Understanding the Financial Situation of Digital Health Startups: Towards the Development of an Artefact

The number of startups launching in the Digital Health sector is on an immense upward trajectory. Being a Digital Health startup can be very lucrative. However, the time until a startup generates revenues is often financially challenging. This period is often referred to as the "Death Valley." The Death Valley Period is the phase of a startup in which it has initiated its operations but has not yet generated revenue.

The healthcare sector is highly regulated. Due to the regulatory requirements and the associated time frame, financial planning is especially crucial for startups in this sector.

The main goal of the thesis is to create an artifact for startups in the Digital Health sector that supports them with cost planning.

Possible Research Questions (can be adapted to personal interest):

• What financial parameters are important for (Digital Health) startups?

  • E.g., fixed costs, variable costs, working capital, (certification costs)

• What financial models for digital health startups exist in the literature for this?

• At what stage should costs be anticipated (timeline)?

• What funding options are available for Digital Health startups?

Further, we are open to your suggestions to contribute to this topic.

Profile

• Interested in digital health and startups
• Motivated to familiarize yourself with health regulations 
• Good self-organization and communication skills
• Self-motivated and reliable way of working
• Self-organized and goal-oriented working mode
• Bring in your own ideas
• Work in a structured way
• Very good English skills as the thesis will be written in English

Methodology (can be adapted)

• Literature Review, Design Science Research

We offer a challeging research topic, close supervision, and the opportunity to develop practical as well as theoretical skills. If you are interested, please send a current transcript of records, a short CV, and a brief motivation (2-3 sentences) to Rahel Martjan (rahel martjan∂kit edu).