Latest news with #Jethwani
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
W Health Ventures targets $70 million Fund II to build healthcare startups
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills US venture capital firm W Health Ventures is looking to raise $70 million, or about Rs 610 crore, for its second India-focused fund to back healthcare startups in the fund will support the development of eight to ten seed and early-stage healthcare companies over the next four years, in partnership with 2070 Health, a healthcare venture studio, W Health Ventures managing partner Pankaj Jethwani told ET.W Health plans to invest Rs 26-40 crore ($3-5 million) per company, with additional capital reserved for follow-ons, he company-creation model offers infrastructure, capital, and operational know-how from the incubation stage.'The company creation model is particularly suited for healthcare due to the sector's inherent challenges, such as its slow pace of change, heavy regulation, and complexity,' Jethwani said. 'This approach helps founders overcome bottlenecks by leveraging the fund's data, relationships, playbooks, and teams to build companies from zero to one.'Fund II will focus on two core themes: single-specialty care delivery platforms and AI-enabled business-to-business (B2B) healthcare first theme will back startups offering high-quality, efficient care in specific medical second will target B2B companies catering to the growing demand from US-based healthcare firms for technology solutions powered by India's clinical and engineering talent pool. These startups are expected to use automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive operational efficiency for international clients.'AI is no longer optional when building a company, including in healthcare, though it doesn't always have to be the primary product,' Jethwani said. 'The technology is crucial for embedding convenience and high-quality care at every step.'W Health has already begun deploying capital from the new first investment from Fund II was in EverHope Oncology, which raised $10 million in a seed round. W Health led the round in partnership with Narayana Health and 2070 Health, as reported by ET.W Health's first fund of around $50 million backed startups such as AI-enabled mental health platform Wysa; Elevate Now, a medical weight-loss programme; and Kins, a US-based virtual and home-based physical therapy platform. Its other investments included startups in paediatric care and pain in 2019, W Health has backed companies across various healthcare domains, including digital health, chronic disease management, and mental has seen a rise in sector-specific venture capital funds that focus on defined themes such as healthtech, deeptech, cleantech, and consumer tech. Examples include Java Capital, which backs deeptech and climate tech startups; Avaana Capital, focused on consumer, food and agritech; and Delhi-based Sauce VC, which invests in consumer brands.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
W Health Ventures targets $100 million second fund
W Health Ventures team (L-R) Dr Pankaj Jethwani (executive VP & managing partner), Gaurav Porwal (partner & chief operating officer) and Bhavesh Hemani (chief financial officer) BENGALURU: W Health Ventures, founded by serial technology entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist Sunil Wadhwani, has launched its second fund targeting $70 million (RS 600 crore) with a hard cap of $100 million (Rs 850 crore). The healthcare-focused venture capital firm, which operates in Boston and India, expects to announce the fund's first close later this quarter. Fund II will double down on W Health's 'company creation' approach, which is building and scaling healthcare businesses from the ground up while backing existing platforms. The model, which the firm says helped its first fund's portfolio reach over 25 million patients globally, will now be expanded with plans to build eight to ten companies over the next four years. 'We're in an evergreen sector that will continue to grow at a reasonable pace for the next 20 years,' Dr. Pankaj Jethwani, managing partner at W Health Ventures, told TOI. 'Healthcare innovation in India remains 10-15 years behind global benchmarks. That gap is a generational opportunity.' The firm has already warehoused two investments for Fund II. These include Everhope Oncology, a $10 million joint venture with Narayana Health aimed at reimagining cancer care in India by introducing advanced diagnostics, breakthrough therapies and decentralised treatment centres, and a US-based managed services platform for psychiatric care that operates in stealth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Europe's 30 Most Beautiful Hidden Coastal Towns – Ranked by Travel Lovers Learn More Undo W Health will also strengthen its leadership with four new senior operating partners who will provide hands-on expertise in areas such as offline healthcare operations, AI-enabled services and US go-to-market. Jethwani said the firm's strategy is built on two themes: single-speciality care delivery platforms in India and cross-border, AI-enabled B2B healthcare services. 'Most of healthcare spend in India still happens offline,' he told TOI. 'We are focused on building companies that meet patients where they are while also leveraging India's clinical and engineering talent to power healthcare services for global markets. ' W Health launched its first fund in 2021, deploying about $43 million across 12 companies, including Mylo, BeatO, Wysa, Reveal HealthTech and Nivaan Care. Jethwani added that healthcare has been among the strongest-performing investment categories in India. 'We're not a healthtech fund, we're a healthcare fund. We are here to build companies that can truly change the standard of care for millions of patients.' Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Over years of paralysis pain: Madhya Pradesh teacher seeks euthanasia from President Droupadi Murmu; donates property to students, continues teaching from wheelchair
