MedStack joins Launchit Solutions

I’m thrilled to announce a major new chapter in MedStack’s journey. Today, MedStack is joining Launchit Solutions , a company with whom we share a deep and aligned vision for driving software innovation in healthcare, both in Canada and beyond. After 9 years and 7 months of building MedStack, this step allows us to amplify our impact and pursue new opportunities together.

Launchit have been longtime friends of MedStack, having originally created the Lumedi product for medical research and patient support, integrated with academic organizations and healthcare providers in several markets.? Lumedi has been running on MedStack Control for the last 5 years.? We also share deep integration with the Hamilton, Ontario digital health community.

We have long held the vision that the right way to accelerate digital innovation in healthcare is by combining inheritable platforms like MedStack Control and Exos by MedStack , technology and advisory services like those offered by Launchit, and trusted two-way relationships with providers, payers, pharma, government and academic institutions and other similar participants.? We explored this by way of partnerships and co-referrals while being internally focused and singular on our platform contributions, but this new arrangement allows us to go deeper on newer opportunities.

I’m incredibly proud of what MedStack has built over the years. From high rankings on G2 to industry recognition from MedTech Breakthrough and beyond, our achievements reflect the dedication of our team. But what I value most is the feedback from those we support in building digital health solutions. Recently, I’ve heard stories like, “We are about to start a major deployment, and we couldn’t be here without you.” As a product-driven leader, there is no greater accolade than knowing we’ve made a meaningful impact.

Supporting healthcare startups on their path to market has always been central to our mission at MedStack, and it’s work I find deeply rewarding. I love partnering with founders and exploring their unique journeys, both at MedStack and in my roles as a mentor for accelerator and incubator programs. The drive behind MedStack’s mission is clear: healthcare urgently needs bold, fearless ideas and fresh approaches to improve patient and provider experiences — and many of these innovations come from startups.

But the past three years have been a challenge in the world of startups, in an environment of funding and economic correction following, ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic that shed so much light on the need for innovation in healthcare.? Procurements, hiring and fundraising slowed, and business forecasts became both more conservative and more scrutinized.? I do think that this evolution is overall good for the innovation economy, as it will result in better companies and better products for the benefit of consumers and the public.? We, however, took a step back and had to rethink things, and it was the distinct possibility that we might need to wind things down that inspired so many in the industry, including Launchit, to remind us that what we do is important, necessary and must continue.? That said, I would be remiss not to call out the incredible work the MedStack team has done over recent weeks to be thorough in planning support for customers in transition, even in the uncertain environment in our company itself.? This too was something we received positive feedback on.

Now, however, not only do we continue, but the future holds new things for us.? I am pleased to announce that I will be joining Launchit Solutions as Chief Product Officer, effective immediately, and continuing to steer the MedStack mission therein.? Some of the previous MedStack team will be joining me in this new adventure though we are at the same time very sadly saying goodbye to some of our other former colleagues that have been family for so long.? This is the single best team I have ever worked with: these Engineers, Engineering Managers and Product and Security Leads are leaps and bounds above the crop in their tenacity, creativity, thoroughness, perseverance and integrity and I invite anyone who may be looking to fill opportunities to please reach out to me for introductions.? If you know MedStack and what we do, it’s all because of them.

Finally, I must very sadly also acknowledge that in this new chapter, my co-founder and business partner, Simon Woodside , will be stepping down from his work with MedStack.? Selfishly, I’ve already secured an ask with him to continue seeking his counsel, perspective and feedback on how to continue building an amazing platform business.? But Simon, who conceived of MedStack in the first place, and pitched the idea to me over late night tapas in downtown Toronto on a chilled 2014 evening, is an Entrepreneur, Inventor and Builder first and no one is more excited than me to see what he’s going to do next.? Simon, thank you for taking this journey with me.

Thank you as well to the Digital Health builders, business leads and engineers, ecosystem leaders, investors, counselors, advisors, partners and others who’ve been with us all the way through, especially those who stuck with us right to the end.? I’m so very excited to see what we are going to do next together.