Closing Time Podcast Closing Time Podcast

In this episode, Sebastian Seiguer, CEO of Scene Health, introduces his company’s innovative use of video technology to drive medication adherence, particularly among underserved populations. He shares how Scene Health supports patients, leading to better outcomes and significant cost savings for payers.




We discuss:

- The challenges of medication non-adherence and its impact on patients and the healthcare system

- How Scene Health's video platform empowers patients and creates unique engagement opportunities

- Strategies for successful implementation within public health departments and Medicaid plans

- The importance of building a care team passionate about this unique approach

- The potential of AI to further enhance the Scene Health model

In this episode, Dr. Bob Schafer, CEO of Lumos Labs, discusses the company's evolution from the popular brain training platform, Lumosity, to a leader in the development of digital therapeutics for the brain. Lumos Labs is pioneering the use of science-backed gameplay to tackle cognitive issues associated with conditions like ADHD.




We discuss:

- The unique dataset behind Lumosity, with over 100 million users and 8 billion gameplays

- How their extensive research fueled the shift towards digital therapeutics

- Challenges faced by early digital therapeutic companies, and the need for adaptable business models

- Lumos Labs' approach to commercialization and ensuring accessibility

- The future of digital health and medicine in addressing brain health and cognitive function

In episode 25, Halle and Michael discuss the process of building a board for a startup. We cover topics such as the importance of board structure, when to formalize the board, adding independent board members, the primary responsibilities of a startup board, changing board composition, and compensating board members.




We discuss:

- Why it is crucial to consider the right board structure

- How many board members startups typically have at each stage of the company’s growth

- The primary responsibilities of a startup board inclluding setting strategy, guiding the CEO, and making important decisions

- How to address conflicts of interest and ensure the right fit for the company's needs

- Typical compensation for board members

In this episode, Halle and Michael discuss the process of raising a seed round. They cover topics such as when to raise a seed round, building relationships with investors, and the difference between convertible notes and SAFEs. They emphasize the importance of storytelling and having a clear vision when pitching to investors. They also provide tips for first-time founders, including being mindful of dilution and knowing your use of funds. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and guidance for entrepreneurs navigating the seed funding process.




We discuss:




- Why timing is crucial when raising a seed round, and it how factors such as market conditions can influence your chances of success

- How to get in front of investors (hint: cold calling isn’t your best bet)

- Convertible notes vs. SAFEs

- Understanding dilution, and how each round impacts your ownership

- Knowing your use of funds and setting clear goals for growth and profitability

In this episode, Dr. Alicia Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Evernow, discusses the importance of women's health research and the need for improved menopause care. She shares the inspiration behind starting Evernow and the challenges faced in addressing the under-researched and underserved field of women's health. Dr. Jackson shares the founding story of Evernow, from idea to raising $28M to creating the largest database on menopausal and perimenopausal women that exists today.




We discuss:

- How women's health, particularly menopause care, is an under-researched and underserved field that requires deep science and evidence-based solutions.

- How they’re moving towards profitability by improving acquisition and engagement

- Using strategic partnerships to expand access to care and reach a wider audience

- How to determine pricing of a new offering that doesn’t yet exist

- Why they allow their members to fulfill prescriptions with them, or at their own local pharmacy

You only get to incorporate once, and you want to get it right. In this episode, we dive deep into the process of incorporation for startups. We cover everything from choosing the right business entity structure to splitting founder equity. You’ll want to listen to this before filing your incorporation paperwork!




We discuss:

- How the choice of business entity structure depends on the goals and plans of the startup

- Why you should prioritize simplicity and avoid over-engineering the legal structure in the early stages

- Vesting structures, including alternatives to the traditional four-year vesting with a one-year cliff

- How to have open and transparent conversations among co-founders to determine fair equity splits and relative contributions

- Single vs. double trigger, and the importance of acceleration protection in the event of termination or an M&A exit

- What we think is the optimal number of co-founders