited), Argus Information & Advisory Services (acquired by Verisk Analytics), Health Dialog (acquired by British United Provident Association), NetSpend Corporation (NASDAQ: NTSP; acquired by TSYS), PayFlex Systems (acquired by Aetna), United BioSource (acquired by Medco Health Solutions).
“Our team at Oak HC/FT has decades of experience investing in companies that are truly making a difference in the healthcare space. With a heavy focus on value-based care and enabling access to healthcare in rural areas, our portfolio works to decrease inefficiencies and increase positive patient outcomes. I’m incredibly proud to work alongside some of the best innovators in healthcare and look forward to continuing to partner with our entrepreneurs and their companies as they drive structural change in this complex system.” — Andrew Adams
Firm: HealthQuest Capital
Title: Managing Partner & Founder
Garheng is the Managing Partner and Founder of HealthQuest Capital, a private asset firm that provides growth capital to transformative companies that are improving value in the healthcare system. Prior to founding HealthQuest, Garheng was a partner at Intersouth Partners and Sofinnova Investments, and has also spent time at GlaxoSmithKline and McKinsey, and as a CEO of two healthcare companies. A physician, scientist, and engineer by training, Garheng has over two decades of experience investing in innovative companies in all areas of healthcare and has led over 34 companies to successful exits (IPO and M&A).
Garheng has represented HealthQuest on the board of 25 portfolio companies and presently serves as Lead Director of LabCorp (LH) and on the boards of Xeris Biopharma Holdings (XERS), Be The Match, Duke University Health System, Dell Children’s Foundation, UT President’s Commercial Advisory Board, and the Austin Healthcare Council Board. He is an Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellow, Kauffman Fellows Mentor, and member of YPO.
Garheng received undergraduate degrees in both Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences from Stanford, while on an athletic scholarship, and earned MD, PhD and MBA degrees from Duke University.
“I am proud to partner with and invest in innovative healthcare companies that are focused on driving positive patient impact and improving health economics. At HealthQuest Capital, we’re committed to making a significant, positive difference in people’s lives through the advancements in healthcare, and feel we can be the best partners to our companies by sharing perspectives from our team of former healthcare providers and operators.” — Garheng Kong
Firm: B Capital
Title: General Partner and Head of Healthcare
Dr. Mittendorff is Head of Healthcare at B Capital, a $6.5B+ AUM global investment firm focused on investing capital from early to growth stage in transformative companies. He brings nearly two decades of clinical, operational and investment experience to portfolio companies in biotech, medtech, healthtech and digital health, and has been involved in deploying over $800M in his career to date, in over 35 companies, with 5 IPOs and 5 announced acquisitions. In March 2023, Dr. Mittendorff closed B Capital’s inaugural Healthcare Fund I, which, in conjunction with B Capital Growth Fund III, allocates over $500M to opportunities across the healthcare sector in the US, Asia and Europe. Inclusive of the global healthcare portfolio, Dr. Mittendorff and the global healthcare team manage healthcare investments in excess of $1B.
He has prior experience as a public company medical robotics executive, as a clinician, and as a strategy consultant in the biopharma sector. Robert has been involved in multiple investments that are now public companies (iRhythm, IntersectENT, Silk Road Medical), as well as summative transactions (Visitpay, TigerConnect, iCardiac).
Dr. Mittendorff is a Stanford-trained, board-certified emergency physician who earned his MD from Harvard in the Harvard-MIT program, his MBA from Harvard Business School and his MA in International Affairs from King’s College London. Robert received his undergraduate degree (honors) in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins.
“Healthcare is currently experiencing a profound shift, driven by visionary entrepreneurs harnessing advancements in synthetic biology, biotechnology, AI, and automation. As a physician and former operating executive, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable impact these healthcare innovators have had, from individual patient care to shaping the broader healthcare ecosystem. At B Capital, we leverage our extensive sector expertise to identify and support the most promising companies in healthcare, spanning healthtech, biotech and medtech. I share the honor of this selection with my team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the extraordinary innovation unfolding in healthcare today. I look forward to continuing our journey of supporting groundbreaking ventures that are reshaping the future of healthcare.” — Dr. Robert Mittendorff, MD
Firm: Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL)
Title: Managing Director and Head of Healthcare
As Head of the Healthcare vertical and a member of the firm’s Management Committee, Josh manages a large and diverse portfolio of healthcare companies, all of which are growth companies focused on solving important challenges in the healthcare system. THL is an active partner to these companies, and Josh works closely with THL’s strategic resource group to drive the transformations that often occur during their ownership. Josh is currently a Director of Adare Pharma Solutions, Agiliti Health, Inc., Autism Home Care Holdings, Inc., CSafe Global, Hospice Care, Intelligent Medical Objects, Senior Home Care Holdings, Inc., and Smile Doctors. His prior directorships include 1-800 CONTACTS, Inc., Curo Health Services, Hawkeye Energy Holdings, Professional Physical Therapy (ProPT), Healthcare Staffing Services, Intermedix Corporation, Nextech, Party City and Syneos Health (formerly inVentiv Health, Inc.).