Chandrakanta Jethwani, a paralyzed government school teacher from Indore, has requested President Murmu for euthanasia due to constant pain By: Litha Achari INDORE: A 52-year-old government school teacher from Indore has written to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking permission for euthanasia due to unbearable physical pain caused by years of paralysis. Chandrakanta Jethwani, a teacher at Government Middle School, Jabran Colony, continues to teach while being confined to a wheelchair, spending nearly eight hours a day in severe discomfort. In her plea to the President, Jethwani said, 'I will not commit suicide because I teach my students to live with courage. But my body no longer supports me. I go through excruciating pain every day. I am seeking euthanasia so that my body parts can be donated for someone else who might get a new life.' Her condition began in 2020, following an alleged case of medical negligence. A botched orthopaedic treatment, she claimed, left the lower half of her body paralysed. She also suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a disorder that causes brittle and fragile bones. Despite her health condition, Jethwani's dedication to teaching remained unshaken. She resumed work from her wheelchair and became a symbol of resilience and strength for her students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Jethwani, who has no family, has donated all her property to six underprivileged students from her school. She has also pledged to donate her organs to MGM Medical College, expressing hope that her body could bring new life to others. 'My organs are not of use for me but more valuable than the Kohinoor diamond if they can restore someone's sight or save a life,' she added. Her story has sparked debate around dignified end-of-life choices and the need for compassionate care for those suffering from chronic pain. Sakharam Prasad, Principal of Govt. Middle School, Jabran Colony, praised her commitment. 'She teaches science to the middle school students and is very dedicated towards teaching. However, she has several medical issues, from multiple fractures to paralysis. Though she never told me about the euthanasia plea,' he said.
The Hindu
26-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Importance of gender inclusivity stressed
Sanvi Jethwani, a noted transwoman and Bharatanatyam and Lavani dancer from Nanded, Maharashtra, laid emphasis on spreading the message of gender inclusivity among the students. She was speaking at a gender awareness programme organised by Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam's (SPMVV) Department of Music, Dance and Fine Arts under the RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) project, here on Thursday, on the theme 'Gender discrimination and inequalities in the Bharatanatyam traditional form'. The event aimed to create awareness about gender diversity, inclusion and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ performers in the domain of classical dance, especially Bharatanatyam. Ms. Jethwani, who holds dual PhDs in Management Science and Folk Dance, inspired the audience with her powerful journey of resilience and advocacy. She also highlighted the barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ individuals in the performing arts, while emphasising the importance of inclusivity, visibility and policy support for marginalised communities. Vice-Chancellor V. Uma, Registrar N. Rajani, Dean (Social Sciences) C. Vani and principal investigator U. Himabindu took part in the session.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pride walk promotes love and equality in Nashik
Nashik: A large section of Nashik residents walked alongside members of the LGBTQAI+ community during their march in Nashik on Sunday at 3pm. The members of the community gathered at Kusumagraj Smarak, where they held discussions and exchanged information on various topics, such as the rights and demands related to the community. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The community members resolved to continue to fight for better treatment from the society. "We are here to raise awareness among society and the community members. We want the citizens to know what the community is, who we are, and what we want from the community," said Sanvi Jethwani, co-vice-president of the Transgender Welfare Board of Maharashtra. The march was organised by the community with the help of Yutak Charitable Trust, Pune. The members, dressed in colourful attire, chanted slogans like 'tumcha amcha same asta, prem mhanje prem mhanje prem asta' (love is love just the same, as it is yours, and so it is ours) and 'mera bachcha gay, uska bhi toh say hain' (my child is gay, he also has a say). The march saw elders and youngsters participating for equal rights. "We do not want to draw attention and seek sympathy. In fact, we want the community to accept who we are and also provide us with opportunities to study, grow, gain employment, and contribute to the nation," Jethwani said.
