Healthbox has tweaked its accelerator model in what it says is an effort to court early stage as well as seed stage healthcare startups. Its Healthbox Studios brand will no longer take an equity stake in companies accepted into the eight week program, according to a company statement.
The move marks in interesting milestone among accelerators. It is a bet that the access they provide to healthcare decision makers is valuable enough that they don’t need to take an equity stake in the companies. Then, without the equity ask, it will be able to attract the best companies to Healthbox.
In response to emailed questions, Healthbox Vice President Maria Siambekos, who heads up Healthbox Studios, said: “Accelerators have traditionally attracted seed stage companies and we have adjusted our model to meet the targeted needs of both seed and early stage companies. Our strategic partners want a pipeline of seed innovation but also want access to companies that have proven outcomes.”
She said it put together the new model based on feedback from the healthcare industry. “Entrepreneurs will benefit from customized, stage-specific guidance and curated access to healthcare and business experts, while meeting our industry partners needs to see innovation at all stages.”
The first Healthbox Studio class will be rolled out in Boston. It is currently looking for applicants in Miami, Salt Lake City and in its home city of Chicago. Through a long-term partnership with Florida Blue and now its holding company, GuideWell, Healthbox is rotating the program across Florida with Miami as the new location for 2015.
Among the areas of interest for prospective applicants are a product or solution focused on the design of new care delivery models, the extension of primary care physicians, the practical use of smart and actionable data, supporting longevity and smart healthcare for aging populations.
