Photo courtesy of PACE Healthcare Capital
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Nans Rivat, Vice President at PACE Healthcare Capital, is working to make mental health care more accessible for people who need it most. PACE Healthcare Capital invests in transformative, capital-efficient digital health and tech-enabled companies, with a focus on markets beyond typical VC centers. With a background in finance and a personal connection to mental health challenges, Rivat leads investments in startups that use technology to support patients and providers. His efforts focus on expanding services for underserved groups, especially children and families who rely on Medicaid.
Building bridges for better care
At PACE Healthcare Capital, Rivat leads the search for early-stage companies that address mental health needs with practical solutions. He works closely with founders, guiding them through fundraising and helping them develop business strategies that can reach more patients. Rivat’s role includes serving as a board observer for companies like Backpack Healthcare, which offers online therapy for children and teens. This company uses technology to match patients with therapists, reduce missed appointments, and provide culturally sensitive care to families who often face barriers to treatment.
Rivat believes that investing in these companies is about more than financial returns. He sees it as a way to help solve real problems in mental health care, such as provider shortages and limited access for Medicaid recipients. His work supports startups that aim to close these gaps and make care more available to those who need it most.
Engaging the community and inspiring change
Rivat’s impact goes beyond investments. He regularly speaks at industry events and universities, sharing his insights on mental health and technology. At Health2Tech in Chicago, he discussed the role of artificial intelligence in mental health care, explaining both its promise and its challenges. He has also served as a guest lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, where he spoke to students about the importance of early-stage capital for digital health startups.
Through these public engagements, Rivat helps shape the conversation around mental health innovation. He encourages responsible use of technology, focusing on solutions that are safe, effective, and inclusive. His talks reach a wide audience, including investors, healthcare leaders, and future entrepreneurs, helping them understand the value of supporting mental health initiatives.
Personal motivation and professional dedication
Rivat’s dedication to mental health is rooted in his own experiences. After facing depression in his early twenties, he developed a deep understanding of the challenges many people encounter when seeking care. This personal perspective drives his commitment to supporting solutions that are both trustworthy and accessible.
His background in banking, including four years at Goldman Sachs, gives him the financial skills needed to evaluate promising startups and help them grow. At PACE Healthcare Capital, Rivat combines his business knowledge with a strong desire to make a difference in mental health care. He works with founders to build companies that can reach more patients and improve outcomes, especially for those who have been overlooked by traditional systems.
Rivat’s efforts at PACE Healthcare Capital highlight the value of combining investment with a clear social mission. Through his work, he continues to support the growth of mental health services that address real needs, helping more people access the care they deserve.
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