Founder Mode Episode 28 - Health Is a Team Sport

In this episode of Founder Mode, Jason and I dove into a big question: What does AI mean for private equity and health care today?

We broke down how investors are using AI to grow real businesses—not just chasing hype. We talked about what actually works, where AI is helping the most, and how smaller companies can move faster and smarter.

This episode isn't just about investing—it’s about building systems that work, especially in health care, where AI can support both patients and professionals.

5 Key Takeaways

1. AI ROI > AI Hype
AI has exploded, but many early pilots still haven’t delivered real results. The best teams focus on ROI, not shiny demos. Ask yourself: “Would I do this if no one called it AI?”

2. Start with No-Regret Moves
Not every project needs to be a moonshot. Some ideas are worth testing just for the learnings. These low-risk, high-learning moves drive progress without major downside.

3. Invest in Teams, Not Just Tech
The best private equity deals start with strong teams—not just cool ideas or data. Jason reminded us that execution always beats theory.

4. AI Works Best When It’s Practical
The best AI use cases solve boring, repetitive problems—like reducing back-office tasks or helping customers faster. That’s where the real margin expansion comes from.

5. Health Care Is the Big Opportunity
There’s huge potential in helping doctors, nurses, and staff focus more on care and less on paperwork. That’s why health care is one of the most exciting spaces for AI right now.

“I think the real trick there is just figuring out where the business value is and being sure that you can build the thing that matters.”

— Kevin Henrikson

Final Thoughts

Private equity is changing. It’s no longer just about spreadsheets and capital. The real value now comes from what you do after the investment.

That means building teams, creating smart systems, and using AI as a multiplier—not a magic trick. Companies that win will combine human insight with tech-driven execution.

Health care is a clear example: AI won’t replace providers—but it can help them get back to why they started in the first place—to care for people.

Whether you’re a founder, operator, or investor, the lesson is clear: health is a team sport—and building with AI is too.

🎧 Listen to Episode 28 here: