Venture capital firms increasingly are investing in startup companies that make mobile medical applications for physicians and hospitals, Bloomberg reports.
Health IT Investments
According to the National Venture Capital Association, investments in health IT companies increased by 78% between 2010 and 2011.
Mercom Capital Group, a consulting firm, estimates that 27 health IT projects received a total of $184 million in venture funding during the first quarter of this year.
Investments in Mobile Medical Apps
The Qualcomm Life Fund -- a $100 million venture fund that launched in December 2011 -- made its first investment in AirStrip Technologies. The company offers a mobile app that allows physicians to view patients' electrocardiograms on their iPhones.
Galen Partners, a health care venture capital firm, recently led a $14 million investment in Sharecare, which provides online tools for physicians to connect with potential patients. Sharecare also provides searchable databases on drugs, supplements and wellness issues.
In March, Insight Venture Partners invested $40 million in Kinnser Software, which provides online tools and mobile apps to help home health care providers access and record patient data (Edney, Bloomberg, 6/18).