Building an Operating System for Faster Decisions: Interview with Cala Health CEO Deanna Harshbarger

Building a successful medtech startup requires a rigorous, data-driven approach to both product development and fundraising. Deanna Harshbarger, CEO of Cala Health, emphasizes that startups must balance immediate operational "sprints" with a long-term "marathon" vision, ensuring every decision is backed by solid financial models and clear proof points. A core pillar of this strategy is deep patient-centricity; by involving end-users in the design process early, companies can eliminate usability barriers that often hinder adoption. Furthermore, securing reimbursement for novel therapies depends on a comprehensive clinical evidence strategy that evolves from initial feasibility studies to real-world evidence. This methodical approach to evidence generation not only validates the mechanism of action but also builds a defensible competitive moat, ultimately ensuring that innovative, non-invasive solutions effectively reach the patients who need them most.