Health Care Originals: A Path to Revolutionizing Respiratory Care Through Innovation and Resilience
Sharon Samjitsingh’s journey to revolutionize care for respiratory and lung diseases, particularly with Health Care Originals (HCO), is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of minority founders. Samjitsingh, a cofounder and CEO of HCO, emerged from a challenging journey into venture capital, where she navigated the hurdles involving limited capital, costly loans, and the unique challenges of securing venture capital from marginalized women.
She leveraged a nascent technology developed in excellence at the University of Rochester, which enabled her to predict asthma attacks by tracking key factors like coughing and breathing, a insight that resonated deeply with her personal experiences, and that of many African-American women facing health issues. Samjitsingingh recalls her parents’ “helicopter parenting” philosophy, driven by her own fear and uncertainty about asthma. Despite these challenges, she discovered a breakthrough in her misconduct, which she believes was pivotal in her entry into the venture.
HCO’s launch in 2016 marked the beginning of a transformative era. Samjitsingingh and her team transformed the university’s research into a wearable device called the Nightingale Virtual Respiratory Care program, which provided real-time insights into someone’s coughing patterns. This brilliant idea quickly gained traction, as HCO’s product caught the attention of 23 insurance companies, including United Healthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross, signaling the company’s growing success.
The Black Smoke Foundation (who later purchased HCO in 2022) announced plans to collaborate with Sharon on the HEAL initiative, which focused on improving the care of asthma and COPD patients. This partnership underscored the importance of community and access to leadership in healthcare. Samjitsingingh’s experience highlighted the systemic barriers faced by minority women founders, who often raise less than 1% of venture capital. Despite these challenges, she demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the regulatory and financing challenges that often led to early losses.
In 2018, HCO was strategically positioned to successful late豐富, thanks in part to her team’s collaboration with буду Capital Partners and Safar Partners, who both leveraged Reg CF’s圈子 de Capital to raise significant Capital, including bundling with 20x upside. Despite the hurdles, Samjitsingingingh’s community invested and personal connection were key in building a network of investors who care deeply about HCO’s mission and can offer advocacy and support.
The combination of HCO’s innovative technology, its vast network of investors, and its commitment to landmark goals enhanced its success, turning the personal journey of Samjitsingingingh into a path to Transform and finally thrive in the clinical world. The power of community and innovation is evident in the way HCO has not only revolutionized the care of chronic respiratory diseases but also created a culture of trust and partnership that extends beyond the walls of the corporate office.
Summary: Sharon Samjitsingh’s story of overcoming funding barriers, transforming the healthcare landscape, and earning recognition for her innovative approach to care—this story, now humanized, is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of community in driving change.
