The lasting impact of an online impression

Abstract

Early-stage health startups are essential for developing new medical technologies, but often face immense challenges. These include long and uncertain development timelines, strict regulatory requirements, and limited resources. Due to the fact they are small and not widely known, these ventures must work hard to build trust, gain visibility, and form strategic partnerships with investors or larger health companies. Without these relationships, it can be very difficult for these ventures to succeed or bring their innovations to patients. This thesis looks at how one digital tool, LinkedIn, can help early-stage health ventures improve their credibility and connect with strategic partners. The study focuses on interviews with a venture builder, venture founders and leadership, and a corporate investor. The research shows that LinkedIn can play an important role in how these ventures present themselves and grow their professional networks.