Description
Launchpad Digital Health is a San Francisco, California–based early-stage venture capital firm and accelerator focused on digital health and healthcare technology startups. The organization combines venture capital investment with an intensive accelerator experience, offering founders capital, mentorship, network access, and hands-on support to help them scale solutions that improve healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
Specific Funding Stage
Pre-Seed / Seed (Core Focus)
- Launchpad primarily supports early-stage digital health companies at the pre-seed and seed stages — often at the point where startups are ready to build product and achieve early go-to-market validation.
- The firm also participates in later rounds (Series A/B) for portfolio companies as they mature.
Accelerator Component
- Launchpad’s accelerator historically offered a year-long, immersive program with co-location and intensive engagement — reflecting an accelerator experience integrated with early VC involvement.
Investment Amount and Percentage Equity (Company-Level)
Check Size / Capital Provided
- Launchpad Digital Health may invest up to approximately ~$500,000 in initial seed capital for companies entering its accelerator or seed funding stage.
- The firm is also reported to deploy larger checks (~$1M) at seed-level, and participate in $2M–$3M rounds at Series A/B alongside co-investors.
Equity Taken
- Launchpad does not publicly publish a fixed equity percentage for every investment; equity is negotiated deal-by-deal with founders and co-investors as is typical in venture capital.
- Because its model combines capital with an accelerator-like program, ownership stakes reflect standard early-stage terms rather than a uniform percentage.
Equity Structure
- Investments are typically done via venture capital structures (e.g., SAFEs, convertible instruments, or priced equity), negotiated per company’s stage and round dynamics.
- Any participation in accelerator programming does not automatically equate to a fixed equity stake — terms are set during investment negotiation.
Application / Submission Method
Submission Method
- Founders can explore opportunities with Launchpad Digital Health by applying to its accelerator/venture programs via the firm’s website or by direct engagement with the team.
- Because Launchpad functions as a venture investor with an accelerator overlay, many portfolio relationships originate from direct founder outreach, investor introductions, or program intake cycles.
Interaction
- Accepted companies typically enter a structured process involving mentorship, strategy sessions, networking with health systems and partners, and investor interactions woven into the funding partnership.
Eligibility
Sector Focus
Launchpad focuses specifically on digital health and healthcare innovation, including solutions such as:
- Healthy living and wellness technologies
- Patient compliance and engagement platforms
- Remote diagnostics and monitoring systems
- Electronic health records and clinical data platforms
- Data analytics for healthcare and wellness operations
- Independent living support technologies
Stage
-
Pre-seed / Seed is the core investment stage.
- The firm also participates selectively in Series A and B rounds for growth stage companies.
Geography
- Primarily U.S. focus, centered on the San Francisco Bay Area with portfolio companies across the United States.
Team Profile
- Founders with domain experience in healthcare, digital therapeutics, health IT, patient engagement, SaaS health platforms, and regulated care workflows.
- Teams with ability to navigate complex healthcare ecosystems (providers, payers, regulators) benefit most from Launchpad’s network and expertise.
Process
Initial Outreach / Application: Founders submit details and engage with Launchpad’s team for evaluation.
Screening & Diligence: The team evaluates market fit, team strength, technology potential, and healthcare relevance.
Selection & Term Negotiation: Accepted companies enter structured discussions on terms and investment.
Partnership & Program Engagement: Companies engage with Launchpad’s mentorship, strategic support, and capital deployment.
Follow-On & Scaling: Continued support and co-investment in later rounds as the company grows.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Seed Capital: Early funding (~$200K–$500K or more) to build technology and business foundations.
Investor Support: Follow-on participation in larger seed or Series A/B rounds.
Mentorship & Expertise: Hands-on guidance from experienced digital health operators, founders, and investors.
Network Access: Connectivity to health systems, insurers, pharma partners, and co-investors.
Program Intensity: Structured engagement with Launchpad’s team and portfolio peers; in some historical cycles this included co-location and regular touchpoints
