NURSE CAPITAL PILOTS NEW INITIATIVE FOR NURSE FOUNDERS TO DEVELOP THEIR INNOVATIONS INTO SCALABLE, INVESTOR-READY BUSINESSES

Nurse Capital, a venture capital firm focused on nurse-led enterprises, has announced a collaboration with the University City Science Center in Philadelphia to support nurse-founded startups through the Capital Readiness Program (CRP). The financial details of the minority investment have not been disclosed. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of nurse entrepreneurs by providing them with essential resources and mentorship as they prepare for significant rounds of venture capital funding.

The University City Science Center is recognized as a premier catalyst for entrepreneurial activity and healthcare innovation. It has a strong track record of supporting early- and growth-stage companies, contributing to an annual economic impact of approximately $7.8 billion in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Science Center’s Capital Readiness Program is a five-day bootcamp designed specifically for healthcare startups, focusing on devices, diagnostics, and digital health. This selective, no-cost program prepares participants for their first major venture capital funding round, typically exceeding $1 million.

Nurse Capital's initiative is particularly significant given the unique challenges faced by nurse entrepreneurs. Many nurse founders are often in the early stages of their ventures, relying on bootstrapping, grant funding, and small angel investments to support their innovations. According to Beth A. Brooks, Co-founder and General Partner of Nurse Capital, there exists a considerable gap between early innovation and readiness for institutional venture capital. Nurse founders bring valuable clinical expertise and operational leadership experience, yet they often lack access to the necessary commercialization strategies and fundraising structures to scale their businesses effectively.

The Capital Readiness Program aims to bridge this gap by offering personalized mentoring from industry experts, covering critical topics such as building a cap table, intellectual property protections, and board management. Participants will also engage in case studies and simulated scenarios that reflect real-world challenges faced by startups, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of industry expectations from payors and providers. The next cohort of the CRP is scheduled for December 7-11, 2026, with an application deadline set for August 21.

This collaboration between Nurse Capital and the University City Science Center underscores a growing recognition of the importance of specialized support for nurse-led healthcare innovations. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the need for tailored resources that address the unique needs of nurse entrepreneurs becomes increasingly critical. The partnership not only aims to empower nurse founders but also contributes to the broader landscape of healthcare innovation, fostering a new generation of solutions that can enhance patient care and operational efficiency within the industry.