Venture Investors Health Fund

Midwest innovation, global impact! ???? HistoSonics, Inc., a company rooted in Ann Arbor, MI, is bringing its groundbreaking histotripsy technology to Asia with the launch of the first private hospital histotripsy program at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong. Histotripsy is a non-invasive, non-toxic therapy that uses sound waves to precisely destroy tumors—without surgery, radiation, or incisions. Thanks to the Li Ka Shing Foundation, this expansion builds on momentum from The University of Hong Kong Hospital and The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hospital—demonstrating how transformative healthcare innovations born in the Midwest can change lives worldwide. Proud to support HistoSonics as they continue to push the boundaries of non-invasive cancer treatment! ?? #MidwestInnovation #Histotripsy #GlobalImpact #HealthcareInnovation Jim Adox

?? Big news! The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) has named HistoSonics, Inc. the 2025 Startup Innovator—a well-deserved recognition for a company that’s transforming tumor treatment. This is exactly the kind of innovation that defines Midwest biotech leadership. HistoSonics’ journey—from groundbreaking research at University of Michigan to its pioneering histotripsy technology (a non-invasive, non-toxic therapy that uses sound waves to precisely destroy tumors)—demonstrates how great science, strong venture backing, and relentless execution lead to game-changing healthcare solutions. With 58,000 active venture-backed companies, only one is recognized each year at NVCA’s annual event. HistoSonics now joins an elite group—and it’s the second Venture Investors Health Fund portfolio company to earn this honor in the past five years, following NeuMoDx in 2021. We’re incredibly proud to support Mike Blue and the entire HistoSonics team as they continue making an impact. Congratulations to all involved! ?? ?? Read more from NVCA: https://lnkd.in/ePUC97kc #VentureCapital #HealthcareInnovation #HistoSonics #NVCA Bobby Franklin #MidwestBiotech Jim Adox Joshua Stopek David Krenn Michele Bazinet-Bossert Dan Kosednar Donald Hayden Joseph Herman Josh King Amanda Cafaro

Wisconsin has the talent. Wisconsin has the innovation. Now, it’s time to scale. At a recent Wisconsin Technology Council meeting, VI’s John Neis made it clear: if we want to build and retain high-impact companies in Wisconsin, we need to grow our venture capital landscape to compete on a national level. Right now, the average early-stage investment per company in Wisconsin is around $3 million—while nationally, companies are raising tens of millions. That’s a gap we need to close. ?? The good news? The momentum is here. ?? More experienced entrepreneurs in Wisconsin are cycling back as founders, investors, and mentors, strengthening the ecosystem. ?? Better startups are emerging, with stronger ideas and execution, ready for growth capital. ?? Out-of-state investors are showing interest—now we need to encourage them to set up shop and co-invest alongside local funds. Wisconsin has already proven it can build transformative biotech and medtech companies. Just look at the legacy of Third Wave Technologies, the rise of Exact Sciences, and the cutting-edge innovation happening at companies like Rivermark Medical, Inc., Elephas, and Invenra. To truly compete, we need to fuel more investments, bigger rounds, and stronger syndicates—so that game-changing companies don’t have to leave the state to scale. Read more via WisBusiness.com: https://lnkd.in/gk4X_K3p #VentureCapital #WisconsinTech #StartupEcosystem #HealthcareInnovation #MedTech #Biotech #Entrepreneurship

Building solid relationships with universities is critical for early stage medtech investors—Jenni Le dives into it all in her latest interview with MedCity News! As an investor and MedCity INVEST Pitch Perfect judge, Jenni shares insights on what it takes to build transformational healthcare companies, the role of university spinouts in medtech innovation, and why strong syndicate partnerships matter more than ever. ?? Who inspires us? Jenni calls out Mike Blue and the team at HistoSonics, Inc. for their relentless focus on improving patient care with histotripsy. Their culture is unmatched—every person wakes up every day driven to make an impact. ?? What’s keeping early-stage medtech investors up at night? The challenge of discovering game-changing innovations at the university level. Our boots-on-the-ground approach to sourcing university spinouts can't be replaced by AI—it’s about relationships, conversations, and deep engagement. ?? What portfolio company are we especially proud of? EarliTec Diagnostics, Inc.. Founded by Dr. Ami Klin and Dr. Warren Jones, EarliTec is revolutionizing autism diagnosis with AI-driven eye-tracking technology, cutting wait times and helping kids get access to treatment sooner. ?? Shoutout to Jim Adox, VI’s Executive Managing Director, for setting the bar high—his meticulous preparation and leadership continue to shape our investment approach. Check out Jenni’s full Q&A here: https://lnkd.in/gwErH3Xh #MedTech #VentureCapital #HealthcareInnovation #AutismDiagnosis #MedCityINVEST #StartupInvesting #UniversitySpinouts #Histotripsy

