A strong return is only half the job.
For CVS Health Ventures Managing Partner and Co-founder Vijay Patel, the other half is strategic: Back companies that can improve the consumer experience, support clinicians and take on affordability.
Vijay joined Jarrard President and Founding Partner Anne Hancock Toomey for Backstory Sessions, Jarrard’s limited short-form podcast series recorded live at the Nashville Health Care Council’s Healthcare Sessions 2026 conference.
He shared how a career that began in private equity led to digital health partnerships, strategy and business development at CVS Health – and eventually to his pitch for the venture arm the company didn’t have. Five years after raising its first $100 million, CVS Health Ventures has grown to 40 portfolio companies.
His take on AI is equally grounded: Put it to work on the administrative burden so clinicians can spend more time with patients. Don’t ask it to replace the relationship at the heart of care.
Vijay’s advice to his younger self is worth carrying forward: Careers are long. Be generous. Build real relationships. Earn trust over time.
Watch the full episode now, then subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow the seven-part series.
Or, listen to Backstory Sessions
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