Live from JPM: Venture capitalist Bob Kocher
The health care business world gathered at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference this week, with thousands of attendees haggling over deals and gossiping over drinks in San Francisco. One of the standouts at the conference: venture capitalist Bob Kocher, a doctor and Obama administration alumnus known for his provocative thinking and Silicon Valley influence. At Venrock, Bob focuses on health IT and services, with investments in companies like Aledade, Castlight, Stride Health and Zenefits. Speaking with POLITICO’s Dan Diamond, Bob discussed his approach to investing in health care (Starts at the 1:20 mark), how he got into venture capital (8:15), the difference between innovating in government and the private sector (13:45), the sector’s never-ending job growth (17:15), how the current administration is affecting the health care market (21:15) and his 2018 predictions (28:00). There’s also a quick lightning round at 30:15. Then after the break, Dan caught up with Victoria Colliver, POLITICO’s California correspondent for health care, on how the JPM conference went and the biggest health policy stories coming out of the state this year. (Starts at the 32:15 mark.) Note: This podcast was recorded on location, and that’s why the audio sounds rougher than usual. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email ddiamond@politico.com. Stories referenced on the podcast: Dan’s story, with Bob’s quotes, on the ACA’s failure to cut wasteful jobs: https://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2016/07/what-is-the-effect-of-obamacare-economy-000164 Bob’s predictions for health care in 2018: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/27/venrocks-health-investors-make-predictions-for-2018.html Victoria’s story on California’s effort to shore up the ACA: https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/01/obamacare-california-new-york-coastal-244386