Before joining the THL team, Josh worked at J.P. Morgan Partners, McKinsey & Co. and The Beacon Group, LLC. Josh holds an AB, summa cum laude, in Politics from Princeton University and an MBA with Honors from Harvard Business School.
“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible business owners and managers who have built organizations that are making an incredibly positive impact across the healthcare system. I’m proud to partner with them to drive innovation and better patient outcomes.” — Joshua Nelson
Firm: TPG
Title: Partner
Katherine Wood is a Partner at TPG Capital based in San Francisco, where she focuses on investments in the healthcare sector. She currently serves on the Boards of Nextech Systems, LifeStance Health, Convey Health Solutions, and Ellodi, and was previously on the Boards of Adare, AskBio, and Neogene. She was involved in TPG’s investments in Allogene, Aptalis, EnvisionRx, and Par. She also leads TPG’s Women’s Affinity Group globally. Prior to joining TPG in 2009, Katherine worked in healthcare investment banking at Goldman Sachs. Katherine received a BS with Honors in molecular and cell biology from Stanford University, where she was on the varsity field hockey team, and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
“We focus on partnering with companies that are advancing healthcare innovation and driving more value across the system. This includes both the therapies that are redefining standards of care, as well as the models for delivering care and reaching people in more effective and tailored ways. Healthcare has been a throughline for much of my life, and it’s a privilege to partner with management teams to invest behind these areas and drive innovation at scale.” — Katherine Wood
Firm: TPG
Title: Partner
Kendall Garrison is a Partner at TPG Capital based in San Francisco, where he focuses on investments in the healthcare sector. Kendall serves on the boards of BVI Medical, Confluent Medical Technologies, Covetrus, Exactech, Monogram Health, OneOncology and Pediatric Associates. He previously served on the boards of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Kindred at Home and Kindred Healthcare and has also been involved in TPG’s investments in Immucor and Surgical Care Affiliates. Prior to joining TPG in 2008, Kendall worked at Goldman Sachs in its investment banking division. Kendall received a BBA with Honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
“One of the most exciting parts about being a healthcare investor is the opportunity to invest behind truly innovative companies, whether that is backing medical device companies that are developing new therapies and tools, or healthcare services companies that are providing access to higher quality, value-centric care that didn’t exist before. We are focused on partnering with great companies that are enabling better patient outcomes and creating long-term value within our healthcare system.” — Kendall Garrison
Firm: Bain Capital
Title: Partner
Andrew Kaplan is a Partner of Bain Capital, serving as a senior member of the Healthcare Private Equity team. Among various efforts over his 15 years at the firm, Andrew has been an important contributor in the acquisitions of Air Medical, Beacon Health, InnovaCare, National Surgical Healthcare, Stada Arzneimittel, Surgery Partners, US Renal Care, Value Options, and the de novo build-out of QuVa Pharma. He currently serves on the Boards of InnovaCare, QuVa Pharma, Surgery Partners, and US Renal Care.
Andrew is also a Governing Trustee at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Vice Chair of the Boston Preparatory Academy’s Board of Trustees, and is a founding member of the Engaged Health Foundation. Andrew received an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was a Baker Scholar and graduated magna cum laude from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Economics.
“My colleagues and I are passionate about partnering with and investing in visionary healthcare teams across the ecosystem focused on driving quality up and costs down, while prioritizing innovation and creating access to care. We are proud to bring Bain Capital’s forty years of healthcare experience, global team, and deep resources to bear to help create exceptional outcomes for healthcare businesses and the patients they serve.” — Andrew Kaplan
Firm: Blackstone
Title: Managing Director
Mike Kirkman is a Managing Director in Blackstone Growth (BXG) where he is focused on investments in the Healthcare sector. Mike is based in San Francisco.
