A Transformative Approach to Venture Capital for Healthcare

Episode 49: A Transformative Approach to Venture Capital for Healthcare

Through her academic interest in anthropology, Deena Shakir, Partner at Lux Capital, found a love for innovative solutions to healthcare crises. Now a powerful female venture capitalist, Deena finds herself making a difference in Silicon Valley rather than the academic world as she initially planned by seeking out start-ups who are pioneering innovative solutions in the healthcare space.

On this episode of InsideOut, Deena chats with Jonathan Slotkin, Chief Medical Officer at Contigo, and Kaycee Kalpin, Chief Marketing Officer at Premier Inc., to discuss her career journey and the opportunities for innovation that she sees could improve the lives of Americans. As a venture capitalist with a background in technology and healthcare, Deena found a drive for impact and started investing in industries that are making the world better and healthier. Part of her mission is to make a conscious decision to fund underdogs and put an emphasis on diversity. Deena explains that diversity is an important value for her in the venture capitalist field, especially as a woman and daughter of immigrants. As work continues to be done to diversify the field, she is an advocate for breaking the “boys club” stereotype of the finance and technology industry.

The InsideOut Podcast shares compelling stories of innovation in America's healthcare system. This podcast brings together innovative leaders from inside and outside the healthcare industry – from the big names you see in bold print every day, to those that just have bold things to say – to explore the country’s rapidly-shifting healthcare landscape and provide smart solutions to the challenges we face. Tune in now to the full episode to hear Deena’s take on the next emerging healthcare investment trends and how companies like Premier can help innovators and entrepreneurs: