Key Takeaways
- Nans Rivat focuses on investing in early-stage startups that enhance access to mental health care using technology.
- He plays an active role as a board observer, guiding companies like Backpack Healthcare to overcome challenges and grow.
- Rivat’s advocacy extends to public discussions on mental health technology, emphasizing the need for effective and trustworthy solutions.
Supporting Mental Health Startups
Nans Rivat, Vice President at PACE Healthcare Capital, is pivotal in supporting startups that tackle mental health care gaps. His investment efforts revolve around assisting early-stage companies to increase access to mental health services, improve outcomes, and cater to underserved populations. At PACE Healthcare Capital, a leading firm focused on digital health investments, Rivat seeks out innovative startups that leverage technology to address critical issues such as the shortage of mental health providers and limited access for children on Medicaid.
Recently, PACE exited its portfolio investment in AMOpportunities with AIM Equity Partners, showcasing its successful investment strategy. Rivat plays a significant role in attracting and nurturing companies like Backpack Healthcare, which recently raised $14 million in Series A funding to enhance its teletherapy services targeted at youth. He collaborates closely with founders, providing strategic guidance aimed at improving outreach and operational success.
Rivat’s investment philosophy is rooted in a clear awareness of the obstacles prevalent in mental health care. A large number of U.S. children rely on Medicaid, which many providers do not accept. Startups like Backpack Healthcare utilize digital tools to connect patients with mental health professionals, help reduce missed appointments, and ensure that care is culturally appropriate. Rivat’s strategic guidance aims to create business models that effectively expand outreach and deliver positive results.
As a board observer for several PACE portfolio companies, including Backpack Healthcare and Headlight, Rivat actively influences company strategy. He participates in board meetings to provide feedback and insights based on his extensive background in finance and consulting, which includes experience from Goldman Sachs and consulting roles in various regions worldwide.
Rivat’s approach enables him to witness firsthand the role of technology in enhancing mental health services. He advocates for startups employing artificial intelligence and digital platforms to increase the accessibility and effectiveness of therapy. Regular engagements with company leaders help refine their offerings and broaden their reach to underserved communities.
Beyond investment, Rivat engages in public discussions on mental health and technology. At industry events and as a guest lecturer at institutions like Johns Hopkins University, he discusses the intersection of mental health technology and its implications, promoting awareness of the necessity for responsible development in this field.
Drawing from his personal experience with depression, Rivat is deeply committed to fostering solutions that are inclusive and effective. His efforts reflect a dedication to empowering startups to create a lasting impact in mental health care, ultimately driving forward the conversation on improving access and quality in this vital sector.
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