Before joining Blackstone, Mike was a Director at GI Partners where he helped lead investment activity in the healthcare and software sectors. During his time at GI, he invested in and served on the boards of such companies as Netsmart, Generate Life Sciences, Clinical Ink, and MRI Software. Prior to GI, Mike was with JLL Partners in New York, where he began his investing career, focusing on private equity investments in North America. He currently serves on the board of the San Francisco Private Equity Network.
He holds a BS from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by GrowthCap alongside such a talented group of investors. At BXG, we are afforded the unique opportunity to bring together outstanding, high-growth healthcare businesses with Blackstone’s unparalleled set of global resources in a thoughtful, disciplined way. It continues to be a privilege to partner with incredible entrepreneurs who, like us, are focused on making healthcare more affordable for those who need it and simultaneously improving health outcomes and the collective patient experience.” — Mike Kirkman
Firm: Advent International
Title: Managing Director
Carmine Petrone is a Boston-based Managing Director at Advent International who has played a significant role in sourcing and executing 11 noteworthy investments in the healthcare and health tech spaces.
Carmine was instrumental in Advent and Warburg Pincus’ $4.25 billion acquisition of Baxter’s BioPharma Solutions (BPS) business, a leading provider of sterile contract manufacturing solutions, parenteral delivery systems and customized support services to the pharma and biotech industries. With Advent’s support, BPS is now a fully independent end-to-end contract development and manufacturing organization operating under the name Simtra BioPharma Solutions and has begun to accelerate its go-to-market strategy, expand its product offerings and execute its capacity expansion. Carmine also helped lead Advent’s investment in Iodine Software, a healthcare AI company, and recapitalization investment in RxBenefits, a technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer, both valued at over $1 billion. Other investments Carmine has worked on include AccentCare, BioDuro, Cotiviti, Definitive Healthcare and Syneos Health.
Carmine plays a role in recruiting and helped to create Advent’s Sophomore Undergraduate Internship Program, which has been a key to building a pipeline of underrepresented candidates for Advent’s Associate Program.
Prior to joining Advent, Carmine was an investor at Thomas H. Lee Partners. He earned a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, where he is a Trustee, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
“Our team at Advent International looks for opportunities to help the healthcare system do more for patients more efficiently. Our current system can’t handle the demands being placed on it, and we think we can improve that through the application of leading software tools, integrated care collaborations and efficient outsourcing models. Helping businesses scale that can tackle the access and affordability problem is incredibly rewarding.” — Carmine Petrone
Firm: RC Capital
Title: Managing Partner
In his role as a Managing Partner, Rob leads RCC’s healthcare services practice, partnering with founders and entrepreneurs who share a patient & provider-centric philosophy dedicated to delivering better outcomes, improving patient access, lowering cost of care and delivering preferred platforms for providers to practice. Rob is passionate about establishing cultures of collaboration and approaching partnerships with a deep sense of alignment.
He is currently a member of the boards of FlexCare Infusion, Endodontic Practice Partners, Cognitive Research Corporation and Aligned Cardio. Rob served as a board member at Label Insight (sold to Nielsen), PerfectServe (sold to K1), MedPlast (sold to Water Street and JLL Partners), invivodata (sold to ERT), Lattice Engines (sold to Dunn & Bradstreet), Building Engines (sold to JLL), Trax Technologies (sold to Strattam Capital), and observer to the boards of MX Logic (sold to McAfee). Rob is a member of RCC’s DEI committee, which is focused on incorporating D&I principles and best practices into the firm’s operations and across the portfolio.
Outside of the office, Rob serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Christ Hospital Health Network where he chairs the Audit & Risk Committee and formerly chaired the Quality and Patient Safety Committee. In addition, he serves on the board of the Elizabeth Gamble Deaconess Home Association, a foundation dedicated to improving community healthcare services. Rob is also trustee emeritus of Starfire Council (visionary organization building better lives for people with disabilities) and co-chairs a regional selection committee for the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship Program.
Rob holds an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he graduated with distinction and a B.S. from the University of Virginia.
