It’s a weird thing to be doing work you’re thrilled about and have to keep quiet about it. Those days are behind us now that we’ve pulled Iron Health out of stealth mode. (I will miss the voice my friends use when they say “stealth mode,” though. Keeping quiet about my role at Iron is the closest I’ll ever feel to the CIA.)

We launched two weeks ago, which feels like the right time to reflect. In fact, over the course of this year, we'll be sharing reflections and updates because we think it’s good to know the people behind the companies you work with. A sneak peek at startup life can be fun, too. 

So, here’s what’s been happening at Iron:

Our launch validated the problem we’re solving in a big way.

‍The outpouring of support from all corners of women’s health has been validating. We’ve received hundreds of messages from OB/GYN practices and hospitals, investors, and women who are experiencing significant gaps in the system. We knew we were onto something, but now we really know we’re onto something. (If you missed the launch, check it out from Fierce Healthcare, Axios, FemTech Insider, Mobihealth News, and MedCity.)

This team is incredible. So are you.

‍I am consistently wowed by the alignment between our team and our customers. We share a passion for women’s health and it comes through at every touchpoint. The feeling of working together is energizing. We believe that our solution at Iron Health aligns incentives to help providers provide patients with the comprehensive care they’d like to give (but in a way that’s economically feasible and doesn’t drive more burnout!). 

Startup life is really full of surprises.

If I had to write a short story about our launch, it would be: “Our launch was exciting but then a bank crisis pooped on our parade. Then the launch was exciting again.” In all seriousness, who could have predicted that we would have a banking crisis on the same day as our launch? Who could have predicted we’d have one at all? For all the risks you mitigate— all the things that keep you up at night— as a startup founder, this just isn’t one of them. You can read my personal reflection on the SVB failing here, but let’s just say that this was one wild, unexpected emotional rollercoaster and I am grateful for the silver linings (and that we’re back to business as usual).

Anything you want or don’t want to hear from us? Please holler— our email and DMs are open.

Until next time,

Stephanie

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