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Nurse Capital is a venture capital organization founded in 2023 by a group of nurses in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is dedicated to supporting nurse entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, addressing a significant funding gap for this underrepresented group. The inaugural fund, known as the Nurse Founders Fund, closed in June 2024 with a total size of $1 million. This fund is specifically designed to invest in companies led by registered nurses, focusing on innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery.
The organization has established itself as a pioneering force in the venture capital landscape, being the first institutional capital dedicated exclusively to nurse founders. Nurse Capital aims to transform innovative ideas into reality through strategic investments, leveraging the unique insights and experiences of its nurse founders. The firm is actively building a network of nursing industry leaders to support its portfolio companies.
Nurse Capital invests primarily in the healthcare sector, with a focus on technology, software, marketplaces, medical devices, diagnostics, and clinical programs. The firm specifically targets late seed and Series A funding rounds, emphasizing investments in companies led by registered nurses. This unique focus allows Nurse Capital to identify and support innovative business models that leverage technology to enhance healthcare outcomes and scalability.
The investment strategy is built around a strict criterion: the founder or CEO of the company must be a registered nurse. This requirement sets Nurse Capital apart from other venture capital firms and ensures that the fund supports entrepreneurs who have firsthand experience in the nursing field. The firm seeks to invest in technology-enabled solutions that improve patient outcomes and nursing effectiveness, making it a vital partner for nurse-led startups.
Nurse Capital's portfolio includes three notable companies that exemplify its commitment to supporting nurse-led innovations in healthcare:
These investments reflect Nurse Capital's strategy of backing companies that not only have strong business models but also contribute to improving healthcare delivery through the insights of nurse entrepreneurs.
Beth A. Brooks, PhD, RN, FACHE - General Partner. Beth has extensive experience in healthcare management and nursing leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the firm.
Marla Weston, PhD, RN, FAAN - General Partner. Marla is a former CEO of the American Nurses Association and has significant influence in the nursing industry.
Linnea Conrad Roberts - Fund Advisor. Linnea is the founder and CEO of GingerBread Capital and has a strong background in investment banking and capital markets.
Omid Razmpour, RN, BSN, MBA - Associate. Omid is pursuing dual PhD/MBA degrees and brings a unique perspective to the firm.
Skyler Cohen, MBA, MSN, RN - Advisor. Skyler has a background in nursing and healthcare administration, contributing valuable insights to the investment process.
To pitch to Nurse Capital, entrepreneurs should submit their proposals through the firm's website. The pitch deck should clearly outline the business model, the problem being solved, and how the solution leverages the founder's nursing expertise. While specific response times are not mentioned, founders are encouraged to provide a compelling narrative that highlights their unique insights as registered nurses.
Warm introductions through the nursing community or connections within the American Nurses Association may enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In June 2024, Nurse Capital announced the closing of its inaugural fund, the Nurse Founders Fund, which is dedicated to investing in nurse-led startups. This fund is the first of its kind, focusing exclusively on registered nurse entrepreneurs.
In November 2024, Nurse Capital made its first investments in three companies: The Nursing Beat, a digital media platform for nurses; Wave Therapeutics, a nurse-led medical device startup; and RoddyMedical, which focuses on innovations in patient safety and staff effectiveness.
Additionally, in January 2025, Nurse Capital launched the Nurse Capital Network, an invitation-only community designed to connect nurse entrepreneurs with funders, advisors, and industry experts.
What are Nurse Capital's investment criteria?
Nurse Capital exclusively invests in companies led by registered nurses. The firm focuses on late seed and Series A funding rounds, targeting sectors such as healthcare technology, medical devices, and clinical programs.
How can I pitch my startup to Nurse Capital?
Entrepreneurs interested in pitching their business can submit their proposals through the Nurse Capital website. The firm encourages direct inquiries from potential portfolio companies.
What makes Nurse Capital different from other venture capital firms?
Nurse Capital is the first institutional fund dedicated solely to nurse-led startups. This unique positioning allows the firm to leverage the expertise and insights of its nurse founders, providing a distinct advantage in the healthcare sector.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Nurse Capital's fund size of $1 million suggests that investments are likely to range from $50,000 to $150,000 per round, depending on the needs of the portfolio companies.
What geographic areas does Nurse Capital focus on?
The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, aligning with its mission to support nurse entrepreneurs within the healthcare sector.
What kind of support does Nurse Capital provide to its portfolio companies?
Nurse Capital offers more than just financial backing; it provides access to a robust network of nursing industry leaders and mentorship opportunities, helping portfolio companies navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.
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