FAQ
I hear you have an awesome newsletter, how can I sign up?
Glad you asked. You can sign up here.
What is Rock Health?
Rock Health is the first seed-accelerator exclusively for health startups. We provide capital ($100K convertible note), office space, mentorship, and operational support to high-potential entrepreneurs working on ideas in health.
When can I apply?
Applications are closed and will open in the fall.
Where are you located?
Our headquarters are in downtown San Francisco.
What sorts of ideas and people do you accept?
We’re looking for clever, product-centric ideas that solve real problems in healthcare. Products can be in the form of web or mobile apps, services, have a hardware or sensor component, and should be early stage and pre-VC funding. Here is a non-exhaustive list of ideas we’d like to fund.
No experience in the health space? No worries. We’ve built a program to give you resources and connections in the sector. We want you to use what you’ve learned in other segments — gaming, informatics, design, etc. — to solve real, meaningful problems in health. And our partners at Kaiser, Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, and UCSF are excited to help you out.
How do you choose which startups to accept into the program?
Our team evaluates applicants based on the team, the idea, the disruptive potential, the business model, and the thoughtfulness of the application.
Can I apply as a single founder?
Sure, although we tend to prefer teams with 2-3 founders. Startups are a lot of work!
Do you take international teams?
Oui. Da. Shi. Hai. Ja. Si.
If I’m not selected, will I receive feedback about my idea? Pretty please?
Just like you, awesome startup, our team is small and scrappy. We receive hundreds of applications for each term, which means it’s difficult to give individualized feedback.
What is life REALLY like over there?
Hear it straight from the source. Ryan, an entrepreneur from our first batch of startups, gives a great overview here.
What exactly does Rock Health provide?
Everything you need to launch your startup: capital, mentors, office space, operational support and all that jazz. Check out our program page for details.
What kind of capital?
Startups can elect to receive a $100,000 investment, collectively offered by a group of four top-tier investors: Aberdare Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, Mayo Clinic, and Mohr Davidow Ventures. The terms of the convertible note vary based on the maturity of the startup. If your startup has already raised $250K+ in funding, the $100K investment will be made at generally the same terms and conditions as prior financing. Startups can still participate in Rock Health without accepting the investment.
What does Rock Health get out of this?
Rock Health’s mission is to accelerate the funding and growth of high potential entrepreneurs in health. We’re a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Who’s behind this?
Meet our team, and see our growing list of amazing partners.
Do we have to be at the incubator the entire time?
Yes. Being with us full time is part of the deal, and crucial to getting the most out of the program. A handful of teams each term end up temporarily moving to San Francisco for the program, and we can help you find good digs and acclimate.
What happens after we leave Rock Health?
You join a growing and engaged community of entrepreneurs solving the biggest problems in healthcare. Our companies have gone on to raise money from Felicis, Floodgate, Founders Collective, General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, NEA, SV Angel, True Ventures, USVP, angel investors Mark Cuban, Esther Dyson, Caterina Fake, Yuri Milner, Mark Pincus, and Keith Rabois, and many others. We regularly host events for our alumni to promote collaboration and community.
How can I talk to someone at Rock Health about my idea?
No problem! We have office hours available to answer questions. Just schedule them here.
Can you introduce me to potential co-founders?
Rock Health is not a head-hunter or match-maker. Maybe you’ll meet people at digital health events.
I’m looking for a job. Can you introduce me to startups?
Rock Health is not a head-hunter or match-maker. But, if you fill out this form, our portfolio companies will be in touch if there’s a fit. We also post jobs when portfolio companies and friends are hiring.
Still have questions?
Email us at hello@rockhealth.org.