Investing in the Health of Louisianans

Ochsner Health has a long legacy of innovating and investing in Louisiana and the communities it serves. As part of its commitment to the state, Ochsner Ventures launched the Ochsner Louisiana Innovation Fund, a $10 million fund for investments in Louisiana-based, early-stage health and health-adjacent companies that are developing innovation solutions to improve the health of Louisianans and experience of healthcare professionals. The fund, in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) via the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), will further health innovation, support local founders and businesses, and catalyze economic development that creates new jobs and prosperity for our communities.

Ochsner Ventures will manage the program and make equity investments in venture and seed-stage health companies that are headquartered or have significant operations in Louisiana. The fund will collaborate with an extensive network of ecosystem partners to identify companies with compelling business models and strong leadership teams whose innovations advance Ochsner’s strategic priorities of accelerating value-based care, digital transformation of care delivery, and improving access and community health across the State. Priority will be given to companies whose missions closely align with Ochsner’s values – Patients First, Integrity, Compassion, Inclusion, Excellence and Teamwork.

Ochsner has years of experience working with local and national innovative companies. As an investor and partner, we can provide our entrepreneurs and portfolio companies with capital, mentorship, and access to deep clinical and operational expertise and insight.

Key Investment Criteria

• Industry: Health or health adjacent
• Stage: Preference for Seed or Series A
• Location: Headquarters or significant operations in Louisiana
• Product: Product/service displays ability to scale and grow outside the region
• Team: Impressive management team with proven expertise and track record
• Partnership: High likelihood of product/service adoption within Ochsner

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed The American Rescue Plan Act, which reauthorized and funded the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). The new version of the SSBCI program provides a combined $10 billion to empower small businesses to access capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities as the country emerges from the pandemic. The Department of Treasury awarded Louisiana up to $113 million through the program to support small business growth.

Ochsner Ventures in conjunction with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) will use funds from the SSBCI program to provide capital support to Louisiana entrepreneurs making an impact on healthcare in the Louisiana. Click here to learn more about the SSBCI program and LED.