Annie Lamont, a prominent venture capitalist and the First Lady of Connecticut, has been making successful investments in the healthcare and fintech sectors for the past four decades. Her long-term approach to investing in startups has led to significant returns, with recent successes including backing Devoted Health, a Medicare Advantage insurance plan provider, and VillageMD, a primary care provider. Lamont’s ability to spot and embrace new technology cycles has been a key factor in her sustained success, allowing her to reinvent herself across different industries and eras.
Lamont’s interest in healthcare stems from personal experiences, such as supporting her family financially when her father fell ill without health insurance. Her early career in venture capital included working with industry giants like Steve Jobs at Apple and backing successful companies like Cephalon and Genzyme. As the internet became more prevalent, Lamont shifted her focus to tech-based healthcare services, leading to investments in companies like AthenaHealth and Castlight Health.
Since founding Oak HC/FT in 2014, Lamont has continued to invest in a wide range of health tech companies, from virtual care providers to mental health therapy platforms. Her network and experience have provided stability and valuable insights for founders, helping them navigate strategic decisions and connect with the right investors. Her success as an investor has also led to personal financial gains, with Forbes estimating her net worth at $650 million and ranking her on the Self-Made Women list.
As the wife of Connecticut governor Ned Lamont, Annie has gained additional influence and a broader perspective on government programs and policies, which has informed her investments. While facing occasional scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, Lamont and her husband have taken steps to ensure transparency and avoid any ethical violations. Oak HC/FT’s focus on hiring and artificial intelligence in healthcare reflects Lamont’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and driving innovation in the industry.
Looking ahead, Lamont believes that artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in transforming healthcare businesses and improving patient outcomes. By investing in companies like Notable and Trovo Health, which leverage AI for automation and clinical support, Lamont is positioning herself to capitalize on the next technological breakthrough in healthcare. Her ability to adapt to new trends and technologies, combined with her strategic investments and strong network, continue to solidify her position as a top tech investor in the industry.
