The Journey Venture Studio

We are thrilled to welcome Alrashid "Rash" Raad to The Journey Venture Studio’s team as our new Director of Program Operatiogns. Alrashid brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation that will drive our ventures to new heights. We are excited to have him join our team and know he will make an incredible impact!

Last month, The Journey hosted our Spring "Super Day", an intensive day of final round interviews to select our next "Founder-in-Residence" cohort. Our national search and selection process identifies top talent from around the country who are excited to tackle some of societies biggest challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship. Beyond their venture concept, we evaluate candidates' talents and with the help of a diverse panel of experts, including venture capitalists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. We assess each candidate's leadership, coachability, hustle, and grit—key attributes for entrepreneurial success. The caliber of candidates was impressive and we are constantly inspired by the level of talent that is waiting to be empowered and unleashed! Check out our journey on this amazing day! https://lnkd.in/gxWecAXu

Last month, we wrapped up our exciting "Super Day" where we held final-round interviews for the next cohort of our Founder-in-Residence program! We hosted a talented group of aspiring entrepreneurs from around the country at our HQ in Phoenix, putting them through rigorous assessments to identify those with exceptional leadership, resilience, and entrepreneurial potential. The caliber of candidates was incredible, and we're thrilled to see the impactful healthcare ventures that will emerge from this talented group!

Introducing Joiful Health – bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility. Founded by Ekene Nkem-Mmekam, our AI platform partners with Medicaid insurers to connect low-income members to crucial preventative health and social services. With healthcare costs rising, our solution provides vital case management support at scale. Join us in making healthcare more equitable. Watch Ekene's pitch to learn more about our mission and impact. https://lnkd.in/en6RmuxR

Introducing Prickly Pear Health – revolutionizing women's brain health during the menopausal transition. Founded by Imen Maaroufi Clark , our NextGen digital health solution harnesses the power of AI to offer personalized insights and recommendations, addressing the unique challenges women face. With our voice journaling app and integration with leading wearables, we provide tailored goals and science-backed recommendations. Investing in Prickly Pear means tackling the gender gap in brain health, empowering women to prioritize proactive care. Join us in transforming women's health and investing in a future where every woman navigates menopause with confidence. Watch Imen Clark's pitch to learn more about our mission and impact. https://lnkd.in/ezn5N6zR

April 25th marked a significant milestone as we hosted our inaugural EMERGE event – A Journey Venture Studio Demo Day and Venture Showcase. Our Founders-in-Residence Imen Maaroufi Clark & Ekene Nkem-Mmekam Nkem-Mmmekam pitched their ventures to investors, culminating our eight-month program and officially launching their companies. Highlights included a healthcare innovation panel, startup showcase, “Reverse Pitch” from VCs, and a fireside chat with artist Tonia Calderon. EMERGE signifies both an end and a beginning, with ongoing funding discussions and rapid company building. If you are an early-stage investor seeking to champion diverse, exceptional talent, we invite you to reach out to learn more about investment terms and details. https://lnkd.in/gJZXBM8S

Fabulous News! Our Managing Director, Mark Moeremans was recently featured in Fabulous Arizona. Read the feature and learn more about his personal journey here! https://lnkd.in/gTGpikBx

🚨 Hot Off The Press 🚨 'The Journey to Ten Figures: A Guide for the Dark Horse Entrepreneur.' 📘 In 'The Journey to Ten Figures,' our President & CEO, Justin Bayless, talks about the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that shaped his business’ evolution from a modest family business to a powerhouse integrated healthcare company with a nine-figure valuation. Through personal anecdotes and invaluable insights, he delves into the essence of resilience, the power of community, and the determined spirit of entrepreneurship in the face of adversity. As we get ready for the official launch later in May, we invite you to secure your copy now through the link below and join us in spreading the word. Your support means everything to us, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts on the book! Find the book here: https://lnkd.in/gwYCr4PV

Last week marked another milestone in our Journey when we hosted our inaugural EMERGE event - A Journey Venture Studio Demo Day and Venture Showcase. 🌟 Our Founders-in-Residence had the opportunity to pitch their ventures to a room full of investors, representing the culmination of our 8 month program and the launch of their new companies EMERGE may signify the end of this cohort, but it’s just the beginning for our founders and their ventures. Funding discussions are ongoing, and the pace of company building only accelerates There’s still an opportunity to be part of this transformative journey. If you’re an early-stage investor seeking to champion diverse, exceptional talent, reach out to us to learn more about investment terms and details.

Excited to welcome Dr. Michael White, Chief Clinical Officer of Valleywise Health, to our board at The Journey Venture Studio! With our shared commitment to exceptional healthcare innovation, we're ready to transform healthcare together. 🚀