Winning over investors as a healthtech founder requires fortitude, relentless pitching, and the ability to tell a hard "no" from a "not right now."

In this episode, Kate sits down with Melissa Hanna, co-founder and CEO of Mahmee, a healthcare platform transforming how families experience pregnancy and postpartum care. Melissa pitched 500 to 1,000 investors before landing backers like Mark Cuban, Serena Williams, and Steve Case, plus a Series A led by Goldman Sachs.

Melissa walks us through how Mahmee built the technology and workforce infrastructure that now has 70 million lives under contract. She also opens up about the fundraising grind and shares her perspective on AI's role in healthcare.

Tune in to hear:

  • Strategies for fundraising in this challenging market
  • How founders outside the AI space can still leverage AI
  • An insider's perspective on where AI should and shouldn't be used in healthcare
  • Why core values are key, even at early-stage startups

Melissa’s advice to fellow founders: accept the struggle, and commit to a problem worth solving.

Don't miss this conversation with a founder proving healthcare can be both high-tech and deeply human.

---- Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateadams22/

🔗 Learn more about Mahmee at: https://www.mahmee.com/



This episode is produced by:

Brenda Hernández Jaimes: Podcast Producer & Talent Coordinator, Ellas Media

Angela R. Chong: Audio Editor & Post-Production Producer, Amplify Podcasts


==== Chapters ====
00:17 – Fundraising for a HealthTech Startup in the AI Era
02:33 – What Is Mahmee? The Platform Closing Gaps in Maternal Care
04:39 – The Inspiration Behind Mahmee: A Mother's Influence
06:09 – Taking the Leap: Building the Founding Team
07:11 – The US Maternal Health Paradox: Spending the Most, Getting the Worst
08:54 – Creating a Healthcare Platform That Adapts to Each Family's Journey
10:00 – Stumbling Into New Opportunities
11:18 – Where Mahmee Is Today: 70 Million Lives Under Contract
16:19 – Where AI Should and Shouldn't Be Used in Healthcare
18:38 – The Fundraising Journey: Pitching Hundreds of Investors
22:20 – Core Values Aren’t Just for Big Companies
25:35 – Parting Advice for Founders: Accept the Struggle
27:33 – Where to Find Mahmee

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