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Jumpstart Nova is a healthcare venture capital firm founded in 2020 by Marcus Whitney. The firm operates from its offices in Nashville, Tennessee, and Los Angeles, California. Jumpstart Nova focuses on investing in healthcare startups, particularly those led by exceptional founders, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs. The firm has quickly established itself as a significant player in the healthcare investment space.
As of 2024, Jumpstart Nova manages two funds: Fund I, which closed at $55 million in January 2022, and Fund II, targeting $100 million and launched in November 2024. Fund I was notable for being the first venture fund to invest exclusively in Black-founded and led healthcare companies in the United States. The firm has a strong network of strategic limited partners, including major healthcare organizations, which enhances the growth trajectory of its portfolio companies.
Jumpstart Nova has a total of nine active portfolio companies across various sectors within healthcare, including health IT, digital health, and biotech. The firm’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes is reflected in its investment strategy and the companies it supports.
Jumpstart Nova specializes in seed and Series A investments in healthcare companies. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as Health IT, Digital Health, Tech-enabled Services, Consumer Health and Wellness, and Medicaid Services. They seek to partner with founders who are dedicated to transforming healthcare in America. The firm’s investment strategy emphasizes improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs through innovative solutions.
Jumpstart Nova's check sizes typically range from $500,000 to $6 million, depending on the stage and specific needs of the startup. The firm has a strong preference for companies that demonstrate a clear path to commercial traction and scalability. They also value founders who possess deep industry knowledge and a commitment to addressing significant healthcare challenges.
In addition to financial support, Jumpstart Nova provides its portfolio companies with access to a robust network of strategic partners, which can facilitate commercial validation and follow-on funding opportunities. This network includes healthcare providers and organizations that can help accelerate the growth of portfolio companies.
Jumpstart Nova has invested in a diverse range of healthcare companies, with a total of nine active portfolio companies. Notable investments include:
These companies reflect Jumpstart Nova's commitment to investing in innovative solutions that address critical healthcare challenges.
Marcus Whitney: Founder and Managing Partner of Jumpstart Nova. He is also a co-founder of Jumpstart Health Investors and has a strong background in healthcare venture capital. Whitney is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and is recognized for his commitment to supporting Black-founded and led healthcare companies.
Kathryne Cooper, MBA: General Partner at Jumpstart Nova, based in Los Angeles. She previously served as Co-Director at the West Coast Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP), where she managed an FDA-backed seed fund. Cooper brings extensive expertise in healthcare technology and startup investing.
To pitch Jumpstart Nova, founders should visit the firm's website and submit their proposals through the designated contact form. It is important to include a comprehensive overview of the startup, including the business model, market opportunity, and how the solution addresses significant healthcare challenges.
Jumpstart Nova prefers pitches that are clear and concise, highlighting the unique aspects of the startup and its potential impact on the healthcare sector. Founders should also be prepared to discuss their team’s expertise and any traction the startup has achieved to date.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged, as they can facilitate a more favorable review process.
In March 2025, Jumpstart Nova led a $6 million seed round for Feno, an oral health platform that integrates hardware and software to enhance care. The firm also oversubscribed the seed round for Mae, a maternal health platform aimed at underserved expectant mothers, in late 2024.
Jumpstart Nova's Fund II, targeting $100 million, was launched in November 2024, expanding its investment remit to include all founders while maintaining a focus on healthcare innovation. Fund I, which closed at $55 million in January 2022, was notable for being the first venture fund to invest exclusively in Black-founded and led healthcare companies in the U.S.
What are Jumpstart Nova's investment criteria?
Jumpstart Nova focuses on seed and Series A investments in healthcare startups. They are particularly interested in sectors such as Health IT, Digital Health, Tech-enabled Services, Consumer Health and Wellness, and Medicaid Services. The firm seeks to partner with founders who are dedicated to transforming healthcare in America.
How can I pitch to Jumpstart Nova?
Founders can connect with Jumpstart Nova through their website. It is recommended to provide a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup addresses significant healthcare challenges in the pitch.
What makes Jumpstart Nova different from other VC firms?
Jumpstart Nova is notable for being the first venture fund to invest exclusively in Black-founded and led healthcare companies in the U.S. This unique focus, combined with a strong network of strategic limited partners, provides portfolio companies with significant commercial validation and follow-on funding opportunities.
What is the geographic focus of Jumpstart Nova?
The firm primarily invests in North America, targeting healthcare startups that are positioned to make a significant impact in the U.S. healthcare system.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Jumpstart Nova typically invests between $500,000 and $6 million, depending on the stage and specific needs of the startup.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Jumpstart Nova provides its portfolio companies with access to a robust network of strategic partners, which can facilitate commercial validation and follow-on funding opportunities. The firm also takes an active role in supporting the growth of its portfolio companies.
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