Can B2B2C Work in Healthcare or Is Employer & Payer Buy-In the Only Way to Scale? Lee Shapiro, 7wire Ventures x SCALE Community

Lee Shapiro, Seven Wire Ventures Managing Partner & former Livongo CFO, drives healthcare innovation and venture capital investment across Allscripts, Transcarent & Jasper Health.

In this conversation, Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner of Seven Wire Ventures, discusses the evolving landscape of the healthcare system and healthcare investment, emphasizing the importance of consumer behavior, preventative care, and the challenges faced by startups in healthcare technology. He highlights the need for technology-enabled services, stronger patient engagement, and the role of employers in driving healthcare innovation. Shapiro also addresses the complexities of navigating cash vs. payer models and the regulatory challenges that impact the industry.

Throughout the discussion, he shares industry insights on evaluating founders, leadership, and the risks associated with early-stage venture capital investments, ultimately advocating for a more consumer-centric approach to healthcare strategies, value-based care, and MSO strategy.

Title- Can B2B2C Work in Healthcare or Is Employer & Payer Buy-In the Only Way to Scale? Lee Saphiro, 7wire Ventures x SCALE Community

Key Timestamps

• {00:00} Introduction to Healthcare Investment
• {02:38} The Shift from Healthcare to Health
• {05:25} Consumer Behavior in Healthcare
• {08:26} Understanding Consumer Needs
• {11:22} The Importance of Preventative Care
• {13:51} Engaging Consumers Effectively
• {16:36} Navigating the Cash vs. Payer Dilemma
• {19:23} The Role of Employers in Healthcare
• {22:14} Challenges in Venture Capital
• {24:49} Evaluating Founders and Business Models
• {27:41} Risks in Early-Stage Investments
• {30:16} Regulatory Challenges in Healthcare
• {32:57} The Future of Healthcare Technology
• {35:52} The Innovator's Dilemma in Healthcare
• {38:36} Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

• Seven Wire Ventures focuses on supporting companies that help consumers navigate health challenges.
• The distinction between healthcare and health is crucial; consumers prefer to be healthy rather than just receiving healthcare services.
• Engaging consumers effectively is essential for driving patient engagement and long-term behavior change.
• Preventative care is often overlooked but is vital for improving overall health outcomes.
• Understanding consumer behavior and mapping their journey is key to developing effective healthcare strategies.
• The cash versus payer dilemma presents challenges for startups in the healthcare system.
• Employers play a significant role in healthcare governance, leadership, and adoption of new solutions.
• Evaluating founders, market fit, and strong leadership is critical for successful venture capital investments.
• Regulatory challenges can slow down the adoption of new healthcare technology.
• The future of healthcare innovation will increasingly rely on technology, value-based care, and sustainable MSO strategy to improve access and affordability

Guest Bio –Lee Saphiro, Managing Partner at 7wire Ventures

Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner at Seven Wire Ventures, is a leading voice in digital health innovation. As former CFO of Livongo, he helped scale one of the industry’s most successful chronic care platforms, ultimately acquired by Teladoc Health for $18.5 billion. Earlier, as President of Allscripts, he guided the company through significant growth in electronic health records. Shapiro also serves on the boards of companies including Transcarent, MedArrive, and Jasper Health, where he continues to champion technology-driven solutions improving access, affordability, and patient outcomes across healthcare.

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