First Class of Healthcare Startups Created Over 120 Jobs, Raised $12 Million in Additional Capital, 2 Companies Acquired
“Today the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) and the Partnership Fund for New York City (Partnership Fund) launched the call for applications for the second class of the New York Digital Health Accelerator (NYDHA), a program that is making New York a hub for the emerging digital health technology industry. NYDHA’s inaugural class of eight companies raised $12 million in additional capital and created over 120 jobs.
In upcoming months, theprogram will choose up to 10 early- and growth-stage companies that are developing cutting-edge technology products in care coordination, patient engagement, predictive analytics and workflow management for healthcare providers. Each chosen company will receive $100,000 in investment capital along with invaluable mentoring from senior-level executives at leading hospitals and other providers in New York. By introducing these companies to healthcare providers, the program also connects them to potential customers. Applications for the program are due April 11, 2014.
“The Digital Health Accelerator program has proven to be a highly successful means of generating innovative technology solutions for some of healthcare’s biggest challenges,” said State Health Commissioner, Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. “This next class will focus on creating products that improve patient health through technology, such as care coordination software for physicians or medication adherence applications for patients. The New York Digital Health Accelerator is quickly establishing New York as a hub for Health IT innovation and high tech job growth.”
“When the government and the private sector work hand-in-hand to encourage business growth in our state we see results. This Accelerator will help New York keep and attract businesses that grow our state’s economy and create jobs in our communities,” said Maria Gotsch, President and CEO of the Partnership Fund. “Our initial investment will go a long way towards attracting additional investment into New York.”
“As New York’s Tech Sector continues to thrive, we expect the second class of the Digital Health Accelerator to quickly enable some of the best companies out there to develop the newest health information technology tools,” said New York eHealth Collaborative Executive Director, David Whitlinger. “Given New York’s unrivaled density of hospitals, doctors and healthcare organizations, the Digital Health Accelerator program has the unique potential right now to reinforce New York as a leader in health information technology by connecting these firms to potential customers in addition to providing them with key funding.”
The NYDHA was ranked the #1 Health IT Accelerator in the world by the Rotman School of Business based on 21 other programs and has been lauded by Todd Park, Chief Technology Officer of the United States and the California Healthcare Foundation for its deep industry ties.
Unlike other incubator programs, it offers participants the opportunity to engage directly with a broad network of providers in New York State, including;hospitals, long-term care providers, community health centers, and primary care providers. This helps them reach a ready market for their products. They also receive direct mentorship and feedback from senior-level executives with the participating providers and will have priority access to the technology platform that is connecting electronic health records across New York State, theStatewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY).
An application for this program, and more information, is available atdigitalhealthaccelerator.com.
The investment capital will be provided bya syndicate ofinvestors, including Baxter Ventures, Deerfield Management Company, Milestone Venture Partners, New Leaf Venture Partners, and the Partnership Fund for New York City. Program sponsors include Genentech (a member of the Roche Group), Infor, Merck, and Pfizer, which will provide funds for operations and pilots. The EmpireState Development Corporation and NYeC will provide additional funds to operate the NYDHA.
Thirteen leading healthcare providers have agreed to participate in the program including Community Healthcare Network, FEGS Health and Human Services System, Hudson River Health Care, Maimonides Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center, NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation, New York Hospital Queens, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, North Shore LIJ Health System, NYU Langone Medical Center, Stony Brook University Medical Center, and Winthrop University Hospital.
The inaugural class of eight companies that graduated in May 2013 has raised approximately $12 million in aggregate post-program, driving growth and significantly expanding their customer base. Two of the companies were acquired within 6 months of graduating. Senior-level executives from New York State’s leading healthcare organizations provided product development feedback. In addition to providing product feedback, the participating healthcare providers facilitated 17 pilots at their organizations and created over 120 jobs.
“We are delighted to be invited to participate in the second round of the Digital Health Accelerator,” said Catherine M. Abate, President and CEO of Community Healthcare Network. “The value of mentoring a start-up software company was realized in Round One. We look forward to a new level of innovation being achieved in Round Two.”
“As the largest software application company based in New York, Infor is excited about the Digital Healthcare Accelerator,” said Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor. “With 72 percent of large hospitals in the U.S. as customers, we are making major investments in healthcare and believe the Digital Healthcare Accelerator can be a conduit for Infor to partner with innovative companies in healthcare technology.”
About the New York Digital Health Accelerator (NYDHA)
The New York Digital Health Accelerator is a program run by the New York eHealth Collaborative and the Partnership Fund for New York City for early- and growth-stage digital health companies that are developing cutting edge technology products in care coordination, patient engagement, analytics and message alerts for healthcare providers. www.digitalhealthaccelerator.com & #NYDHA
About The New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC)
NYeC is a not-for-profit organization, working in partnership with the New York State Department of Health to improve healthcare for all New Yorkers through health information technology (health IT). Founded in 2006 by healthcare leaders, NYeC receives funding from state and federal grants to serve as the focal point for health IT in the State of New York. NYeC works to develop policies and standards, to assist healthcare providers in making the shift to electronic health records, and to coordinate the creation of the Statewide Health Information Network of New York (SHIN-NY), a network to connect healthcare providers statewide. www.nyehealth.org & @NYeHealth
About the Partnership for New York City
The Partnership for New York City’s mission is to engage the business community in efforts to advance the economy of New York City and maintain the city’s position as the center of world commerce, finance and innovation. Through the Partnership Fund for New York City, the Partnership contributes directly to projects that create jobs, improve economically distressed communities and stimulate new business creation.