Get to know our Investment Advisory Committee Chair, Jo Pisani

Tell us a little bit about your background?

Growing up in 1960s South London, I experienced a unique and diverse upbringing, with a Thai mother and a father who was half English and half Italian. This background gave me a broad perspective from an early age. In the 1980s, I studied Physics at the University of Bristol before beginning my career as an electrical engineer at BP. I was involved in building refineries and chemical plants, with notable projects including three years in Antwerp rebuilding a plant after an explosion, as well as work in Scotland and Wales. As a female engineer, I was often in the minority, which motivated me to speak at schools to encourage more young people to consider careers in STEM. Looking for new challenges, I moved into the pharmaceutical industry with SmithKline Beecham, now GSK, where I worked as an engineer and spent two years managing a pharmaceutical factory in France. Following this, I pursued an MBA, which led to more strategic roles within the company. The last two decades of my career were spent in management consulting with Booz Allen Hamilton and PwC, focusing on strategic projects in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. I retired from full-time work in 2019 and now have a portfolio career as a Non-Executive Director and trustee, working with medical charities, bioclusters, biotech, and investors. I’m also a mentor on several health tech accelerators.      

What led you to work in the impact space?

I spent the majority of my career in the corporate sector, but I felt a strong desire to apply my professional skills in a more meaningful way. I am deeply committed to issues like health, equality, and climate change, so it’s been incredibly rewarding to work with organizations like Conduit Connect, which are dedicated to creating positive impact.

What are you most excited about in the impact space currently?

I’m enthusiastic about how advancements in technology, particularly AI, are empowering organizations to analyse data, identify areas of unmet need, and develop innovative solutions with impact. The accessibility of data and technology for startups is also transforming their ability to create compelling, investable propositions.

I’m equally inspired by the people working in the impact space. They are driven by purpose and passion, and I’ve noticed a greater level of diversity—both visible and invisible—which energizes me to contribute to bringing more diverse perspectives into the conversation.

Could you give us a short overview on what health tech is? What is your overall view/feeling of current state of the health sector?

Health tech, or health technology, refers to the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery, management, and outcomes. It encompasses a wide range of digital tools, devices, and platforms designed to enhance patient care, streamline healthcare processes, and facilitate medical research. This can include everything from wearable health monitors and telemedicine platforms to electronic health records (EHRs), AI-driven diagnostics, and mobile health apps. The goal of health tech is to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, personalized, and effective for both patients and healthcare providers.

I believe the health tech industry plays a crucial role in driving innovative transformation within health systems. In response to the UK government’s challenge to shift from treatment to prevention, from in-patient care to community-based care, and from analogue to digital solutions, health tech is essential. It provides the tools and technologies needed to meet these objectives and reshape the future of healthcare

What are some of the most pressing problems currently that you’d like to see being addressed?

Addressing health inequalities, meeting the needs of an aging population seeking a high quality of life while managing multiple health conditions, and promoting personalized, sustainable approaches to health prevention are all essential to reducing the burden of chronic diseases.

What would your advice be to the general public in positively contributing to bettering the health sector?

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the remarkable power of an engaged population. It was unprecedented to see people willingly conducting lateral flow tests at home, reporting their own symptoms, and becoming conversant in topics like vaccine research and regulatory processes. We must build on this goodwill and continue to involve the public in data initiatives such as the UK Biobank and Our Future Health, while also supporting clinical trials and research efforts. Additionally, parents can play a key role by encouraging their children to consider careers in health and STEM fields, helping to ensure a strong and capable workforce for the future.

What are the key things you look for when carrying out diligence on a health tech company?

Great ideas addressing an unmet need, a realistic business plan and valuation and an enthusiastic and committed team.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

 Be open to more opportunities and learn from personal and business failures.

What’s the worst piece of advice you have received throughout during your career?

Not to pursue a career in engineering from my careers teacher at my all girls’ church school in 1981. I followed their advice and did a physics career with the view that I could go into teaching – this was the last time I didn’t trust my gut feeling and follow my passion.

When you were a child what did you want to be?

An astronaut. I did apply for Project Juno which put the first UK astronaut in space, Helen Sherman but had to answer the question on the application form “did I ever get travel sickness?” Truthfully!

As our resident expert in Health, how has your experience been as the Chair of the Conduit EIS Impact Fund?

Brilliant!  I’ve met so many inspiring startups with great ideas and seen how transformative funding and mentoring from Conduit Connect can help them in their development. It’s also great to work with the Conduit Connect team, investment committee members and venture partner’s.