In the latest episode of HealthTechQuity Spotlight, Colby Holtshouse, a leader in MedTech and Women’s Health, shares her journey in the health tech space and her commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women in healthcare. With over a decade of experience, Colby is dedicated to closing the significant gaps in women’s health.
From MedTech to Women’s Health
Colby started her career in cardiovascular products with large companies before moving into start-up's focused on Women’s Health. She was initially unaware of the disparities in women’s healthcare, but her experiences in the incontinence space and postpartum haemorrhage opened her eyes to the severe lack of solutions. “I was truly shocked by how little we have done for women in healthcare,” Colby says. This led her to dedicate herself to solving these unmet needs and improving healthcare for women at all life stages.
The Power of People in HealthTech
Colby believes the success of any venture lies in the people behind it. “Your ability to achieve goals depends on the group of people around you,” she emphasises. Colby’s leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration and teamwork. She stresses that the right people, working together effectively, are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in health tech.
The HealthTech Market’s Biggest Challenge
The health tech market faces numerous challenges, particularly when it comes to creating sustainable business models. Colby notes that many health tech solutions fail not due to poor products but because they do not fit into the traditional healthcare system’s business structures. “Anything outside the traditional model can be tricky,” she explains. Colby advises entrepreneurs to consider their business models early on to ensure long-term success.
The Future of Women’s Health in HealthTech
Colby is optimistic about the future of Women’s Health in HealthTech. She sees significant growth in investment and innovation in this space. “In five years, I see many companies crossing that commercial threshold,” she shares. As more companies reach the market, the case for Women’s Health will continue to strengthen, leading to greater investment and solutions for women’s health.
Reducing the Health Equity Gap
Colby is also focused on addressing health inequities, especially racial disparities in maternal health. While companies like Organon are making strides with products like postpartum haemorrhage solutions, Colby stresses the need for systemic change. She highlights organisations such as MayHealth and Flourish Care, which work directly with underserved communities to improve health outcomes and close the health equity gap.
Lessons from Failure
Colby’s path has not been without setbacks. She recalls a failure early in her career when a clinical trial in neurology failed, leaving the company with no funding. Despite the setback, Colby learned valuable lessons and was led to Women’s Health, where she found her true calling. “Sometimes your worst investment turns out to be your best,” she reflects.
Looking Ahead
Colby poses an insightful question for future HealthTechQuity Spotlight guests: What do you do to keep going when the road feels too hard to keep going? This question highlights the resilience needed to tackle challenges in health tech. Colby’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change in healthcare.