“For the last three decades, RC Capital has been supporting visionary entrepreneurs, dedicated to improving patient outcomes, enhancing care delivery, lowering cost of care and increasing access to quality healthcare services. Its personally fulfilling to work alongside talented and prolific partners at RCC who are committed to nurturing long-term relationships with a deep network of seasoned operators and who have demonstrated a “roll-up-your sleeves” approach to supporting management teams fulfill their vision. Seeing our partners’ objective come to fruition through the eyes of patients and providers is the most gratifying element of this endeavor.” — Rob Heimann
Firm: Summit Partners
Title: Managing Director
Ross Stern is a Managing Director at Summit Partners and a member of the firm’s Healthcare & Life Sciences team. Ross joined Summit in 2009, and over the course of the last fifteen years, he has invested in and partnered with numerous high-growth companies and talented executives across the healthcare landscape. He has built deep expertise across the healthcare services and life sciences sectors and is an active, engaged board member at several Summit portfolio companies. His board and investment experience includes Abode Healthcare (acquired by BrightSpring Health Services), DMG Practice Management Solutions (acquired by Ares Management), Fortis Life Sciences, Hallmark Health Care Solutions, My Dentist (acquired by Heartland Dental), Paradigm Outcomes, PharmScript, Sound Physicians, TurningPoint Healthcare Solutions, U.S. Renal Care and VaxCare. In total, Ross has led or played a significant role in 13 Summit investments, representing over $2.5 billion of invested capital.
Ross has built extensive knowledge of provider-led practice management businesses, value-based care models, and the reimbursement landscape, and has developed a deep understanding of the United States’ complex healthcare system. Ross’ sector experience – combined with his practical know-how in driving acquisition strategies, scaling sales organizations and recruiting executive talent & board members – have informed Ross’s solid execution in supporting Summit portfolio companies’ growth initiatives.
Prior to Summit, Ross worked at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and at Cowen & Company in the Health Care Investment Banking Group. Ross holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
“At Summit, we seek to partner with category-leading organizations and talented executives across the healthcare ecosystem who are committed to making a meaningful, positive impact on the healthcare value equation. It has been a privilege to support the growth of these companies and witness firsthand their invaluable contributions to the healthcare landscape.” — Ross Stern
Firm: Optum Ventures
Title: Managing Partner & Founding Team Member
Laura Veroneau is a Managing Partner and founding team member of Optum Ventures, the independent venture fund of UnitedHealth Group that invests stage agnostically across the healthcare ecosystem. Under Laura’s guidance and leadership, Optum Ventures—now with 65+ portfolio companies and over $1 billion in AUM–is gaining recognition as a leading platform in healthcare investing. Laura has played an instrumental role in the fund’s activity and success. Prior to Optum Ventures, Laura’s experience ranges from a healthcare startup to UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, and Transformation Capital—enabling Laura to develop a deep understanding of the healthcare system, with an eye on how innovation can integrate into and transform the overall industry. Today, Laura also sits on the Board of Overseers for Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Laura received her undergraduate degree in economics and legal studies from Williams College and received an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
“Optum Ventures was created to develop a comprehensive and strategic presence in the startup landscape in anticipation of increased healthcare innovation at this stage. In this role, we are fortunate to work with passionate innovators across the healthcare ecosystem—from large market players to early-stage startups—all working towards making the healthcare system more affordable, accessible, efficient, and equitable for all. Cross-industry partnerships have the power to move innovation forward and through this lens, I am incredibly proud of OV’s progress to date and even more excited for what the next ten years will bring.” — Laura Veroneau
Firm: JMI Equity
Title: Partner
Matt joined JMI in 2006 and focuses on JMI’s investments in software and healthcare IT businesses. He’s held numerous board positions at JMI portfolio companies during his tenure, and currently oversees the investments or serves on the boards of CipherHealth, Clio, Jane Software, PointClickCare, and TimelyCare. Matt is also on the Board of Trustees for The Gillispie School.
Prior to joining JMI, Matt was an analyst in the technology investment banking group at Thomas Weisel Partners and a research associate at Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Commerce.
“Being able to collaborate with worldclass software and healthcare IT entrepreneurs is a great honor. I look forward to working with current and future portfolio companies to improve the quality of care and healthcare experience.” — Matt Emery
Firm: Insight Partners
Title: Managing Director
Scott Barclay is a Managing Director at Insight Partners focused on investments in healthcare software. Since joining the firm at the end of 2021, Scott has stretched Insight’s reach into healthcare with investments in mental health companies, healthcare infrastructure platforms, AI healthcare solutions and more. His Computational Care thesis envisions the future of US and global healthcare built at the intersection of empathy and scalable technology.
