In today’s tough funding climate, only a handful of digital health companies are making it to the public markets. Among them, Hinge Health  and Omada Health  stand out — not just for their products or clinical outcomes, but for something even more foundational: Their ability to align with payers, and use that alignment to scale. At Akros, we’ve worked with dozens of companies navigating the road from Series B to M&A or IPO. What we see over and over is this: The most IPO-read

One of the most important (and most uncomfortable) questions a healthcare founder can ask is this:  Are we a services company using tech to scale, or a tech company that’s lightly supported by people?   The difference might sound subtle. It’s not.  It’s a strategic fork in the road, and you can’t keep one foot on each path.    Why This Question Matters  Too many early-stage companies try to do both.  They build a tech platform and  provide done-for-you services. They pitch Sa

We all want leverage. We’re all looking for the next tool, the next integration, the next AI plugin that’s finally going to unlock scale.  But here’s the truth that founders in healthcare need to hear (and probably don’t want to):  You can’t automate your way out of dysfunction.   Let Me Explain  I've seen founders spend thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—on building or buying tech tools that promise efficiency. NLP-based coding tools. Pre-visit planning platforms. Real-ti

In today's evolving landscape, non-profits are increasingly recognizing the value of incorporating for-profit structures into their operations. Whether through mission-driven revenue generation or strategic expansion, spinning off a for-profit entity can unlock new opportunities, reduce dependency on grants, and create long-term sustainability. However, this decision must be carefully structured to align with the non-profit’s mission, regulatory guidelines, and operational st

For non-profits considering a for-profit spin-off, one of the biggest strategic advantages is the ability to leverage shared capabilities  across both entities. Rather than building everything from scratch, a well-structured for-profit arm can draw on the strengths, resources, and credibility of its non-profit counterpart—while the non-profit continues to benefit from commercial efficiencies and new revenue streams.  At Akros, we’ve seen firsthand how mission-driven organizat

As the population of adults aged 65 and older continues to grow, the demand for cost-effective, high-quality senior care has never been more urgent. Enter PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) —a unique reimbursement model that’s reshaping the way we think about managing senior populations.  Why PACE is a Game-Changer   PACE organizations blend Medicare and Medicaid funding into a unified, capitated payment model. This innovative approach enables PACE centers t

I often get asked, “What’s an innovation in healthcare reimbursement that you’re genuinely excited about?” For me, the answer is simple: PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).   PACE isn’t just a reimbursement model—it’s a revolutionary way to think about how we fund and deliver care for some of our most vulnerable populations. At its core, PACE seamlessly integrates Medicare and Medicaid funding into a single, capitated payment. This isn’t about just pooling r

A lot of healthcare startups come to us asking whether or not they should start their own billing company because their clients don't seem to know how to do it or drag their feet on it, or ask for education on how to do it most appropriately.  Indeed, there are some benefits to doing so, as it can lead to control and customization, efficient costs, data ownership, and integration with other systems. In terms of control and customization, a billing company created by a startup