The Evolution of Startups Navigating the US Health Ecosystem
Host Goel Jasper speaks with Noga Devecseri Spira, Tech Practice Co-lead and Partner at Naschitz Brandes Amir, about how the Israeli startup ecosystem has evolved during her 25 years in the space. Spira also discusses the biggest mistake a healthtech startup can make, and when it’s the right time to begin speaking with an attorney about a new venture.
Listen to the Conversation
Takeaways
- Israeli Startup Ecosystem Evolution
Over the last 25 years, Israeli startups have evolved from focusing solely on innovation to considering business strategies, reimbursement, and regulatory pathways. Initially, the emphasis was on IT infrastructure and medical records; now, AI and digital health solutions are at the forefront. - Importance of Speed and Agility
Silicon Valley culture taught Spira that startups must act quickly due to limited windows of opportunity. Negotiations, particularly with hospitals, must be accelerated as slow-moving processes can hinder startup success. AI developments make rapid market entry even more critical. - Israeli vs. US Business Mindsets
Earlier, Israeli startups assumed the US system operated similarly to Israel’s, which was a mistake. Today, they are more sophisticated, considering regulatory pathways, payment structures, and commercialization early on. Stronger networks now exist between Israeli and US healthtech ecosystems. - Role of Legal Strategy in Startups
Engaging with a legal team early is crucial to establishing proper structures for intellectual property, liability, and compliance. Delayed legal structuring can lead to costly mistakes. NBA (Naschitz Brandes Amir) allows flexible fee arrangements to support early-stage startups. - Balancing PR and Intellectual Property Protection
Startups should promote the benefits of their product without revealing their “secret sauce.” Intellectual property must be protected before publicly discussing innovations. Each startup needs a tailored approach to balancing visibility and confidentiality. - Common Startup Mistake: Monetization Challenges
Many startups fail to establish a solid monetization and reimbursement strategy. Even if a product has a strong ROI, hospitals may not have the budget to adopt it. Startups must align with institutional priorities and understand reimbursement models from the outset. - The Role of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Innovation
Military service fosters leadership, confidence, and a culture of risk-taking and problem-solving, which translates into entrepreneurship. The IDF’s emphasis on responsibility and adaptability plays a significant role in shaping the Israeli innovation mindset. - When to Engage a Law Firm
Startups should seek legal guidance from day one to avoid costly structural mistakes. Early decisions on intellectual property ownership, liability, and compliance can impact funding and potential acquisitions.
NBA supports startups from formation through IPO and beyond.
Final Thought
Entrepreneurs should reach out to experienced legal teams early to ensure proper structuring and risk mitigation as they scale.
About the Podcast
FINN Voices
Amplifying the power of health innovation to improve people’s lives.
FINN Voices amplifies the power of health innovation and information technology. Hosted by health experts from FINN Partners, each episode offers a peek behind the curtain of innovation with healthcare’s leading changemakers. We talk about their ideas and challenges along the way; continually shaping critical conversations and introducing the new health technologies that lie ahead.
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