Healthtech M&A and IPO activity resilient
Summary
Jonathan Simnett, director and healthtech specialist at Hampleton Partners, said: “The rise of lifestyle diseases, an ageing population and higher patient expectations are compelling both public and private healthcare systems to incorporate technology to improve productivity, cost-efficiency and patient satisfaction.” M&A activity is now featuring in the medical marijuana sector, following regulatory changes in 10 US states and Washington D.C. Established technology companies such as Amazon, Samsung and Cisco are looking for synergies and ways to enter the healthtech sector. Key examples of this trend include Amazon’s acquisition of online pharmacy service PillPack for $1bn earlier in 2018, and Samsung’s current collaboration with Stanford University and start-up Syncthink to study the use of VR in establishing concussion severity. The move to the cloud also continues, with SaaS healthtech companies driving innovation for public and private health practices. “New markets are being created by millions of consumers now monitoring their own health via apps and online programmes at home and on-the-go and by medical marijuana deregulation.