Our team spent the week in Las Vegas at the HIMSS Global Health Conference, meeting with founders, investors and strategic buyers across healthcare IT and services. Here is a short recap of what we saw and heard.
Event Overview
HIMSS brings together health system leaders, technology companies and investors for a week of sessions, exhibits and meetings. For us, it is one of the best opportunities each year to hear directly from buyers about where they are investing and what they look for in a target.
Key Highlights
- AI moved from pilots to budgets. Health systems are now asking vendors for measurable results, not demos.
- Interoperability remains a priority. Buyers continue to value platforms that connect cleanly with existing EHRs.
- Revenue cycle stays in focus. Tools that shorten reimbursement timelines drew steady interest from both strategics and sponsors.
- Founders are planning earlier. Many of our conversations were with owners two to three years from a transaction.
The founders getting the most attention from buyers this year were the ones who could clearly show outcomes and growth. Preparation shows.
Bridgewell Advisory
What We Heard From Buyers
Strategic acquirers and private equity sponsors both described a disciplined but active market. Quality assets with recurring revenue and strong retention continue to draw competitive interest, while businesses with less predictable performance face more scrutiny in diligence.
Looking Ahead
We left HIMSS with a full pipeline of follow-up conversations and a clearer view of buyer priorities for the year ahead. If you are a healthcare founder thinking about your options, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
