## Health Tech Funding: Back to Stability After Pandemic Boom?

Despite a dip from the peak seen immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic, health tech funding is showing signs of stabilization, suggesting a potential comeback for the sector.

**Early-stage investment and investor interest in AI are strong indicators of this trend.** Health tech startups raised $5.7 billion in the first half of 2024, putting them on track to surpass the $10.7 billion total raised in 2023, according to a report by Rock Health.

**The surge in health tech funding from 2020 to 2022 was fueled by low interest rates and ambitious projections for health care transformation during the pandemic.** However, with economic uncertainty, a more cautious outlook has emerged, leading to a decline in investment in 2023, which has remained relatively stable since.

**The focus on AI is a key driver for this potential resurgence.** Investors are increasingly optimistic about the potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare, with several companies leveraging AI for various applications such as diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized treatments.

**This trend suggests a positive outlook for health tech startups.**  As the sector navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the focus on AI and innovative technologies presents opportunities for continued growth and advancements in healthcare.

Experts say that signs like early-stage investment, investor interest in AI, and a flurry of IPOs are good news for health tech startups.

Health Tech Funding: Is a Comeback Brewing After Pandemic Boom?

### The Balancing Act of a Startup CEO

**Jyoti Bansal**, 46, is the founder and CEO of two thriving software startups: **Harness** and **Traceable**, which are valued at over **$4 billion** combined. Managing two successful companies is no small feat, especially considering the high risk of burnout that many startup founders face due to their **stressful jobs** and the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.

### A Simple Cheat Code

Bansal's secret to maintaining productivity while running two fast-growing startups is surprisingly straightforward: **Don't multitask**. He explains that multitasking often leads to distractions and poorer decision-making. Instead, Bansal emphasizes the effectiveness of focusing on one task at a time. 

### The Power of Time Blocking

To optimize his productivity, Bansal employs a technique known as **time blocking**. This involves dedicating specific intervals to work on singular tasks or projects, allowing him to be more efficient and present in each moment. For example, he might spend **30 minutes** working on technical issues with engineers, followed by another **30 minutes** discussing strategies with investors. This method not only boosts productivity but also helps combat burnout by incorporating breaks into his schedule.

### Maximizing Impact

Bansal prioritizes his tasks based on their potential impact rather than simply managing his time. He uses a simple framework: **If I don't spend my time on something, is it going to move the needle?** If the answer is no, he delegates that responsibility to trusted team members, allowing him to focus on what he does best.

### The Importance of Team Dynamics

Having the right people around him is crucial for Bansal. He believes that the key to scaling a business lies in surrounding oneself with skilled individuals who understand his vision and can operate effectively without constant oversight. 

![Productivity Tips](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/108040449-Make_It_Warby_Parker_stills_02.jpg?v=1727465746&w=750&h=422&vtcrop=y)

Jyoti Bansal is founder and CEO of Harness and Traceable, two software startups valued at more than $4 billion combined. 

Unlocking Productivity: How a 46-Year-Old CEO Runs Two Successful Startups without Multitasking

### Overview
Fetch.ai, a leading player in the **AI and blockchain** space, has announced a strategic partnership with **Imperial College London** to establish a state-of-the-art **AI lab**. This collaboration aims to foster innovation in **artificial intelligence** and drive advancements in the field.

### Objectives of the AI Lab
The primary goal of the AI lab is to leverage **cutting-edge research** and **industry expertise** to develop AI solutions that can tackle real-world problems. The partnership will focus on areas such as:
- **Smart cities**
- **Autonomous systems**
- **Energy management**

### Significance of the Partnership
This collaboration is expected to bridge the gap between **academic research** and **practical applications**, providing students and researchers with the opportunity to work on impactful projects. The lab will also facilitate:
- **Knowledge exchange** between academia and industry
- Development of **AI-driven technologies** that can benefit various sectors

### Future Prospects
As AI continues to evolve, the Fetch.ai and Imperial College partnership positions both organizations at the forefront of technological advancements. The lab is set to become a hub for **innovation**, attracting talent and investment in the AI ecosystem. 

Stay tuned for more updates on their groundbreaking projects!

