While the percentage of Americans with diabetes is growing (nearly 1 in 10 Americans) the amount of help for them is not growing. We need organizations that help both with providing this population with the diet they require, but arguably more importantly, with the mental necessities to tackle this problem. This recently funded NYC Startup, Fit4D, is prepared to be your number-one choice for becoming the master of your diabetes.
Founder, David Weingard, tells us about his recently funding as well about his professional and promising startup.
Who were your investors and how much did you raise?
We raised Series A round of $2.8M from SJF Ventures, Sovereign Health Systems, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Nebraska.
Tell us about your product or service.
Fit4D’s mission is to improve the lives of people living with diabetes worldwide. Fit4D delivers scalable and effective patient programs through an optimized mix of its technology platform and human-based touch points. The Fit4D clinical team, comprised of dietitians, exercise physiologists, nurses, and social workers, many of whom are also certified diabetes educators (CDEs), focuses on empowering people with diabetes to live rich, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Fit4D’s Fortune 500 clients include pharmaceutical, payer, provider and wellness companies. Fit4D has also engaged in numerous joint initiatives with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association, and Diabetes Research Institute.
Fit4D is also a member of the StartUp Health Academy, a network of digital health companies dedicated to innovation across the globe.
What inspired you to start the company?
I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and have built a passion for providing assistance in a scalable and effective manner to those who have Diabetes as well.
How is it different?
Fit4D is different because we optimize the mix between technology and human touch. We are not just a tech company – we have real, live, certified diabetes educators who use technology to scale their reach.
What market you are targeting and how big is it?
We currently are targeting Pharmaceutical companies and Payer Organizations.
What’s your business model?
Our clients pay for outcomes – if we help patients improve their adherence and clinical outcomes, it is a win-win-win.
What factors about your business led your investors to write the check?
We really separate ourselves from other competitors because we have the optimized mix of technology and human capital. Our coaches are experienced, world-class Certified Diabetes Educators, while our technology enables them to connect with thousands of patients each year.
What are the milestones you plan to achieve in the next six months?
We look to drastically expand our business, both internally and externally. We are hiring for multiple positions, and plan to double our clients and significantly expand the reach of total patients touched by 2016.
What advice can you offer companies in New York that do not have a fresh injection of capital in the bank?
Persistence is key, focus on the big picture and mission of your organization.
Where do you see the company going now over the near term?
Expanding into other areas of healthcare where health coaching is needed to improve adherence.
Where is your favorite place to enjoy the summer weather in the area?
Other than inside the office improving the lives of patients across the country – competing in triathlons all over!