First Builders
The First Builders Podcast from The Council dives into the stories of those who go first—founders, funders, and early operators who helped build category-defining companies before they were household names. Hosted by General Partner Amber Illig and Partner Rachel Tsui, each episode brings a candid, practical conversation with someone who has helped shape companies before there was a playbook.
First Builders
From Engineer to Rebel CEO: Jason Prestinario on Fighting for Patient Rights
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Prestinario—Particle Health CEO of and former leader at Komodo Heath and Palantir Technologies —for a candid conversation about building in one of the most complex and regulated sectors in the world: healthcare. Jason talks about the difference between “product thinking” and “patient thinking,” why bundling in hospital systems leads to poor outcomes, and how startups can find leverage in a space dominated by incumbents.
We also discuss the bold legal action Particle Health is taking against Epic Systems, and what it means to push for interoperability when it’s actively being blocked. This episode is a must-listen for anyone reimagining care delivery—or navigating systems designed to resist innovation.
Follow Jason Prestinario
Company: Particle Health
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Show Notes:
What Does HHS’ Restructuring Mean for Interoperability In Healthcare
Epic Blocked over 420,000 Americans' Health Records from Doctors for Seven Months
Book Mentioned
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein