Virtue

What is Virtue?

Virtue is an Austin-based venture capital firm that specializes in pre-seed and seed-stage investments within the healthcare sector. They focus on supporting elite founders aiming to radically transform the healthcare ecosystem with innovative solutions.

Virtue has established itself as one of the earliest stage health VCs, with a particular interest in HealthTech, Fitness, Medical Devices, Hospital Services, Healthcare, Wellness, Consumer markets, and businesses that have a focus on women. Operating primarily in the U.S. but remaining open to global opportunities, they provide patient capital and strive for swift investment decisions, typically within 7-10 days, often being the first to commit to ventures that they believe in.

With an investment range from $250,000 to $1,500,000 and a sweet spot around $750,000, Virtue adds value not only through capital but also by being hands-on with the founders they support. Their portfolio encompasses a diverse array of healthcare sectors, including AI and automation for claims administration, value-based mental illness care, precision microbiome care, healthcare data compliance, drug asset diligence, and more. Furthermore, they highlight their avoidance of traditional approaches and show zero interest in incrementally improving the existing broken healthcare system, indicating a desire for disruptive innovation.

Founders Sean Doolan and Emre Karatas lead the firm, both having extensive experience in early stage health financings and building the health/bio practice at Global Founders Capital. They are supported by a network of health founders, investors, and industry leaders.

Virtue positions itself as a partner and a hustling force akin to a co-founder alongside the entrepreneurs they invest in.

What they say:

We invest in pre-seed and seed healthcare startups exclusively.