What happens when you bring together healthcare execs, investors, and reporters over dinner to dissect the industry's most chaotic trends? You get a night full of eye rolls, hot takes, and real talk about where things are headed.
Earlier this month, BAM did just that. From GLP-1 overload to geopolitical curveballs and a funding freeze that won’t thaw, here’s what came up—and what’s actually worth paying attention to.
GLP-1 Overload
We get it. GLP-1s (like Ozempic and Wegovy) are the main character of the moment. But reporters, especially those focused on wellness and consumer health, are drowning in off-base pitches trying to tie everything to them. If your pitch says “alternative to GLP-1,” but your product is actually just a protein bar with no scientific backing, or you’re offering a spokesperson on the efficacy of weight loss drugs with no clinical background, it’s time for a different approach.
TL;DR for getting in front of media:
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If your company has nothing to do with GLP-1s, don’t force it.
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“We integrate with GLP-1 protocols” is not a story.
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Wellness reporters are over it. Be relevant or skip it.
Tariffs: Not Just a Tech Problem
Tariff talk is heating up again, and it’s no longer just a concern for chipmakers and automakers. Healthcare companies relying on overseas manufacturing or supply chains are starting to feel the impact, along with the VCs who back them.
Here’s what founders, VCs, and reporters are watching:
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How price hikes could trickle down to patients, especially for essential devices
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Whether companies are reshoring or just crossing fingers
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What “supply chain resilience” actually looks like (hint: it’s not just adding “AI”)
Trump’s Ongoing Budget Cuts
The Trump administration continues to propose budget cuts to some of the largest and most vital federally funded healthcare programs, which sparked extensive discussion. Programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, NIH grants, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and initiatives supporting HIV/AIDS prevention and mental health have all been targeted.
Media professionals and founders are struggling to keep pace with the rapid announcement of new cuts week after week. The big question is: What will happen next?
The Funding Plateau Is Real
The era of abundant funding for digital health startups is over, and VCs are cautious. The bar for attracting investment is higher than ever. Simple, niche solutions are out unless they address significant problems. While funding is still available, it’s slower, more selective, and resistant to hype—especially around AI. What new challenge are you addressing? What part of the industry remains unexplored? That’s where funding will be directed.
One attendee noted a growing interest in caregivers' solutions—an audience that has long been overlooked in healthcare.
Smart Stories Still Win
Although it may appear chaotic, the health tech sector isn't dead. However, the standards for media coverage and investment are higher than ever. Reporters are still eager to feature smart, timely stories so relevance is key. The same applies to investors.
Want to pitch something that doesn’t make reporters' or VCs’ eyes glaze over? Let’s talk.
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