#Twenty25 - Funding the future of health tech - Part 8/20 Interview with Melanie Haynes, Bethnal Green Ventures (BGV)

Ian Coyne: What are the interesting, exciting investments in health tech for 2025?

Melanie Hayes: In 2025, we are seeing a significant shift towards integrated, end-to-end solutions in the health tech ecosystem. As digital technologies mature, there is a growing demand for solutions that address entire clinical pathways rather than isolated problems. This trend is driving interoperability, integrations, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among health tech companies. Startups need to consider how their solutions will integrate and interoperate with existing systems to meet customer demands for comprehensive solutions.

Ian: How do you see the role of AI evolving in health tech?

Melanie: AI is set to play a transformative role in healthcare delivery. While remote platforms connecting patients with clinicians have been a significant step forward, the next wave involves leveraging AI to provide personalized care without the need for direct human interaction. This approach can enhance scalability and efficiency, offering a more cost-effective operating model. For example, PreActiv, a BGV portfolio company, uses AI to deliver personalized prehabilitation services, reducing the need for human intervention while maintaining high-quality care.

Ian: What are the big things driving health tech innovation beyond 2025?

Melanie: Addressing the workforce crisis in the NHS is a critical focus for BGV. Recruiting, retaining, and developing healthcare staff to meet the growing demands on the system is essential. We have backed startups like Blute and TrewLink, which tackle different aspects of this issue. Blute aims to reduce dropout rates among medical students by providing support during clinical placements, while TrewLink uses AI to assess and match the skills of healthcare workers from other countries to appropriate roles within the NHS. These innovations aim to boost productivity and ensure better retention and development of healthcare professionals.

Ian: What does Horizon 2 look like for health tech innovation?

Melanie: Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on addressing the workforce crisis and enhancing the capacity of healthcare systems through digital technologies. Health tech solutions that can scale across different markets are crucial, though international expansion presents challenges. Under new governments both here and in the US, policy changes and the identification of significant global problems will also influence the direction of health tech innovation.

Ian: If you had a magic wand, what would you change to make the adoption and use of health tech easier?

Melanie: I would advocate for a fundamental shift towards preventative healthcare, emphasizing the need for substantial investment in early detection, self-management, and prevention of chronic and acute illnesses. A more preventative approach would not only improve health outcomes but also enable digital technologies to thrive. This shift requires rethinking resource allocation and making bold decisions to prioritize long-term health benefits over immediate acute care needs. I know that’s a big ask but we have a magic wand!

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Melanie Hayes, Managing Partner, Bethnal Green Ventures

Melanie has 15 years of experience in early-stage investment spanning corporate venturing, M&A, specialist finance and impact investment. She’s led over 100 transactions totalling more than £75m. She specializes in supporting founders with business model strategy, commercial growth, fundraising, organizational development and impact strategy. An experienced board member, Melanie currently sits on three growth stage portfolio company boards. Prior to BGV she worked at Octopus Investments, Channel 4 and Deloitte. Melanie is also a member of the Advisory Council for ReGenerate - a charity whose mission is to make it easier to start, grow and lead a purpose-driven business.

About Bethnal Green Ventures