Comprehensive up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by Google News.

Unlocking Innovation: Fetch.ai and Imperial College Launch Groundbreaking AI Lab

### From Farm to Fintech
Daragh Murphy, who grew up milking cows in Ireland, has taken an unconventional path to the world of startups. After a successful legal career, he co-founded **Imprint** in 2020 with Gaurav Ahuja, aiming to disrupt the co-branded credit card industry.

### Major Funding Round
**Imprint** has recently raised a **$75 million Series C** round led by **Khosla Ventures**, increasing its total capital raised to **$225 million**. This funding round has significantly boosted its valuation from **$240 million** at Series B to an impressive **$600 million**.

### The Co-Branded Credit Card Market
Co-branded credit cards, issued in partnership with banks and brands, offer perks like additional shopping rewards. However, the market is highly competitive, with major players like **Chase** and **Citi**.

### Market Potential
Murphy emphasizes the enormous potential of the U.S. consumer credit market, noting that **70% of the U.S. GDP** comes from consumer spending. He believes that by providing better products and rewards, Imprint can thrive in this market.

### Building Partnerships
Imprint’s journey includes partnerships with **Turkish Airlines**, **Holiday Inn**, and **Eddie Bauer**. Murphy recalls how the startup's first customer, **Horizon Hobby**, helped pave the way for future clients.

### Future Aspirations
Murphy hints at the possibility of an **IPO** in the future but focuses on building the company steadily, likening it to a sports strategy where the score takes care of itself when the fundamentals are strong. Imprint continues to scale and innovate, keeping its humble beginnings in mind.

Imprint has raised a $75 million Series C led by Khosla Ventures, Fortune has exclusively learned.

Imprint's Impressive Rise: How a Startup Secured $75 Million in Series C Funding and Reached $600 Million Valuation

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a **fundamental human right** by organizations like the **WHO**, emphasizing the need for **accessible and high-quality mental health services**. However, many face significant challenges in accessing this care, especially **entrepreneurs** who often experience heightened stress and isolation.

Fortunately, **innovative startups** are stepping in to leverage **AI technology** to improve mental health support and enhance treatment outcomes. The **Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health** program is a key player in this transformation, providing mentorship and resources to startups focused on mental wellbeing. As we recognize **World Mental Health Day**, let's explore some inspiring startups from this program:

## O7 Therapy (Egypt)
O7 Therapy utilizes an **AI-driven platform** to match patients with suitable therapists, ensuring a more efficient and effective treatment process.

![O7 Therapy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/jCF2hIYcFe8/maxresdefault.webp)

**CEO Ashraf Bacheet** explains how their approach enhances the matching process.

## Callyope (France)
Callyope develops **speech-based models** to analyze patient behaviors, providing clinicians with vital insights into treatment efficacy and potential relapses.

![Callyope](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/TzCH0exrOc4/maxresdefault.webp)

**Cofounder Martin Denais** shares how they leverage AI and Google Cloud for better patient outcomes.

## HearMe (Poland)
This platform employs **AI chatbots** to offer immediate support to individuals in distress, breaking down barriers to mental health care.

![HearMe](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/Pe8QZIKa3Yo/maxresdefault.webp)

**CEO Kasia Gryzlo** discusses the platform's impact on workplace mental health support.

## Thalia Psychotherapy (Kenya)
Thalia is creating **AI tools** for therapists to analyze conversations and identify mental health issues, enabling personalized care.

![Thalia Psychotherapy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/h1QdvDo6pxI/maxresdefault.webp)

**Cofounder Mercy Mwende** talks about their scalable solutions for mental wellbeing.

These startups are redefining mental health support through **AI innovations**, making care more accessible and tailored to individual needs. For more information on the **Google for Startups Growth Academy: AI for Health**, visit [startup.google.com](https://startup.google.com/programs/growth-academy/ai-for-health/emea/).

Learn how startups in Growth Academy: AI for Health program are leveraging tech to improve access to care, personalize treatment, and enhance the effectiveness of therapy.

