Nans Rivat, Vice President at PACE Healthcare Capital, plays a key role in supporting startups that address mental health gaps. His work as an investor and board observer focuses on helping early-stage companies expand access to mental health care, improve outcomes, and reach underserved groups. Through his leadership, Rivat aims to help bridge the divide between promising technology and the people who need care the most.
Investing in Solutions for Mental Health Access
Rivat leads investments at PACE Healthcare Capital, a leading digital health investment firm that backs impactful, capital-efficient software and tech-enabled companies, typically away from traditional VC centers. Based in Chicago, PACE recently exited portfolio company AMOpportunities in a transaction with AIM Equity Partners.
Rivat identifies startups that use technology to solve real problems in mental health care, such as provider shortages and limited access for children and families on Medicaid. One of the companies he supports, Backpack Healthcare, recently secured $14 million in Series A funding to expand its teletherapy services for young people. As a board observer, Rivat works closely with founders to guide strategy and help them reach more communities.
Rivat's investment decisions are shaped by a clear understanding of the challenges facing mental health care. Many children in the United States depend on Medicaid, yet only a small percentage of clinicians accept this insurance. Companies like Backpack Healthcare use digital tools to match patients with therapists, reduce missed appointments, and provide culturally sensitive care. Rivat's involvement helps these startups develop business models that can reach more patients and deliver measurable results.
Rivat's focus on early-stage companies allows him to support new ideas that can address gaps in mental health services. He helps startups build strong foundations for growth, from fundraising to market entry. This hands-on support gives companies the resources they need to scale their solutions and make a difference in people's lives.
Guiding Startups as Board Observer
As a board observer for several PACE portfolio companies, including Backpack Healthcare and Headlight, Rivat plays an active role in shaping company direction. He attends board meetings, offers feedback on business strategy, and provides insights on financial planning. This position allows him to work directly with founders, helping them navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
Rivat's guidance is informed by his background in finance and consulting. Before joining PACE, he spent four years at Goldman Sachs and worked as an independent consultant with startups and venture capital firms in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. This experience gives him a broad view of the healthcare technology sector and the unique needs of mental health startups.
Rivat's role as board observer also allows him to see firsthand the impact of technology on mental health care. He supports companies that use artificial intelligence and digital platforms to make therapy more accessible and effective. Through regular engagement with company leaders, Rivat helps startups refine their products and expand their reach to underserved populations.
Sharing Insights and Inspiring Change
Rivat's influence goes beyond investment and board work. He actively contributes to public discussions about mental health and technology, serving as a speaker at industry events and universities. At Health2Tech in Chicago, he spoke about the intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health, highlighting both opportunities and risks. As a guest lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, he shared his perspective on the importance of early-stage capital for digital health startups.
Through these activities, Rivat encourages responsible development and use of technology in mental health care. He emphasizes the need for solutions that are safe, effective, and trusted by patients and providers. His public engagement helps raise awareness about the importance of investing in mental health and the potential for technology to close access gaps.
Rivat's personal experience with depression in his early twenties shapes his commitment to this work. He approaches mental health challenges with empathy and a desire to support solutions that are inclusive and reliable. His efforts as an investor, board observer, and public speaker reflect a dedication to helping startups create lasting impact in mental health care.
Nans Rivat's work at PACE Healthcare Capital demonstrates how strategic investment and hands-on support can help startups address mental health gaps. Through his roles as an investor, board observer, and public speaker, he supports the growth of companies that use technology to make care more accessible and effective. Rivat's leadership continues to inspire change in the mental health sector, giving hope to those who face barriers to care and supporting the next generation of solutions.
ⓒ 2025 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
