1836 Ventures is a healthcare-focused venture capital firm specializing in early-stage health tech startups. The firm supports companies with $1M+ in annual recurring revenue ready to scale. With a hands-on approach, 1836 Ventures goes beyond providing funding by actively engaging with founders to shape their vision and align it with market needs and patient outcomes. The firm’s Managing Partner, Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, brings deep clinical and payer expertise to guide portfolio companies toward sustainable growth and impactful innovation.

The Problem

Health tech startups face significant challenges as they scale. One such challenge is limited technical resources, as many startups lack in-house expertise to build, scale, or refine the software solutions that underpin their business models. 

Another challenge is the time-sensitive deadlines of working in the health tech space. Startups working with payers and healthcare systems often face strict timelines for product launches to meet annual contracting cycles. 

Navigating healthcare’s regulatory and operational landscape can also be challenging. It requires precision and expertise, which many startups struggle to manage. 

1836 Ventures needed a trusted digital partner to address these issues and ensure their portfolio companies could scale quickly, meet deadlines, and deliver patient-centered solutions.

Why 1836 Ventures Chose Augusto Digital

1836 Ventures selected Augusto Digital as a provider because both organizations share an entrepreneurial mindset and a focus on delivering measurable results. Augusto is also known for its comprehensive expertise in technical skills and digital healthcare solutions, making it a one-stop solution for startups with varied needs. 

In addition, Augusto’s transparent cost models foster trust and align with startups' financial realities. Their ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines and Augusto stood out as the right partner for accelerating growth for 1836 Ventures’ health tech startups. 

“Augusto has been an incredible partner, offering the technical expertise and responsiveness our startups need to scale efficiently. Their cost accuracy, timeliness, and ability to solve complex problems are unmatched.” Kyle Hoedebecke,  Managing Partner 1836 Ventures

Augusto’s Solution

1836 Ventures takes a hands-on approach to its investments, immersing itself in the growth journey of its portfolio companies. This commitment aligns with Augusto Digital’s Acceleration Process, which emphasizes strategic alignment among stakeholders to move projects forward efficiently. 

These shared values and innovative approaches enabled Augusto to deliver transformative solutions to 1836 Ventures’ portfolio companies. 

Team Augmentation

Startups often lack the technical resources needed to scale quickly. For HiNeo, which had a single Technical Officer, Augusto stepped in with supplemental expertise to accelerate the development of their app and website. This allowed the startup to meet critical deadlines, secure payer contracts, and continue scaling effectively. HiNeo’s technical gaps were seamlessly filled, ensuring development timelines were met without compromising quality.

Rapid Problem-Solving

Augusto specializes in resolving technical challenges that other teams struggle with. For example, one of 1836 Ventures’ portfolio companies faced coding issues that had stymied an overseas team for months. Augusto resolved these issues within days, saving the startup valuable time and resources while restoring momentum.

Strategic Flexibility

Startups often evolve and pivot based on market feedback and business needs. For Vitalcy, an online activity platform for adults 55+, Augusto adapted quickly to its three to four significant pivots, providing continuity and support. This flexibility was critical to Vitalcy’s success in generating revenue. Augusto’s adaptability ensured that Vitalcy could refine its business models without losing development momentum.

Timely Delivery

Meeting strict deadlines is critical in the healthcare industry, especially when working with payers and other healthcare partners. Because of Augusto's expertise in healthcare and technical solutions, they can jump into projects quickly and integrate themselves to help accelerate project timelines. In one instance, they were onboarded with a project in October and delivered software solutions on time so the startup could meet the January 1st launch deadlines.

The Results

The partnership between Augusto Digital and 1836 Ventures has yielded quantitative and qualitative improvements across the portfolio. These results showcase the transformative impact of Augusto’s expertise:

Faster Time-to-Market (6 Weeks vs. 6 Months)

By leveraging Augusto’s expertise, one specific startup, HiNeo, completed a critical mobile app project in 6 weeks compared to the anticipated 6 months. This rapid design and development iterations ensured readiness for critical annual payer cycles, enabling startups to secure contracts and maintain competitive advantages. For HiNeo, Augusto’s accelerated timelines allowed the company to meet essential deadlines and secure its place in payer networks.

Cost Savings

Augusto’s solutions helped startups reduce costs by guiding patients to appropriate care levels and avoiding unnecessary emergency visits and hospital admissions. These improvements saved money for payers and reduced strain on the healthcare system. 

Enhanced Trust

Startups consistently reported high satisfaction with Augusto’s clear communication, transparent cost models, and high-quality work. This trust fostered long-term partnerships and reinforced 1836 Ventures’ reputation as a value-driven investor.

 “Augusto fosters trust through clear communication, accurate pricing, and deliverable outcomes that are always top-notch.” – Kyle Hoedebecke

Adaptability Through Pivots

Vitalcy serves as a standout example of Augusto’s impact. The company underwent multiple pivots during its development journey, from initial concept to revenue generation. Augusto supported each iteration, ensuring Vitalcy remained on track and adaptable to changing market demands.

“Vitalcy had at least three or four pivots, and Augusto was there every step of the way. They’ve been instrumental in helping the company generate revenue.” – Kyle Hoedebecke

Conclusion

Augusto Digital has become an essential partner for 1836 Ventures, enabling health tech startups to scale efficiently and deliver patient-centered solutions. With Augusto’s expertise in software development and agile problem-solving, 1836 Ventures continues to build a foundation for long-term growth and innovation in healthcare technology.