Day Zero 40: Improving Diabetes Care from Austria to America
Meet Frank Westermann:
Frank Westermann is a multi-time founder. He is the co-founder and co-CEO of 9am.heatlh and the founder and CEO of Whitewater Ventures LLC. Previously, he was also the co-founder and CEO of mySugr, which was acquired by Roche. Frank earned a diploma in Business Administration from the Otto Friedrich University of Bamberg as well as from the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences. He also completed an Erasmus Year in Business Management at the University of Angers.
Key Insights:
Frank Westermann was diagnosed with diabetes, and has since founded two companies that make diabetes care more convenient, affordable, and holistic.
- Behind the Why. Frank understands what is annoying, complicated, and frustrating about diabetes management because he was diagnosed with type one diabetes. His experience inspired him to found mySugr and 9am.health. Additionally, many of 9am.health’s care specialist live with diabetes themselves, so they understand the patient perspective.
- Europe vs America. mySugr benefitted from Austrian government grants that didn’t require equity in exchange. However, Frank notes that if you want to build a business bigger and faster, America provides access to larger financial resources.
- Follow Your Gut.Frank’s one piece of advice for entrepreneurs is to be really passionate about what you do, and then follow your gut. Sometimes it’s hard, because some decisions seem logically correct, but if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
This episode is hosted by Lynne Chou O’Keefe. She is a member of the Advisory Council for Day Zero and is the Founder and Managing Partner of Define Ventures.
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