According to Forbes, 90% of all startups fail. As for those in the healthcare and social assistance field, only about 57% make it past five years. Meanwhile, in the medical technology sector, upwards of 75% of U.S.-based, early-stage medtech companies never find success, according to TTi Health Research & Economics.
Learn the top reasons why healthcare startups fail so you can be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead when running your healthcare business. Get the insights.
1. Running Out of Cash
Mismanagement of funds or failure to raise enough capital is the most common reason for any business, not just healthcare startups, to fold. A CB Insights study found that 38% of unsuccessful startups ran out of cash or failed to raise new capital. The healthcare industry is especially tough. Managing cash flow is challenging because the sales cycle in healthcare is particularly long.
One area where medical businesses lose funds is putting too much money and effort into pilot programs. Many companies underestimate the amount of effort required to have a successful pilot. You want to put the right amount of resources into the program to gain traction and revenue without going overboard. There’s a fine balance needed.
One way to skip the pilot programs is to invest in a franchise. A Place At Home allows seniors to age safely in their homes. We’ve already gone through the trials and tribulations that come with healthcare startups, so you don’t have to. Instead, you’ll receive our proven blueprint for building your own in-home senior care business.
2. Not Enough Market Demand
In that same CB Insights study, research showed 35% of startups fail because there isn’t enough market demand for their products or services. Although a medical technology company can have multiple potential paths for its product or service, they typically start with the one that the founder or CEO is most experienced in. But, this path might not be where the highest demand is. So, you should perform extensive research and determine which direction provides the best market size, competitive landscape, and highest potential for patient adoption.
3. Product or Service Doesn’t Fit Workflows
All jobs in the healthcare field are essential, making their workflow vital to saving lives and treating patients. You might think your new technology will make their lives easier, lower costs, or improve patient outcomes, but the adoption period might turn them away from using it. Facilities and offices usually have a well-established workflow model; anything that disrupts it could come with pushback.
4. Flawed Business Model
The CB Insights study found that nearly a fifth of all startups failed because of a flawed business model. The most common reasons a business model fails are because their profits and losses don’t add up or its story doesn’t make sense. This basically means that the company built the product or service on incorrect assumptions about the consumer. Or in other words, there’s no real market for the product or service.
5. Regulatory or Legal Issues
The medical field comes with lots of hoops to jump through. Some startups try to skip the regulatory approval process and go directly to the consumer. For some companies, it’s worked. But it leaves you hoping your customers are okay paying out-of-pocket for your health service or product. While the process can seem lengthy and expensive to go through, receiving federal approval, in the end, might help your business thrive.
Healthcare Startups vs. Medical Franchising
Concerned one of these five reasons might be what brings down your new healthcare business? Consider franchising. There are several medical franchising routes, from at-home care to urgent care centers or physical therapy offices. While the initial investment costs are higher than possibly a startup, you know there is already a demand because the brand is thriving in other locations. The franchise provides a proven business model, allowing you to get up and running efficiently. Good franchises will walk you through all the licensing and regulation steps to start a medical business. They already know the ins and outs, so take advantage of it.
Benefits of Homecare Business Vs. Medical Business
Forget the hassle of dealing with insurance companies and stricter regulations of medical businesses. Instead, learn how to start a home health agency like A Place At Home. The overhead costs and startup costs are kept lower for several reasons.
First, you don’t have to hire medical providers like doctors, mid-level practitioners, or nurses. Caregivers provide our clients with exceptional homecare. This factor keeps your staffing costs lower. Then, your professional liability insurance is lower because you’re not providing medical services. Lastly, since you’re not providing physical or occupational therapy to your clients, you’ll need fewer supplies, keeping overhead costs lower. So, you can provide your community with compassionate, senior-focused, and customized in-home services.
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