Episode 9: Richard Mulry Talks Health System Venture Capital and Neurotech Investing

27 July

How do you turn promising neurotechnology into solutions that can actually work inside healthcare systems? In this episode of The Business of Neurotech Podcast, Adam Fraser is joined by Richard Mulry, President and CEO of Northwell Holdings, the for-profit venture investment arm of Northwell Health, to explore what it takes to identify, invest in, and scale innovation in clinical care. Richard explains why Northwell prefers to invest in companies it would use itself, and how clinical evidence, workflow integration, and strong partnerships shape every investment decision. The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges of neurotechnology, from brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and neurorehabilitation to AI-enabled platforms and bioelectronic medicine. Richard also shares why solving meaningful clinical problems matters more than following investment trends, how strategic healthcare investors can help companies prove real-world value, and what founders should know about working with strategic investors. Listen in for an insightful discussion on what it takes to bring neurotechnology from concept to clinical impact!

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:28] Richard’s career in healthcare and his path to Northwell Holdings.
[04:32] Background on Northwell and its approach to healthcare innovation.
[07:15] Discover Northwell's investment process and selection criteria.
[11:25] Why Northwell prefers to invest in companies it would use itself.
[12:30] Find out how Northwell complements traditional venture capital investors.
[16:46] Understand Richard’s perspective on the neurotech market.
[19:29] Hear why Northwell invested in Cognixion and its evolving platform.
[21:43] Explore Northwell’s view of invasive versus non-invasive BCIs.
[26:36] Learn about Northwell’s latest neurotech investments.
[31:31] Understand how Northwell supports companies through FDA and reimbursement.
[32:50] Discover how AI is reshaping healthcare operations and medtech.
[37:03] Richard’s advice for founders seeking strategic investors.
[39:33] Final takeaways and how to connect with Northwell Holdings.