Missed VI's Third Wave panel discussion with John Neis, Kevin Conroy, Lloyd Smith, James Dahlberg, Lance Fors, and Maneesh Arora? No worries—we’ve got you covered! Our latest blog post recaps the biggest insights from an unforgettable night celebrating the legacy of Third Wave Technologies and its lasting impact on Wisconsin’s biotech ecosystem. From early investment lessons to the role of Midwest VCs, and the future of biotech innovation, this discussion had it all. ?? Third Wave paved the way for groundbreaking companies like Exact Sciences, Elephas, and many more, proving that Madison is a powerhouse for biotech innovation. ??? Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) played a pivotal role in making this possible, pioneering the equity-based licensing model that has since supported countless spinouts. ?? Jessica Martin Eckerly and Forward BIOLABS are continuing that legacy today, providing critical lab space to help startups like Elephas scale from idea to impact. Check out the key takeaways, founder insights, and the stories that shaped one of Madison’s most influential biotech success stories. ?? https://lnkd.in/gHaRFmWY #Biotech #LifeSciences #VentureCapital #Innovation #MadisonWI #HealthcareInvesting #Entrepreneurship Jenni Le Jim Adox

Madison’s biotech scene is thriving! Elephas Biosciences is tackling one of cancer treatment’s biggest challenges: how to predict which patients will truly benefit from immunotherapy. Despite hundreds of millions being spent on innovative therapies, we still lack tools that can guide treatment decisions. That’s where Elephas makes a difference: rather than patients waiting months to see if their treatment will work, Elephas leverages cutting-edge imaging and live tumor biopsies to analyze the tumor microenvironment—working toward the goal of informing clinicians about potential treatment outcomes within 72 hours. Elephas is a shining example of how University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists and companies can work together to drive breakthrough innovations in healthcare. With collaborations that spark informal discussions and tap into diverse expertise—from the labs at UW–Madison and the Morgridge Institute for Research—this innovative approach is paving the way for more effective, personalized cancer treatments. Third Wave Technologies paved the way for Madison’s thriving biotech scene, receiving strategic equity investments from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) to set the stage for success. Now, Elephas is carrying that torch forward—also backed by WARF, and Venture Investors Health Fund—as it breaks new ground in cancer treatment innovation. We’re proud to support Elephas and witness the ongoing transformation of healthcare innovation in our region. Read more by Brian Mattmiller:?https://lnkd.in/g8uxVAgt #MadisonBiotech #HealthcareInnovation #CancerResearch #VentureCapital #UWMadison Maneesh Arora Terry Brady Erin Kaminsky Mike Szulczewski Ann Leonard Steven Fuhrman Jenni Le Paul Weiss

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Visana Health has appointed Chevon Rariy, MD Rariy as Chief Clinical Innovation Officer and Mike Tudeen as Executive Chairman, strengthening its position in virtual women's healthcare. These strategic leadership additions bring unparalleled expertise in clinical innovation, digital transformation, and scaling value-based care—key ingredients for expanding access to comprehensive, virtual care for all women. As Joe Connolly, CEO of Visana Health, says, this is a bold step toward redefining quality, access, and whole-person health for women everywhere. We’re proud to support Visana as they expand access to high-quality, patient-centered care. Learn more about these exciting developments: https://lnkd.in/e8T4VDJM #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #VirtualCare #VentureCapital Jenni Le Barbara Levy, MD, FACOG, FACS Shelly Lanning

In a recent interview with POLITICO’s Christine Mui, Bobby Franklin—President and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association—revealed he was most surprised this year by HistoSonics, Inc.’ non-invasive tumor destruction technology. He highlighted how HistoSonics’ soundwave approach to treating tumors is almost like "internal surgery without ever going inside the patient." This powerful recognition from industry leaders is a testament to the transformative work our portfolio companies are doing to improve patients' lives. We’re excited to see HistoSonics continue to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation. Cheers to the incredible HistoSonics team Mike Blue Jim Adox Joshua Stopek David Krenn Michele Bazinet-Bossert Dan Kosednar Donald Hayden Joseph Herman Josh King Amanda Cafaro for your incredible work. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gZkxj45R #HealthcareInnovation #VentureCapital #Histotripsy

Big news for women’s health! ?? Our portfolio company Visana Health is teaming up with the largest health plan in Massachusetts to expand access to comprehensive virtual care for women! For too long, conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids have been overlooked or met with long wait times and limited treatment options. Visana is changing that—offering specialized, full-spectrum care that supports women from menstruation to menopause and beyond. "It's important that women have access to the services they need to take charge of their own health and well-being," said Dr. Monica Ruehli, MD, Blue Cross' clinical director of reproductive health and gender affirming services. "Adding more options like Visana Health ensures we can show up for our members and better support women throughout their health journeys." With this partnership, Blue Cross members now have access to Visana’s expert-led virtual care, ensuring more women get the support they need, when they need it. This is a huge step toward closing gaps in care and delivering better health outcomes for women everywhere. ?? Kudos to the Visana team for this incredible milestone! Joe Connolly Barbara Levy, MD, FACOG, FACS Shelly Lanning Read more: https://lnkd.in/gvjxjgPz #WomensHealth #HealthcareInnovation #VirtualCare #Endometriosis #PCOS #VentureCapital