Prior to Insight, Scott built his investing career as a healthcare angel investor and advisor (NaviHealth, Doximity, Elation) and, from 2015-2020, as a Partner at DCVC, an early-stage deep tech venture capital firm. Scott’s early career traversed capital markets with Banc of America Securities in Europe and the US, The Boston Consulting Group, and CVS Health. At CVS and then after, Scott helped create and scale the nation’s e-Prescribing ecosystem, running iScribe (acq Allscripts) and as Chief Strategy Officer of Surescripts.
“Insight believes that the future of healthcare will be powered by industrialized software that can scale with validation and robustness. We believe that we’re able to see through the hype to find entrepreneurs who are quietly owning their craft, building products and solutions with the potential to transform health and our very broken healthcare system. It’s a privilege to be able to roll up our sleeves alongside these visionary founders, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play a role in their ScaleUp journeys.” — Scott Barclay
Firm: McKesson Ventures
Title: Managing Director
Dave leads McKesson Ventures, a leading venture firm focused on healthcare technology and services businesses. For two decades, he has been supporting founders and entrepreneurs committed to improving healthcare data insights, health outcomes, and access to care.
Dave has led investments in several category defining businesses across pharma software and services, data and analytics and new models of care, most notably: Aledade, Curana Health, HarmonyCares, IVX Health, Komodo Health, Landmark Health and Saama.
“This recognition underscores the success of our fund and appreciation for the value of partnering with McKesson Ventures. I am proud of the entrepreneurs we have supported, the team we have built, and the impact that we have had on healthcare innovation. We have never been more optimistic about the potential for entrepreneurial companies to advance health outcomes and our ability to help them succeed.” — David Schulte
Firm: Logos Capital, Biotechnology Investment Fund
Title: Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer
Dr. Arsani William co-founded Logos Capital, a biotechnology investment fund, and is the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, where he leads the firm’s strategic investments across a portfolio of $1.5 billion in both public and private sectors. Dr. William has been instrumental in integrating advanced data science methodologies with traditional investment analysis to enhance the predictive accuracy of clinical trial outcomes and optimize investment decisions.
Logos Capital is renowned for its rigorous scientific and technical diligence, employing a comprehensive approach to evaluate potential investments. Co-founded by Dr. Graham Walmsley, M.D., Ph.D., a Stanford University alumnus, and Dr. Ed Zhong, a Harvard data scientist, the firm employs a process that involves an in-depth analysis of biological, chemical, and pharmacological data to ensure that only the most promising and innovative therapies are pursued. The firm’s success is underpinned by its commitment to leveraging statistical frameworks and data analytics to inform and refine investments across various stages of clinical trial development.
Prior to co-founding Logos Capital, Dr. William led the growth and development of Farallon Capital’s biopharma portfolio. Dr. William holds an M.D. from Harvard Medical school, where he was a Gerald S. Foster Scholar, an M.B.A. from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and a B.S. with Honors from Stanford University.
“At Logos Capital, we see investing in biotech as a window to the future of human life, where the pioneering advancements we support today have the power to redefine the boundaries of medical science. We are at the heart of a wave of breakthroughs in biotechnology, with the potential not only to eradicate disease but also to extend human life. At Logos Capital, we are privileged to play a role in this ecosystem, by funding companies that can push the boundaries of medical science that will define the future of human health.” — Dr. Arsani William
Firm: Silversmith Capital Partners
Title: General Partner
Brian joined Silversmith Capital Partners in 2015 and focuses on investments in healthcare IT & services. Brian is passionate about building relationships and partnering with mission-driven entrepreneurs focused on scaling transformative business models that drive high quality, cost effective and efficient healthcare outcomes through innovative technology and services.
Brian has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare investing and financial services, including leading Silversmith’s investments in Advanced Medical Strategies (AMS) and MediaLab. His additional investment experience at the firm includes Centauri Health Solutions, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health (Nasdaq: LFST), Market Access Transformation (MAT), Net Health, Nordic Consulting, and Sound Physicians.
Brian graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and received his MBA with honors as a Palmer Scholar from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.
