In this episode of The Innovators & Investors Podcast, host Kristian Marquez sits down with Brian Armstrong, Managing Director of Ensemble Innovation Ventures, to explore the dynamic world of healthcare venture capital.
Brian shares how Ensemble focuses on investments in health tech and tech-enabled services that enhance both patient care and backend operations across healthcare stakeholders including payers, providers, and pharma.
They delve into the fund’s hybrid corporate venture structure, investment criteria, and syndicate partnerships, emphasizing financial returns balanced with meaningful healthcare impact and strategic alignment.
The conversation also covers Ensemble’s approach to deal sourcing—combining inbound co-investor networks with proactive early founder engagement—and their commitment to a diversified investment portfolio across the U.S. Brian discusses how AI is transforming both healthcare innovation and their internal venture processes, enabling more efficient diligence and portfolio management.
Drawing from his extensive career beginning in the late ’90s, he reflects on the cyclical nature of venture capital, current industry challenges like geopolitical uncertainty and policy shifts, and the rapid evolution driven by technology.
Throughout, Brian highlights the importance of authenticity, resilience, and mission-driven investing that goes beyond financial returns to truly impact healthcare outcomes.
Listeners gain a comprehensive view of the complexities and opportunities inside health tech investing, the evolving venture landscape, and key lessons for founders and investors eager to engage effectively in this fast-changing space.
Learn more about Ensemble Innovation Ventures' work at: https://eivfund.com
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briantarmstrong/
Think you'd be a great guest on the show?
Apply at https://finstratmgmt.com/innovators-investors-podcast/
Want to learn more about Kristian Marquez's work?
Check out his website at https://finstratmgmt.com
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