SpringTide Ventures, a leader in early-stage HealthTech venture capital, today announced the appointment of Brad Otto and Claire Smith as full partners, marking a significant enhancement in the firm’s strategic leadership. This move aligns with SpringTide’s vision for pioneering investments in emerging technologies.

“Claire’s deep background and expertise in the emerging technologies we are investing in is pivotal, aligning perfectly with our firm’s genetic makeup and emphasizing the critical role of technologists in early-stage investing. This focus ensures that we do not stray from our core mission of tech investing,” says Austin Walters, managing partner at SpringTide. “Similarly, Brad’s deep industry understanding and background in health insurance and venture capital equips us with a robust foundation for managing complex investments and navigating the nuances of early-stage healthcare.”

Before SpringTide, Otto worked on the corporate venture capital team at UnitedHealth Group, where he worked to scale health tech companies like Orthology and Sanvello Health.

“SpringTide has a unique opportunity to partner with founders who are really interested in making a positive impact on healthcare and disrupting the status quo,” said Otto. “I am glad to be a part of a team where I can make a difference.”

Prior to SpringTide, Smith was an investor at Meridian Street Capital and Anterra Capital, focusing on seed-stage health tech and agri tech. She also served as Chief of Staff at Crestovo, a microbiome therapeutics startup later acquired by Finch Therapeutics.

"I love working with founders and being able to translate ideas into products that help people. SpringTide has empowered this reality," said Smith. "Joining this team was a pivotal decision driven by my desire to delve deeper into early-stage healthcare and deep tech, particularly within the TechBio sphere."

Brad and Claire will assume key responsibilities in capital formation, deal-making, and portfolio governance. “Claire and Brad are exemplary builders who embody SpringTide’s pioneering spirit,” said Walters. “They have already proven that they excel in finding and supporting founders with the desire and vision to disrupt healthcare, and we are already hard at work.”

For more information about SpringTide Ventures, visit https://springtide.com/.

About SpringTide Ventures

SpringTide Ventures is an investment firm dedicated to supporting the world’s best healthcare innovators. Based in Boston, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco, the firm currently has $100 million in total assets under management, focusing on early-stage investments in digital health, medical devices, life sciences, and tech-enabled care delivery. For more information, visit https://springtide.com/.

Josh Heath josh@springtide.com