FAQ

What to Expect

Caduceus Launch is a bespoke program that engages pre-seed digital health companies to guide, focus, and accelerate them to a successful entry into a highly complex and competitive healthcare market. The companies selected for the cohort will have a Minimal Viable Product which can serve providers, payers, employers, and/or consumers. It must be a product or service that has digital health as the underlying enabler.

Each cohort will begin with an intensive first week on site in Nashville with Caduceus leadership and faculty. We recognize that companies and their founders are unique and the remaining 11 weeks are virtual and tailored to meet your specific needs. Our focus is to prepare you for a successful LAUNCH.

At the conclusion of the 12 weeks, each company will have a clear plan for further development and growth including a path to secure additional financing. Caduceus LAUNCH will offer the opportunity for ongoing mentoring and introductions. Finally, select companies will progress to additional funding from Caduceus Capital and other investors.

Terms

  • Typical investment: $150K via a SAFE
  • Valuation Cap: $2M
  • Services Fee: $50K for access to accelerator resources
  • 7.5% Equity
  • Potential Series Seed capital raise from Caduceus Capital Partners: Up to $1M through Fund II
  • Additional follow-on investment potential from Fund II and Fund II SPVs

FAQ

What is the Caduceus LAUNCH curriculum?
Examples of curriculum content and areas of mentorship focus include:

  • Emerging Healthcare Macro Trends
  • Payment Models – Payers and Providers
  • Working with VC and other Investors
  • Valuation and Price
  • Fundraising
  • Term Sheets
  • Employee Incentives, Vesting, and Related
  • Building a High Performing Team
  • Refining the Value Proposition
  • Go to Market Strategy Including Targeting and Segmentation
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Building the Tech Stack
  • Managing Your Burn
  • Covering Your Legal Bases
  • Intellectual Property and Patent Strategy
  • Compliance and Regulatory
  • Dealing with CPT Codes, Insurers, FDA
  • Building Sales Capabilities
  • Marketing – Social Media, Meetings,
  • Tax Considerations
  • What Should Be in a Pitch Deck
What makes Caduceus LAUNCH different from other programs?
LAUNCH is an AcceleratorPLUS.  While we will cover many of the usual topics around the blocking and tackling of building and funding a company, LAUNCH directly adds value to founders with:

  • Access to the Caduceus Venture Partners who have decades of experience in strategy, operations, and technology in real world healthcare. 
  • Access to a deep and wide network of health systems, payers, and technology-based companies to help pressure test your solutions and build revenue.
  • An opportunity for further funding from Caduceus Capital.
  • An ongoing relationship for coaching and mentoring after the formal 12-week program.
  • Program flexibility to leverage the vision and past experiences of founders to provide the highest potential for a successful LAUNCH.
How do I afford the program fee?
The program fee is paid from the Caduceus LAUNCH initial investment.
I need customer and investor introductions. Is this part of the program?
Introductions are not guaranteed through LAUNCH. However, the program is designed to prepare founders for when strategic introductions are made by Caduceus Capital Partners.
How do I access the programming and resources if my company is not located in Nashville?
Only the first week is held as an in-person group meeting in Nashville. Other than that, there are no geographic limitations for US-based companies.
Our company is based outside the US. Can we participate?
LAUNCH will consider applications from non-US based companies but require that you have a US office, presence, and an appropriate product.
We have a biotech or pharma product. Can we participate?
The program is not a fit for you.
We have a medical device. Can we participate?
Possibly, and these will be evaluated as a fit with our investment strategy. The lines between digital health and medical devices continue to blur.
Is attendance and engagement required?
Some aspects of the program will require attendance! However, the program is designed to accommodate a founder’s busy schedule.