Top 30 Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015: Series Coverage and Business Models

Previously, VCBeat published an article introducing the 30 most undervalued healthcare startups to watch in 2015 (Click here for details), this article has garnered widespread attention. To gain a deeper understanding of the business models of these 30 startups, VCBeat has undertaken a systematic review of each case.

Master Index of the Series: The 30 Most Noteworthy Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015

 The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 1: PicnicHealth, the Medical Record Courier

Abstract: Helps users manage their health records. PicnicHealth collects and updates users' records and syncs them with physicians. After registration, Picnic gathers all of a user’s existing records, digitizes them, and keeps them continuously updated. The app displays health information in an interactive timeline and graphical format, and supports storage of medical images.

Part 2 of the 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015: MetaMed Opens a New World of Personalized Medicine for Patients
Abstract: It enables patients with severe conditions to connect with the world’s leading researchers for personalized medical research. It assembles a team of experts to gather all relevant information regarding the patient’s medical history, genetics, clinical condition, and quantitative metrics, and submits concise, objective reports.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part III: Flatiron Health, the Next Digital Health Company Poised for an IPO
Abstract: Introducing OncologyCloud, the first cloud-based oncology data platform. Designed specifically for oncology, this platform aggregates real-time clinical and financial data, provides comprehensive patient medical records, and helps various organizations fully leverage their data.

Part 4 of the 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015: Recombine—Personalized Eugenics and Healthy Childbearing Through Genetic Analysis
Abstract: It is a clinical genetic testing company that helps patients and providers make informed decisions based on the results of genetic tests. This startup aims to improve patient outcomes through personalized genetic testing and comprehensive genetic counseling.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 5: Zipnosis Enables Patients to Receive Care for Common Conditions at Home via Asynchronous Telemedicine
Abstract: Provides desktop and mobile platforms to enable users to receive diagnosis and treatment for minor health issues. This service is available around the clock, with diagnostic consultations accessible daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For a fee of $25 paid via credit card or health savings account (HSA) card, users can undergo an automated online consultation and immediately receive a prescription.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 6: Transcriptic Solves Lab Technicians’ Most Painful Challenges
Abstract: Provides researchers with remote, on-demand robotic life science laboratory services under advanced robotic automation conditions. Users can work in the laboratory through Transcriptic’s secure web interface or write their own code to directly connect with the laboratory system.

Top 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015 (Part 7): Sherpaa, the Online Consultation Company That Retains Every Customer
Abstract: By enabling smarter corporate healthcare through virtual consultations, employees gain immediate access to physicians and faster diagnosis and treatment. Sherpaa reduces the frequency of outpatient visits while controlling out-of-pocket costs. Companies also benefit from lower expenses, higher average employee utilization rates, and reduced year-over-year premium increases.

Top 30 Most Promising Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 8: Abiogenix Develops uBox Smart Device to Remind Patients to Take Medication on Time
Abstract: A smart pillbox named uBOX has been developed to remind users to take their medication on time. The portable and highly flexible uBOX can promptly notify family members or physicians, and record the medications taken by the user to monitor adherence. uBOX reminds users to take their medication on schedule through visual alerts (flashing lights), auditory signals, and message notifications.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 9: Omada Health’s Digital Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Disease Management
Abstract: A pioneer in “digital therapeutics,” it applies clinically validated behavioral medicine to the treatment of chronic diseases. This program helps individuals overcome unhealthy habits, thereby steering them away from serious yet preventable conditions. It also collaborates with corporate employers and health plans, focusing on high-risk populations.

Part 10 of the 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015: BetterDoctor—Online Physician Search for Booking Appointments with the Best Doctors
Abstract: It helps users discover and schedule appointments with doctors via its website or mobile app. Users can search for top-rated primary care physicians or specialists in their local area, covering fields such as dentistry, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, allergy and immunology, cardiology, and genetics.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 11: goBalto Accelerates Drug Development
Abstract: Software is provided to make clinical trials faster and easier. This software accelerates study initiation, maintains real-time document synchronization, enables real-time collaboration and document exchange, provides visibility into files and comments, and keeps all participants informed of the current study status.

Part 12 of the 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015: NeuroTrack Predicts Alzheimer’s Disease 3 to 6 Years in Advance
Abstract: Technologies are being developed to predict signs of Alzheimer’s disease 3–6 years in advance. Based on biomarkers, these technologies employ computer vision-based cognitive tests as predictive tools. Through their analysis, behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be predicted significantly earlier by detecting fluctuations in the hippocampus.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 13: Medicast—Open the Mobile App and Easily Summon a Doctor for a House Call
Abstract: Enables users to request physician house calls tailored to their individual needs. Screened and credentialed physicians will arrive at the user’s home, office, or hotel within two hours and provide a thorough consultation lasting at least 30 minutes. This service is currently available in cities such as Miami, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 14: PillPack Develops Personalized Medication Packs to Simplify Medication Management
Abstract: PillPack is a pharmacy that streamlines medication management processes and provides comprehensive services. It individually packages patients’ medications, organizes them by date and dosing time, and automatically delivers them to patients every two weeks. PillPack’s pharmacists also coordinate with patients’ physicians and insurance providers to manage prescription refills.

The 30 Most Promising Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 15: Neumitra Alerts You to Rising Stress and Helps You Avoid Anxiety-Triggering Scenarios
Abstract: Technologies for measuring and managing brain health are under development. Its biosensing smartwatch monitors the human autonomic nervous system, while its algorithms employ physiological and statistical models to track acute and chronic stress. The accompanying app contextualizes data collected by the watch within events, locations, and stress-reduction tools, yielding insightful analytics.

