Time is the one resource that money can’t buy, which is why I strongly believe in the transformative potential of AI in healthtech. This market is undeniably one of the most challenging: data protection laws, stringent regulations, and bureaucratic hurdles create significant barriers. Yet, these challenges are precisely what make innovation here so impactful.
A good friend of mine, Alex Badalyan, is working on something extraordinary—think of it as the Spotify of healthcare. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, what I can say is that this platform is already backed by some of the biggest names in the industry. Alex’s proven track record in building scalable services, combined with the expertise of Anton Shchipanov, ex-Revolut, the startup’s CTO, makes this venture one to watch.
Today, I’m speaking with Anton about his journey, his decision to join this stealth-mode healthtech startup, and his insights into the market’s future.
Mary Glazkova: Anton, thank you for joining me today. Let’s dive right in—why did you decide to join this new AI healthtech startup?
Anton Shchipanov: Thank you, Mary. It’s a pleasure to be here. My decision to join this venture comes from both personal and professional alignment.
In my career, I’ve worked on building and scaling data-driven, AI-powered systems. At one of the top music streaming platforms Yandex Music, I helped develop recommendation algorithms and real-time systems that processed vast amounts of user data. This experience taught me how to harness data to deliver personalized user experiences, a concept that translates nicely to tailored health insights.
at Revolut, I managed adaptable systems capable of rapid customization—a vital feature for personalizing recommendations based on an individual’s unique needs. When Alex approached me with this opportunity, it felt like the perfect chance to apply these skills to a sector that needs innovation urgently. Preventive health, in particular, can shift the focus of healthcare from reactive treatments to proactive solutions.
Mary: From your perspective, what’s currently happening in the healthtech market, and how is AI shaping it?
Anton: The healthtech market is growthing, for sure. In 2025, the global healthtech market is projected to surpass $500 billion, driven largely by advancements in AI and data analytics.
AI is revolutionizing the field by enabling precision medicine, which personalizes healthcare based on individual data such as genetics, lifestyle, and medical history. For example, wearable devices and electronic health records are being analyzed with AI to predict health risks and recommend preventive actions, improving patient outcomes while streamlining healthcare costs.
However, the market faces significant challenges—data privacy concerns, fragmented systems, and the complexities of navigating regulatory frameworks. Startups that can address these issues while delivering tangible value will define the future of healthtech.
Our startup focuses on integrating AI with preventive healthcare, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical, user-centric solutions.
Mary: I spent a year working in London back in 2018. From your experience, how has the tech landscape changed since then?
Anton: The tech landscape has evolved dramatically since 2018. AI adoption has moved from experimental pilots to becoming a core business strategy across industries.
In London, the growth of healthtech and fintech has been especially pronounced. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools, particularly in areas like telemedicine and remote health monitoring. Startups are not just using AI to improve products but are also leveraging it for operational efficiency and scalability.
The ecosystem is now more collaborative, with a stronger focus on sustainability and long-term impact, reflecting a broader global trend.
Mary: You’ve had an impressive career spanning several industries and roles, and you’ve mentored startups. Could you share some highlights?
Anton: Mentoring startups has been incredibly rewarding. Through programs like Solyanka’s Scalerator and EMERGE conferences, I’ve worked with startups such as DataHive and PayNet, helping them build scalable architectures and navigate technical challenges.
Interestingly, mentoring is a two-way street. While guiding others, I’ve learned a great deal myself—especially about emerging trends and innovative approaches to problem-solving. For instance, at EMERGE, I noticed a growing interest in ESG principles and sustainable tech solutions, which aligns closely with my belief that technology must be responsible and impactful.
One of the key lessons I emphasize to startups is the importance of a solid foundation. Rushing to scale without addressing the basics, like resilient architecture and robust DevOps practices, often leads to costly setbacks.
Mary: Can you share a bit about your new venture?
Anton: While I can’t go into detail yet, I can tell you this: our platform is designed to redefine preventive healthcare by combining AI-powered insights with a seamless user experience. We’re tackling some of the biggest challenges in the industry, and we’re doing it with a team that deeply understands both technology and user needs.
The most important thing is that we’re giving users the ability to consolidate all their previously unstructured health data in one place and leverage it for the most personalized approach to preventive health. This means empowering individuals to take control of their health in a way that’s never been possible before.
Mary: Fundraising in healthtech is no easy feat. How did you manage to secure funding?
Anton: Fundraising is indeed challenging, especially in healthtech. But we approached it strategically. First, Alex leveraged his network to connect with investors who share our vision. Second, we conducted extensive customer interviews to validate the market need, ensuring that our MVP addressed real pain points. This gave us credibility and confidence during investor pitches. Third, we focused on building a strong team with a proven track record, which resonated well with investors.
Mary: Any advice for CTOs, especially those in startups?
Anton: Absolutely. My advice would be to prioritize scalability and adaptability from the outset. Build systems that can grow with your user base and evolve as the market changes.
Secondly, don’t underestimate the value of collaboration—engage with other teams early to ensure alignment across product, engineering, and business goals. Lastly, stay curious. The tech landscape evolves rapidly, and staying ahead means constantly learning and experimenting.
Mary: Thank you for sharing your journey and insights, Anton. I look forward to seeing the impact of your work in this exciting field.
Anton: Thank you, Mary. It’s been a pleasure discussing these topics. The intersection of AI and healthtech holds immense potential, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.
