Portfolio News

Planned Parenthood asks companies to pledge to guarantee employee birth control coverage

McKesson Ventures portfolio company Hims & Hers is one of the first 12 national companies signing on to a pledge to guarantee employee birth control coverage, whether or not they are required to do so by law. Currently, under the Affordable Care Act, most employers are mandated to cover employees’ contraceptives through company health plans, but a forthcoming Supreme Court decision could change that. The court is planning to rule on two Trump administration rules that would allow employers and universities to deny health coverage for...

Accolade sets terms for IPO, aims to raise up to $211M in Seattle’s first public offering this year

On June 24, 2020, Accolade set the terms for its IPO. The startup will price 8.75 million shares at between $19 and $21, raising as much as $211 million. If it succeeds in raising that amount of money, its valuation will rise to around $1 billion. It will trade on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker ACCD. Accolade helps employees navigate their healthcare benefits using a range of technologies from machine learning to mobile apps. Employers are charged a subscription fee based on the number of...

‘Digital pill’ maker Proteus Digital Health files for bankruptcy

Proteus Digital Health, the maker of an ingestible sensor for tracking medication adherence, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 15, 2020.  In addition, Andrew Thompson stepped down as the company’s CEO, replaced by Lawrence Perkins of SierraConstellation Partners, who had previously been hired as Proteus’s chief restructuring officer. “Filing for bankruptcy protection allows Proteus to continue its sales process in a more concerted and efficient manner while continuing to run the business as usual,” Proteus said in a statement provided to MobiHealthNews. The news didn’t...

Walmart buys tech from CareZone to help people manage their prescriptions

Walmart is acquiring technology and intellectual property from CareZone, a startup that makes it easier for people to manage multiple medications, Walmart confirmed to CNBC. CareZone got its start in 2010. It develops apps to help people manage their medicines. The company also developed technology that allows users to scan insurance cards and prescription drug labels so patients can more easily figure out what their health plan covers and arrange home deliveries. Walmart will now take possession of these assets. In addition, 25 to 30 CareZone engineering...

Augmedix Announces New Board Member, Jennifer M. Carter

Augmedix has announced that Jennifer M. Carter, Vice President, Venture Operations at McKesson Ventures, will join its board of directors. At McKesson Ventures, Carter leads a team responsible for investing, fund management, portfolio development, marketing, and PR. She has more than 20 years of healthcare experience in roles across the McKesson enterprise ranging from strategy to Six Sigma. “We’re looking forward to Jennifer joining the Augmedix board,” said Augmedix CEO Manny Krakaris. “Her expertise in healthcare, especially the strategic development of innovative organizations like Augmedix, will provide...