HealthTech Capital Announces Awards for the HealthTech Conference 2012 - Building a Business in the New HealthTech Ecosystem

LOS ALTOS HILLS, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthTech Capital, the only investing ecosystem focused exclusively on the HealthTech space, announced today that Asthmapolis is the winner of the "Most Promising HealthTech Company of 2012" and WellnessFX is the winner of the "People's Choice." These winners were selected at the October 26 HealthTech Conference 2012. This well-attended conference was organized by HealthTech Capital's three managing directors, Anne DeGheest, Don Ross, and Kathy LaPorte. The conference theme was on "How to Build a Business in the New HealthTech Ecosystem".

The "Most Promising HealthTech Company of 2012" winner Asthmapolis was determined by the investor panel. "Asthmapolis has huge potential to empower patients to manage their asthma.  They obtained one of the first FDA-cleared mobile health solutions," said Anne DeGheest.

"We're thrilled to be selected by the HealthTech venture panel as the most promising company in health technology. It's a welcome confirmation of the early traction we've experienced to date," said David Van Sickle, co-founder and CEO of Asthmapolis. "Our team is committed to leading the field of mobile health innovation and together, with our world class customers and partners, we are making significant headway in reducing the costs and improving the day-to-day management of asthma."

"The People's Choice" award won by WellnessFX was determined by an online vote of all of the attendees that participated in the conference. "WellnessFX is changing personalized wellness.  It is a unique combination of an extensive biomarker diagnostic and personalized phone consult with a healthcare professional of your choice," said Anne DeGheest.

"We want to empower consumers nationwide with better healthcare solutions, and we're very proud to be recognized with this award," said Jim Kean, CEO of WellnessFX.

Both companies presented live product demos at the demo exhibit which included: 100 Plus, Asthmapolis, Direct Dermatology, PillJogger, Axial Exchange, DICOM, Care in Sync, WellnessFX, DestinationDoc, Morpheus, Archimedes Model, Informedika, Phronesis Health, Akiva Health, InputHealth, Breath Research, Vida Systems, Reflexion, Swift Pay MD, Smart Monitor, Acesis, Prosatient, Beyond Lucid, Superbetter Labs, GenieMD, Personiform, Trinity, Ringadoc, and Smart Scheduling.

"The HealthTech Conference was designed to have industry leaders share unmet needs and practical tips on how to build new businesses in the changing healthcare economy," said Anne DeGheest.  This year's panel discussions focused on new products and business models to improve productivity and optimize healthcare delivery in the digital age.  "Our focus on 'lessons learned' through hard won experience in HealthTech businesses resonated well with attendees.  We have received very positive feedback from participants," added Don Ross.

Panel topics and speakers included:  

• What are the unmet needs of the providers? Amir Dan Rubin, CEO, Stanford Hospital & Clinics, Tomi Ryba, CEO, El Camino Hospital, Mark R. Laret, CEO, UCSF Medical Center, Rich Roth, VP Strategic Innovation, Dignity Health
• Engagement and enabling technologies disrupting healthcare delivery. Jack J. Young, Managing Director, Qualcomm Life Fund, Aimee Jungman, VP Health & Wellness Innovation, Frog Design, Kenneth R. Pelletier, PhD, MD(hc), Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCSF and University of Arizona, Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH, President, Senior Care Solutions, Aetna
• How to build a HealthTech business. Brian Ascher, Lead director , Vocera Communications, Ashley Dombowski, PhD, CBO, 23andMe, Alan Portela, CEO, Airstrip Technologies
• What are Investors/Acquirers are looking for? Stephen Bloch, MD, Canaan Partners, Thomas McKinley, Cardinal Partners; Tom Rodgers, Corporate Development and Ventures, Cambia Health Solutions, Victor Kats, Ascension Health Ventures

"We're pleased with the conference success," said Kathy LaPorte. "The inaugural HealthTech Conference of 2012 launches this annual event series that highlights practical insights from industry leaders." 

About HealthTech Capital
HealthTech Capital is a group of private investors dedicated to funding and mentoring new "HealthTech" startups. We have created a new ecosystem with leading edge clinical providers, venture firms and other strategic industry players. Our community consists of experienced, inquisitive and innovative entrepreneurs, providers, doctors and VCs across public and private sectors. We mentor and invest in new "HealthTech" companies that decrease healthcare cost and empower patients by leveraging computer and mobility technology.

SOURCE HealthTech Capital