“At Silversmith, we focus on partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs of rapidly growing, capital efficient companies. It’s a tremendous honor to work with visionary teams who are doing the important, and meaningful, work to transform the future of the healthcare industry.” — Brian Peterson
Firm: Shangbay Capital
Title: Founding Managing Partner
William Dai is the Founding Managing Partner of ShangBay Capital, a leading early stage Medtech-focused VC based in Palo Alto, California. Since the inception of ShangBay Capital in 2015, William has led ShangBay to become a successful VC with over 65 portfolio companies to date alongside multiple successful exits. Currently, William serves on the boards of directors for Luminopia, Aqua Medical, Meditrina, FemDx, Laplace Interventional, and YorLabs. He has also previously served on the boards of NeuroVasc (acq in 2019) and Arrinex (acq by Stryker in 2019). As the Founding Managing Partner at ShangBay Capital, he has played a critical role in leading and executing investment transactions to drive business success.
Williamʼs prior work experiences span more than 25 years in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets in both Asia and the U.S. Before founding ShangBay Capital, he was the CFO of ShangPharma (NYSE: SHP), Nepstar Corporation (NYSE: NPD), Microport Scientific Corporation (HKZ00853), and Boston Scientific China. William was also the Head of Business Development for a major pharmaceutical company, where he led M&A initiatives for the Asia Pacific region. Across his distinguished career, William was instrumental in managing and executing business transactions that contributed to the company’s success. William Dai holds a Masterʼs degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on finance from Michigan State University.
“I have been very fortunate to be a part of the medical technology advancement evolution, working alongside the best entrepreneurs and the smartest minds for the improvement of patient outcomes. At ShangBay Capital, we are committed to supporting the most hardworking, innovative, and dedicated entrepreneurs in their quest to advance medical technologies and save more lives.” — William Dai
Firm: Boutique Venture Partners
Title: Managing Partner & Founder
Dr. El Assal is a scientist-clinician turned venture capitalist investing in healthcare and life sciences. He is the Managing Partner and Founder of Boutique Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in Biotech, Medtech, Healthtech, Digital Health, and Environmental Health startups. At Boutique, Rami has led dozens of investments and currently serves on the boards of Zeda, Inc. and Genalyte, Inc.
Prior to founding Boutique, Rami was a Research Scientist (Academic Staff) at the Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection at Stanford University School of Medicine. Previously, he completed two Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at Stanford and Harvard Medical Schools. He published many scientific articles and 4 books, including being the Editor-in-Chief of a two-volume book: Early Cancer Detection and Treatment (Springer Nature). His acumen is a driving force in Boutique’s mission to propel healthcare ventures that promise not just commercial success, but transformative healthcare solutions that have positive global-scale impact.
“At Boutique, we like to partner with authentic entrepreneurs who create disruptive approaches that improve health and wellness. We leverage our deep connections within the healthcare ecosystem to help founders build their companies from the ground up.” — Dr. Rami El Assal
Firm: Brighton Park Capital
Title: Principal
Aaron Newman is a Principal at Brighton Park Capital (“BPC”), an investment firm focused on entrepreneur-led, growth-stage software, healthcare, and tech-enabled services companies. Aaron joined BPC in 2020 as the firm’s first investment professional focused exclusively on healthcare. Aaron has a passion for learning about new, innovative technologies and care delivery models and has served as a trusted partner to numerous high-growth healthcare companies. He has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with founders and management teams, driving growth, and cultivating enduring value for the portfolio companies he supports. Aaron led, and currently manages, BPC’s investments in Indegene and Xsolis, serving as a Board Observer at both companies.
Prior to joining BPC, Aaron was on the Healthcare & Life Sciences team at Summit Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. While at Summit, Aaron specialized in thematic sourcing and deal execution, playing a key role in the firm’s investment in eClinical Solutions. Aaron began his career as an Analyst in the Healthcare Investment Banking Group at Jefferies. He received a BA in Physics from Colgate University.
“At Brighton Park, we recognize the privilege and responsibility we assume by investing in the healthcare ecosystem, which is why we seek to identify and partner closely with experienced entrepreneurs, founders, and management teams to drive meaningful progress across the healthcare continuum. With extensive technology expertise as our cornerstone, we support our portfolio companies by accelerating their growth and amplifying their impact, ensuring that transformative healthcare solutions reach those who need them most.” – Aaron Newman
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Copyright: The Top 25 Healthcare Investors of 2024 publication is copyrighted material, produced and published by GrowthCap, LLC. For information pertaining to content permissions, please refer to GrowthCap’s award usage regulations.
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