Top 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015 (Part 16): SkinVision – Detecting Moles via Photos to Prevent Potential Risks
Abstract: This is an app designed to help users examine and monitor their moles, facilitating the early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Users can take photos of their moles using the app’s built-in camera and receive professional recommendations from SkinVision, such as whether to remain at ease, engage in close and frequent monitoring, or consult a physician. The app also provides guidance on UV exposure.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 17: Breakthrough Offers Online Psychological Counseling
Abstract: The company providing online mental health services was recently acquired by MDLIVE. Breakthrough helps users find suitable, state-licensed and vetted therapists nearby, offering convenience to patients while protecting privacy and reducing costs.

The 30 Most Noteworthy Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 18: Wellframe, a Doctor-Patient Communication Platform Focused on Chronic Disease Management
Abstract: Leveraging a constructed system to “reinvent” patient care. It utilizes a platform integrated with existing systems to enhance the efficiency of care management, convert healthcare protocols into mobile checklists for patients, enable continuous communication between patients and providers, and provide real-time alerts to providers through predictive algorithms.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015 (Part 19): MIRA Rehab’s Therapeutic Games Bring Fun to Rehabilitation
Abstract: MIRA’s software program utilizes medically approved games to accelerate patient recovery from injury or surgery. The system transforms existing physical therapy exercises into video games and uses sensors to track and assess patient adherence.

Top 30 Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 20: Syapse, the Enabler of Precision Medicine
Abstract:SyapseHelp healthcare providers, laboratories, and registries leverage molecular analytics and clinical data to diagnose and treat patients. By employing molecular analytic technologies such as genomic sequencing, Syapse enables service providers to practice precision medicine based on an ever-expanding knowledge base, gain genomic insights, and deliver patient care.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 21: Rip Road – Improving Health Starts with Being a “Smart Patient”
Abstract: Enables healthcare providers and health plans to engage patients via mobile devices, helping them better understand personalized care plans so they can proactively manage their own health. Rip Road helps providers improve patient outcomes, encourage treatment adherence, and promote positive behavioral changes.

Part 22 of the 30 Most Noteworthy Healthcare Startups of 2015: Proteus Digital Health’s Smart Pill for Effortless Health Monitoring
Abstract:Developed an ingestible biomedical sensor, by pairing a patch with a smartphone, to transmit the body’s physiological responses and behaviors. The Proteus platform enables products to capture and analyze physiological and behavioral data, applying them in areas such as patient monitoring, health and fitness tools, and clinical trials.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015, Part 23: TrueVault: Data Security and Compliance Spark New Business Opportunities
Abstract: Provides a secure API that enables developers to store and process health data while addressing all technical requirements mandated by HIPAA. TrueVault reveals that data integration takes only days, yet can save months of development time for software, mobile apps, web apps, and wearable devices.

Part 24 of the 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups to Watch in 2015: Accountable: Helping Enterprises Solve HIPAA Compliance Challenges
Abstract: Provides a secure, cloud-based compliance management software that helps startups identify potential internal risks and vulnerabilities, manage agreements with partner organizations, oversee compliance policies and procedures, and conduct HIPAA training for employees.

Top 30 Most Promising Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 25: Propeller Health – Monitoring Every Breath You Take
Abstract: It helps users manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Propeller’s inhaler sensors and app can track patients’ medication use, while the app also provides personalized feedback and tutorials to improve asthma control in patients with COPD. Propeller also assists physicians in monitoring patients’ symptoms and adjusting treatment plans at appropriate times. Notably, Malay Gandhi, General Manager of Rock Health, was also optimistic about Propeller Health’s prospects in 2015.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 26: Aptible Builds a Cloud Platform for HIPAA Compliance
Abstract: It is an application deployment platform that automates HIPAA compliance for web and mobile technologies. Startups using Aptible can run their chosen applications and databases, while Aptible manages servers, security, encryption, and other infrastructure tasks. Aptible generates documentation, audit logs, and other required materials to demonstrate compliance.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 27: Kurbo, the Healthy Weight-Loss Expert for Overweight Children
Abstract: Provides a research-backed program to help children aged 8–18 develop healthy habits, maintain a healthy weight, and boost their self-confidence. Kurbo’s program is specifically designed for children, featuring a traffic-light system to assist with food choices, an app for tracking diet and exercise, and support from health coaches.

The 30 Most Noteworthy Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 28: Ginger.io – Leveraging Smartphones and Big Data to Provide Health Alerts
Abstract:Ginger.ioA data-collection app has been provided, which utilizes smartphones and self-reported information to gather sensor data, aiming to improve mental health care and determine whether individuals require assistance. Collaborating institutions and related research efforts are currently applying this platform to the treatment and care of conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and chronic pain.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 29: Misfit Wearables—Perfectly Blending Stylish Cool with Health Tech
Abstract: A series of wearable devices for fitness and sleep tracking have been developed, including the Flash fitness and sleep monitor, the Beddit sleep monitor, and a companion app capable of tracking food intake, physical activity, sleep, and body weight. Users are required to set goals and share them with friends.

The 30 Most Notable Healthcare Startups of 2015, Part 30: Tidepool—An Intelligent Management Platform Developed for Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Abstract: A series of open-source apps have been developed to reduce the management burden for patients with type 1 diabetes. For instance, Blip, which is currently undergoing a pilot study at the University of California, San Francisco, can serve as a data hub for patients’ diabetes information. In short, Blip leverages data to help users make more informed food choices and better insulin dosing decisions. Following closed usability testing, Blip will subsequently undergo a pilot study.