Discover How AI Startups Are Transforming Mental Health Care Worldwide

### The Viral Wedding Moment
**Thoughtly** co-founder **Casey Mackrell** made headlines recently for an unusual reason: he was spotted coding during his own wedding reception! The moment was captured by fellow co-founder **Torrey Leonard**, who took a candid photo of Mackrell at his laptop while guests danced and celebrated around him.

![Wedding Coding Moment](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-09-at-7.17.30PM.png?w=421)

### The Context Behind the Photo
In the frenzy that followed, Leonard explained that Mackrell was only on his computer for about **30 seconds** to push a single code to a server that a colleague needed access to. Despite the light-hearted nature of the moment, the photo sparked a mix of **admiration and outrage** online, with some accusing the founders of being unable to delegate tasks.

### Mixed Reactions in the Startup Community
The discussion around Mackrell’s actions ties into the concept of **“founder mode,”** a term popularized by **Paul Graham**, co-founder of **Y Combinator**. This mindset emphasizes hands-on involvement in every aspect of a startup, which can sometimes blur the lines of work-life balance. 

While many in the tech community found inspiration in the commitment shown by Mackrell, others were critical, suggesting it reflected a troubling work culture. Leonard noted that the backlash was particularly strong from those outside the tech industry, with many expressing disbelief at the prioritization of work over personal life. 

### What This Means for Startup Culture
The debate surrounding the incident highlights the broader conversation about the **work-life balance** for founders. While some believe that such dedication is commendable, others argue that it can lead to unhealthy work habits. Leonard received a flood of supportive messages from other founders and industry leaders, indicating a divided opinion on the matter.

As Mackrell enjoys his honeymoon, it's clear that this moment will continue to resonate within the startup community, prompting discussions about how to balance personal and professional commitments effectively.

Thoughtly co-founder Casey Mackrell had a big week. First, he got married. Then, he went viral. At his wedding reception, Mackrell needed to quickly give

Startup Founder's Wedding Coding Moment Goes Viral: A Closer Look

## Writer.com Unveils New AI Model

San Francisco-based **AI startup Writer** is making waves in the **artificial intelligence** landscape by launching a new model aimed directly at competing with established players like **OpenAI** and **Anthropic**. Unlike its competitors, Writer has achieved this with a significantly lower training cost of about **$700,000**, a fraction of the millions typically spent by other startups.

![Writer.com CEO May Habib at the Harper's Bazaar Summit](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/108045487-1728497238498-108045487-1728493354818-gettyimages-1794149442-ssp_7171.jpeg?v=1728497277&w=1858&h=1045&vtcrop=y)

**Writer's Cost-Effective Strategy**  
The company is currently in the process of raising up to **$200 million** at a staggering **$1.9 billion valuation**, nearly quadrupling its worth from just a year ago. This innovative approach leverages **synthetic data**, which mimics real-world information while maintaining privacy, enabling Writer to train its AI models efficiently.

### The Future of AI Training
A recent study highlighted that tech companies might exhaust publicly available training data between **2026 and 2032**. This issue makes the use of synthetic data increasingly vital. Major players like **Amazon**, **Meta**, and **Microsoft** have already integrated synthetic data into their training processes, although experts caution its use due to potential pitfalls.

### Writer's Unique Approach
**Waseem Alshikh**, Writer’s co-founder and CTO, clarified that the company focuses on transforming real, factual data into a structured form rather than generating random or false data. This method enhances the quality of model training without sacrificing integrity.

### Generative AI Applications
Writer's generative AI technology caters to a diverse range of corporate clients, generating human-like text for various applications, including **LinkedIn posts**, **job descriptions**, and **market analysis**. The startup boasts over **250 enterprise customers**, including giants like **Accenture**, **Uber**, and **Salesforce**.

### A Booming Market
The **generative AI market** is on track to surpass **$1 trillion** in revenue within the next decade, with investors pouring **$26.8 billion** into the sector in just the first part of 2024. This marks a more than **200% increase** from 2022, indicating robust growth and interest in AI technologies.

