INSIGHTS
November 2, 2020

‘Tis the season for SPACs

Is it just us, or do SPACs (special purpose acquisition companies) seem to be everywhere lately? A nontraditional route to an IPO, this “blank check” option has reemerged in 2020 as an easier way to go public in uncertain times. Over the summer, it was acute care telemedicine company SOC Telemed. Then came Hims, Clover, and Augmedix. Now, in a recent—and fascinating—turn of events, Livongo’s departing executives announced they are creating a SPAC to back a health tech company as they prepare a new $500 million IPO. The speculation on who their first target will be is officially on.

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Headlines

Verily’s COVID Testing Program Halted In SF And Oakland
Officials cite concerns about patient data privacy and lack of community investment Kaiser Health News | (Tweet)

Intermountain, Sanford Aim To Boost Digital Health With Merger
Two large health systems seek scale through merger Becker’s Hospital Review | (Tweet)

Wearable Sensor Data For COVID-19 Detection
New study finds wearable data can help identify possible COVID infection Nature | (Tweet)

First VA Medical Center (Finally) Goes Live On Cerner EHR
A major milestone in a $16B, decades-long effort Fierce Healthcare | (Tweet)

Brightline Health Launches COVID-19 Behavioral Health Indicator
Free tool helps families understand the pandemic’s impact on kids’ mental health SoCal Magazine | (Tweet)

Digital Therapeutics And Wellness App Users To Reach 1.4B By 2025
Study also indicates value of the market to grow by $50B in next five years MobiHealthNews | (Tweet)

Challenges And Technology Solutions for Dual Eligible Populations
Report focuses on tech innovation to improve access/quality and lower costs Social Innovation Ventures | (Tweet)

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