Healthcare is a $4 trillion industry that is ripe for disruption and innovation. Unsustainable cost trends, barriers to access, overly complex processes and a long list of pain points for patients and providers all make the industry fertile ground for change and new business models.
That's where the innovators come in. Fierce Healthcare launched the Fierce 15 recognition in 2019, a time when digital health and telehealth startups were starting to gain ground. Our inaugural Fierce 15 class includes many well-recognized names, including Cityblock Health, which was only two years old when it made the list; Cricket Health, a pioneer in tech-enabled kidney care; and Civica Rx, a startup formed when a group of hospitals—fed up with drug shortages and price spikes—promised to upend the market.
From scrappy startups to private companies run by healthcare veterans, we want to spotlight the teams doing groundbreaking work in healthcare, from cutting-edge technology to new care models to innovative approaches to reach and engage patients.
Fast facts: Previous Fierce 15 winners are not eligible
Companies do not have to disclose funding or revenue to be considered
There is no word limit for the nomination, but keeping it short and sweet is appreciated
Beginning today, we're opening nominations for our annual Fierce 15 honorees. 2025 will mark the seventh year we've highlighted private healthcare companies that are really looking to change the face of the industry.
The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being “fierce”—championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. The Fierce 15 selection represents many corners of the industry from health tech and AI-enabled software to health payers and primary care.
We want to showcase for our readers the newest ideas that could have a major positive impact on how they do business. That's what it means to be an honoree of the Fierce 15.
Take a look at some of our previous honorees.
Abridge, a 2024 winner, has become one of the most talked about and rapidly growing AI-powered healthcare startups. The company, which builds generative AI for medical documentation, is reportedly raising $250 million at a valuation of $2.5 billion. Another 2024 winner, Thyme Care, a value-based cancer care navigation startup, pocketed $95 million in fresh funding this year.
Women's health companies that have made the Fierce 15 lists continue to thrive. Maven Clinic, a 2019 honoree, reportedly became the first female-focused health startup to surpass a $1 billion valuation and now represents more than 15 million lives globally. Pomelo Care, a value-based virtual provider of maternity care, banked $46 million this year and acquired the Doula Network to expand its services.
The editors at Fierce Healthcare have a strong track record of identifying the "fiercest" companies in the market.
Think your company has what it takes to make our 2025 list?
Submit your nomination below by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Note: These awards are for companies that operate in the healthcare space. We have separate Fierce 15 awards for therapeutics-focused biotechnology companies (Fierce Biotech Fierce 15) and medtech companies or devices (Fierce Medtech Fierce 15 awards).
Any questions? Contact Executive Editor Heather Landi at [email protected].