AI startup Writer, which is currently fundraising at a $1.9 billion valuation, launches new model to compete with OpenAI

How Writer.com is Disrupting AI with a $1.9 Billion Valuation and Competing Against Giants Like OpenAI

## Thriving Startups in Finland's Defense Sector

HELSINKI — **Startups are driving growth** within Finland’s defense sector following the country's NATO membership last year. An industry survey by the Helsinki-based investment firm **Tesi Oy** reveals that these companies are experiencing revenue increases of **30% to 40%**.

The survey highlights that the **“NATO dividend”** particularly benefits **dual-use companies** that provide solutions for both civil and military applications, allowing them to grow faster than traditional defense companies.

## Investment Surge Among Established Firms

Many established firms, including the **Finnish state-controlled defense group Patria**, are significantly scaling up their investments to enhance international reach and leverage **NATO partnerships** and contract opportunities. 

According to **Jakob Sandell**, Tesi’s research director, dual-use companies are not only growing rapidly but are also attracting both **indigenous and international investors**. 

> “Finland’s oldest defense companies date from the 1800s, yet the industry is still young and developing rapidly,” Sandell noted.

## Fast-Growing Startups in the Defense Sector

The Tesi survey identified **368 companies** in the indigenous defense sector, with **144 classified as fast-growing startups**. Over one-third of these dual-use product companies have **venture capital** and **private equity** backing, with venture capital being the largest investor group.

New capital is essential for these firms to meet increasing demand and capitalize on the opportunities arising from Finland’s NATO membership, as explained by **Keith Bonnici**, investment director at Tesi.

> “Testimony to the country’s competitiveness in the defense industry is that Finnish companies include the world’s largest defense contractors among their customers,” Bonnici stated.

## Opportunities for Companies like Varjo Oy

Finland’s NATO membership has opened a “vast array” of projects for startups like **Varjo Oy**, which specializes in **virtual- and mixed-reality solutions** for flight training. Varjo’s CEO, **Timo Toikkanen**, emphasized that NATO membership has positively impacted their operations, unlocking opportunities for business with NATO countries.

In August, Varjo opened a new secure manufacturing facility to enhance production of high-resolution **extended-reality (XR)** solutions, which are projected to be a **$900 million market by 2027**.

## Growth in Defense Contracts

The NATO dividend is also boosting orders for established defense companies like Patria, which continues to supply **6x6 armored vehicles** to the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF). The FDF has signed agreements for the purchase of **91 armored personnel carriers** in 2023, with additional options for future purchases.

Finland’s commitment to NATO is reflected in its **increased defense budget**, which will rise by **12% to a record $7.3 billion in 2025**, enhancing growth prospects for local defense companies.

The procurement of advanced military equipment is part of Finland’s strategy to fortify its position within NATO and strengthen its defense capabilities along its border with Russia.

Helsinki's accession to the defense alliance has bolstered growth among startups, namely those with civilian and defense portfolios.

Health Tech Funding: Is a Comeback Brewing After Pandemic Boom?

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Health Tech Funding: Back to Stability After Pandemic Boom?

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Other Latest News

Unlocking Productivity: How a 46-Year-Old CEO Runs Two Successful Startups without Multitasking

Unlocking Innovation: Fetch.ai and Imperial College Launch Groundbreaking AI Lab

Imprint's Impressive Rise: How a Startup Secured $75 Million in Series C Funding and Reached $600 Million Valuation

Discover How AI Startups Are Transforming Mental Health Care Worldwide

Startup Founder's Wedding Coding Moment Goes Viral: A Closer Look

How Writer.com is Disrupting AI with a $1.9 Billion Valuation and Competing Against Giants Like OpenAI

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Other Latest News

Unlocking Productivity: How a 46-Year-Old CEO Runs Two Successful Startups without Multitasking

Unlocking Innovation: Fetch.ai and Imperial College Launch Groundbreaking AI Lab

Imprint's Impressive Rise: How a Startup Secured $75 Million in Series C Funding and Reached $600 Million Valuation

Discover How AI Startups Are Transforming Mental Health Care Worldwide

Startup Founder's Wedding Coding Moment Goes Viral: A Closer Look

How Writer.com is Disrupting AI with a $1.9 Billion Valuation and Competing Against Giants Like OpenAI

How NATO Membership is Supercharging Finnish Startups in the Defense Sector