HealthTech Europe 2026: what are the key priorities for founders, investors, buyers and sellers?

Based on the current trends and priorities shaping the European healthtech landscape, here's an overview of the key priorities for founders, investors, buyers, and sellers in 2026.

For Founders

Focus on Clinical and Financial Outcomes: The market is maturing, and the focus is shifting from "cool tech" to solutions that can demonstrate tangible value. Founders need to show not just that their product works, but that it leads to measurable improvements in patient outcomes, cost reduction, or operational efficiency for healthcare systems.

Emphasise Capital Efficiency: With a tighter capital market, investors are scrutinizing business models more closely. Startups that can prove they have a clear path to profitability, manage a lean burn rate, and have a sustainable business model will be more attractive.

Build Scalable Partnerships: Strategic partnerships are crucial for growth in the European healthtech ecosystem.Founders should prioritise integrations with major electronic health records (EHRs), payers, or health systems. This includes aligning with the priorities of organizations like the NHS in the UK or Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).

Navigate the Regulatory Environment: Europe's regulatory landscape is complex, with new regulations like the AI Act and the European Health Data Space (EHDS) coming into effect. Founders must demonstrate a deep understanding of these rules, especially concerning data privacy (GDPR) and medical device certification (MDR).

Specialise in High-Demand Areas: Certain sectors are attracting significant interest. These include:

Generative AI: Moving beyond pilots to proven, revenue-generating applications.

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Enabling care outside of traditional hospital settings, especially for chronic disease management.

Value-Based Care Enablers: Tools that help providers succeed under risk-based payment models.

Mental Health Solutions: Moving beyond basic teletherapy to AI-driven care coordination and digital therapeutics.

FemTech: This historically underfunded sector is gaining momentum, with a focus on solutions that can be reimbursed by payers.

For Investors

Prioritise Clinical Validation and Measurable ROI: Investors are no longer funding a "vision" alone. They are looking for companies that have proven clinical validation and can show a clear return on investment (ROI) for their customers.

Seek Out Data-Driven and AI-Powered Solutions: AI is a major focus, but investors are looking for more than just the buzzword. They want to see proprietary algorithms, strong intellectual property (IP), and solutions that ethically leverage health data for diagnostics, analytics, and personalised medicine.

Focus on Scalability and Market Fit: Investors are interested in companies with scalable business models, often Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), that can be rapidly deployed without disproportionate cost increases. They are also looking for a clear strategic fit within the European market, which means alignment with public health initiatives and local regulatory frameworks.

Look for Strong and Credible Teams: A capable leadership team with both technical innovation and clinical insight is a key differentiator. A strong advisory board with strategic access to key industry players is also highly valued.

Be Prepared for a Competitive Landscape: While the overall venture market may have cooled, there is significant competition for "Tier A" assets. Investors are using flexible deal structures and capitalizing on favorable financing conditions to secure promising opportunities.

For Buyers and Sellers

Prioritise Value-Based Care Alignment: Buyers, particularly health plans and providers, are increasingly focused on solutions that enable the shift to value-based care. Sellers who can demonstrate how their product helps reduce costs, improve outcomes, and manage populations will be in a strong position.

Demand Interoperability and Data Management: Buyers are seeking solutions that can seamlessly integrate with their existing IT infrastructure, including EHRs. Data is seen as the backbone of modern healthcare, so sellers with advanced data analytics, secure data management, and interoperability will be highly valued.

Focus on Strategic Innovation: Buyers are looking to acquire or partner with companies that offer disruptive potential. This includes cutting-edge AI, telehealth platforms, and digital therapeutics that can redefine care delivery.

Demonstrate Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory readiness is a critical driver for buyers and sellers. For a seller, having a proven track record of navigating complex regulations (e.g., CE certification, GDPR compliance) significantly increases their value. For a buyer, acquiring a company with strong compliance reduces risk and ensures a smoother integration process.

Look for Proven Financials and Scalability: Sellers with consistent revenue growth, a clear path to profitability, and a scalable business model will attract the most interest. Buyers are looking for targets that can be integrated to create synergies, expand their market reach, and ultimately drive revenue growth.

To discuss how Nelson Advisors can help your HealthTech, MedTech or Digital Health company, please email [email protected]