"Building a Health Revolution: Stephanie Liu, cofounder of Nourish, talks about creating a $100 million AI health startup focused on preventative care. 🚀💚 #ForbesTalks"

 In a recent episode of Forbes Talks, Stephanie Liu, cofounder of the innovative health startup Nourish, shared insights into building a $100 million AI-powered health company. Nourish, which emerged during the pandemic, is driven by a commitment to preventative health and aims to make dietitian services accessible.

Origins of Nourish

Liu explained that the inception of Nourish was rooted in the realization that many individuals have access to dietitian services through their insurance yet remain unaware of it. ""Insurance companies have been covering medical nutrition therapy since the early 2000s," she noted, emphasizing that the challenge lies in awareness and access. This insight led Liu and her cofounders, Sam Perkins and Aidan Dewar, to create a platform that connects licensed dietitians with patients through virtual consultations, directly billing insurance companies for their services.

Growth and Impact

Since its launch in 2021, Nourish has made significant strides, helping over 100,000 patients across all 50 states and establishing a network of more than 2,500 dietitians. Recently, the company announced a $70 million Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $115 million. This funding was led by J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners, with additional support from Thrive Ventures and Atomico. Liu highlighted that this growth aligns with a broader shift in the U.S. healthcare system from reactive to preventive care, particularly as chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease continue to escalate healthcare costs.

AI and Technology Integration

Nourish leverages technology and AI to enhance its services. The platform utilizes algorithms to match patients with dietitians based on their health goals, medical history, and insurance coverage. Patients can book recurring virtual sessions, access recipes, and order meals through the Nourish app. On the backend, AI tools assist dietitians by automating tasks such as note-taking, allowing them to focus more on patient care.

Future of Preventative Health

Looking ahead, Liu expressed optimism about the future of preventative health, stating, "The concept of 'food as medicine' is gaining traction and will continue to do so in the coming years." She believes that as awareness grows, more people will recognize the importance of nutrition in maintaining health.

In her conversation with Forbes, Liu shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship, the role of AI in healthcare, and the evolving landscape of the wellness industry. For those interested in scaling a startup, her journey offers a compelling case study of innovation and resilience in the face of challenges.