Why the Next Wave of Digital Health Innovation is Coming from the Midwest

Healthcare is built in the middle of the country. The nation’s leading health systems, employers, payors, and provider networks are concentrated throughout the Midwest, creating a unique environment where healthcare innovation is tested, adopted, and scaled. Yet venture capital and industry attention often remain focused on the coasts.

This Digital Health Day Kickoff keynote brings together investors and operators who are proving that world-class healthcare companies can be built—and funded—outside traditional innovation hubs. Julia Monfrini Peev, Founder and Managing Partner of PACE Healthcare Capital, will share her perspective as a healthcare investor with more than $1 billion deployed across the industry and why she has chosen to focus her investment strategy on healthcare companies "between the coasts." Kathy Tune of Capita3 will offer insights from the venture capital perspective on where investment opportunities are emerging and how founders can differentiate themselves in today’s market. Brandy Thompson, Founder and CEO of benefitbay, and Hafeezah Muhammad, Founder and CEO of Backpack Healthcare, will share their firsthand experiences building and scaling innovative healthcare companies while addressing some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges, including access, affordability, and health equity.

Together, the panel will explore the current state of digital health investing, the characteristics investors are seeking in today's market, and the lessons learned while navigating growth from early-stage startup to category-defining company. Through candid stories of fundraising, customer acquisition, market validation, and scaling, attendees will gain a practical understanding of what it takes to attract capital and build enduring healthcare businesses. Panelists will also discuss how founders are creating solutions that expand access to care, improve affordability, and address gaps in healthcare delivery across diverse and underserved populations.

Whether you're a founder seeking your first investment, a growth-stage company preparing for the next funding round, or an ecosystem leader interested in the future of healthcare innovation, this session will provide a timely look at why the Midwest continues to be one of the most important regions for building the next generation of digital health companies.

Key Takeaways