Dr. Joy Bhosai: Raising Millions and Revolutionizing Healthcare with Pluto Health

Triangle Tweener Talks

How can technology close the healthcare gaps that leave so many underserved? What does it take to build a startup that challenges the status quo while navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship?

In this episode of Triangle Tweener Talks, we sit down with Dr. Joy Bhosai, founder and CEO of Pluto Health, to explore the inspiring journey that led her from global healthcare work to founding a tech startup aimed at improving patient outcomes. Joy’s background spans experiences at the Clinton Foundation’s Ethiopia Hospital program, a Fulbright scholarship in Thailand, and a Duke University residency that sparked her passion for health tech innovation.

Joy opens up about her challenges raising capital during the pandemic, the triumphs of building Pluto Health, and the unique insights she’s gained from her “Rocket Coaster” entrepreneurial ride. Along the way, she shares how her parents’ work with adults with intellectual disabilities influenced her mission to create solutions that are patient-centric, equitable, and impactful.

Tune in to hear:

• How Joy transitioned from clinical practice to founding Pluto Health
• The importance of resilience in navigating the highs and lows of startup life
• Joy’s approach to leveraging tech to solve healthcare disparities
• Strategies for securing funding and building partnerships in the health tech space
• Why focusing on patient experiences is key to driving innovation

Where to Find Dr. Joy Bhosai:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-bhosai-md-mph-0475317/
• Website: https://www.trypluto.com/
• X: https://x.com/joybhosaimd

Where to Find Scot Wingo:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thescotwingo/
• Tweener Times: https://www.tweenertimes.com/
• X: https://x.com/scotwingo

In this episode:

(00:03:06) Joy learned entrepreneurship from her parents

(00:07:29) Global Health Education at Yale

(00:11:23) "We just need better access to basic resources like medicine and water. Why are we making a smartphone app?"

(00:17:26) "I initially didn't think about starting Pluto as a startup at all."

(00:28:08) Starting to commercialize Pluto in mid-2022

(00:32:30) Raising $2.5M Pre-seed

(00:34:51) Leveraging strategic Healthcare Funding Partnerships

(00:45:38) "Imagine being able to with a click of a button, have someone show up to your house the next day, draw blood while you're drinking coffee and have it be done with."

(00:55:58) Leaning on friends and finding a founder network

In this news:

• Pluto Health Extends Support for Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western NC and Eastern TN: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pluto-health-extends-support-for-those-impacted-by-hurricane-helene-in-western-nc-and-eastern-tn-302280487.html
• 2024 Women in Business Awards Winners: https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/c/2024-women-in-business-awards-raleigh-durham/22541/joy-bhosai-pluto-health.html
• Medable Partners with Pluto Health to Optimize Patient Experience and Improve Access to Clinical Trials: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231003413736/en/Medable-Partners-with-Pluto-Health-to-Optimize-Patient-Experience-and-Improve-Access-to-Clinical-Trials

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Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Earfluence.