Welcome to the latest edition of Re-Humanizing HealthTech, where we amplify and connect voices bringing humans back into healthcare.

I’m releasing this issue following a pause on the east coast, where I stopped by Washington DC and NYC after some restorative time in San Diego.

Somehow, we’ve reached a point in modernity where receiving a pretty standard email can kick off a huge cortisol spike. We put off a catch-up with friends rather than face the stress of actually showing up. And fatigue, anxiety, guilt, loneliness, loss of control, and overwhelm are becoming more of a baseline than specific conditions.

At a high level, we have very little idea what’s actually going on in our bodies. There’s a reason why wearables like the Oura Ring, Whoop, and the Apple Watch have taken off — they give us insight into what’s happening under our skin, and an unexpected combination of a sense of control, combined with a window into what we don’t know.

We’re facing the evolutionary mismatch of our Stone Age minds with our modern environment. We’re dealing with thousands of potential social contacts, endless 24/7 news, unparalleled life and career options (for some), and ongoing macroeconomic threats that are nigh-impossible to directly face.

A 1997 Australian movie, The Castle, quipped, “How’s the serenity?” as planes from a nearby airfield buzzed incessantly overhead. Though it’s a comedy, perhaps there’s a lesson to learn in finding better strategies to constructively embrace the hum of our vibrant, always-on, and information-rich world.

We can train our bodies to better face the challenges of modernity. But, going to a seven-day silent retreat isn’t for all of us, and we know that small steps make a big difference (and have a much higher likelihood of being sustainably incorporated in our day-to-day lives).

Our featured founder understands how difficult it is to make space for your future and present selves. Something she’s most proud of is that people keep coming back — that there’s enough of the feeling good in the moment to help people feel better in the long run. Read more below.

In optimism,

Katie

Meet Anna. She’s building Sensate. It’s a groundbreaking nervous-system regulation technology — a wearable “pebble” paired with a resonant sound app — that uses gentle infrasonic vibration and immersive audio to shift the body out of stress and into a state of deep calm within minutes. Designed to tone the vagus nerve and retrain the stress response over time, Sensate offers immediate relief as well as lasting improvements in resilience, sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing — accessible to anyone, with no training or experience required.

Why did you choose this path?

Technology is reshaping the fabric of society, reaching all the way into our nervous systems. I’m deeply passionate about directing that immense power toward positive, evolutionary change. Right now, we’re not functioning at our best — individually or collectively. Without real stress management, proper rest, sleep, and the ability to reset, we stay stuck in chronic activation. From that stressed neurological state, we make fear-driven decisions that ripple through every part of life.

To meet the external challenges we face, we first need strong, steady nervous systems. That’s why this work matters so much to me — we’re solving the problem that enables us to solve all other problems. It’s the foundation for how we function as individuals, as family and community members, and as part of the wider world.

What are the missing pieces for you right now?

💸 We’re looking for capital and for more purpose-driven partners who feel called to support this mission. Our team is incredibly dedicated, and our product is already transforming lives around the world — we simply want to reach many more people who need it.

🤝 We’re fortunate to have an amazing investor community, and we’re excited to welcome more people who believe in companies that pair significant commercial potential with meaningful positive impact. More aligned supporters, more momentum, and always — good vibes.

🎯 We’re also eager to connect with organizations seeking tools that truly make a difference and demonstrate sustained engagement. There aren’t many solutions that deliver both impact and consistent use — and Sensate uniquely combines these critical elements to be genuinely effective and valuable.

What gives you hope?

I’m encouraged by the rapid rise in awareness and consciousness that’s emerging from the pressure so many are feeling. This moment is forcing us to see what we’ve been creating unconsciously and inviting us to evolve. It can feel like a shedding — full of tension and transformation — but within that process are profound learnings for anyone willing to open, grow, and move forward. It resonates deeply with some, but ultimately, I believe we’re all in this together.

The Steering Committee met in DC to conduct 2026 Annual Planning and to hold an advocacy day on the Hill.

As a lobbying initiate, the Hill day was an eye-opening experience. I was pleasantly surprised to have open and free-flowing conversations about key healthcare issues, and to see firsthand the commitment of offices across the aisle to improving efficacy in healthcare.

Big takeaway: Your Voice Matters. Use it.

I operate, advise and invest in Pre-Seed —>Series B HealthTech & AgeTech startups.

Reach out if you’re tackling gnarly problems in complex ecosystems.