Equity Startup Battlefield winner Salva Health is changing the game in breast cancer detection
Apr 2, 2025
Valentina Agudelo, co-founder and CEO of Salva Health, is revolutionizing breast cancer detection with the innovative Julieta device. She identified alarming survival rate disparities in Latin America, leading to her groundbreaking efforts. The conversation covers how Julieta makes early detection accessible in underserved communities, the unique hardware-as-a-service model, and plans for expansion into other medical conditions. Valentina shares insights from her Startup Battlefield experience and the challenges of securing funding for female-led startups.
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Salva Health's Origin
- Salva Health's origin began with a university startup competition focused on women's issues.
- Research on breast cancer revealed its high survival rate with early detection, contrasting with its status as a leading cause of female cancer deaths.
Late Detection: The Core Issue
- Breast cancer's high survival rate when detected early, coupled with its high mortality rate, highlights late detection as the core problem.
- This realization shifted the focus from a medical problem to an entrepreneurial challenge, prompting the development of accessible screening solutions.
Investor Alignment
- Founders should thoroughly understand their own thesis and target investors aligned with their mission.
- Seek investors who bring more than just money, considering alternative funding like grants, competitions, and debt.