The startups fighting cancer

 

Cancer sucks, but there are some exciting developments on the research front. In the last month alone, we’ve seen regulators consider a CRISPR therapy that directly targets tumor cells—a first for the U.S.—as well as a laser that zaps tumor cells from patients bloodstreams without damaging healthy tissues. And it’s not just the research around new cancer therapies that's exciting. There’s a host of startups attempting to tackle other parts of the cancer treatment puzzle, from diagnostics, to emotional support, to medical record logistics. In the world of diagnostics and early detection, we have startups like: Freenome, backed by a16z, using unique blood tests and AI to detect early signs of cancer. Ezra, using full-body MRIs and machine learning to detect 11 kinds of cancer in men and 13 in women. On the logistical side of treatment, there are startups like: Flatiron Health, a collaborative platform for doctors, academics, regulators, and more. Embleema, a blockchain company for patient health data, which has partnered with Europe’s leading cancer center. And then there are other cancer-focused startups that are tougher to categorize, like Belong.life. A platform for cancer patients, it offers a social network where users can connect with other patients, explore a clinical trial matching service, leverage oncologist-staffed support chat, and use a file storage system for medical records. The number of people diagnosed with cancer makes the potential for impact huge, while the difficulty of the market's core problems makes the barrier to entry for companies high. For a startup looking to innovate and affect as many individuals as possible, there might not be a more exciting space. If you’re interested in joining such a startup, search AngelList here. How Kimberly Bryant started Black Girls CODE with her 401(k)—and taught 14,000 Girls 1,000,000.   That’s how many young women Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls CODE, wants to train in computer science by 2040. For context, there were fewer than 5,000 black women enrolled in U.S. computer science programs in 2015-2016.   If you haven’t heard of it, Black Girls CODE is an organization founded in 2011 that provides computer science workshops, after-school programs, and classes to girls in underprivileged communities around the world. Over the last eight years, they’ve taught over 14,000 girls across America and in their international base in Johannesburg.   While Black Girls CODE is a brand well-recognized for its impact, the story of how it got where it is today is less well-known. We chatted with Kimberly Bryant, its founder and CEO, about the ways the organization has grown, how it’s impacted thousands of girls, and what she’d like to see companies do better when recruiting. Keep reading Hot startups hiring now 🔥   💊 Care/of launched in 2016 as a new wellness brand. It offers personalized vitamins and supplements to help people live healthier lives. Hiring a full-stack engineer, data scientist, and more.    🔒 Cover is reshaping the way insurance is sold, and building products to make sure its customers get the most out of the insurance policies they buy. Hiring a QA engineer, senior ruby engineer, and more.    💸 Human Interest offers an easy and affordable 401(k) retirement plan for the modern workforce. It empowers businesses to safeguard the financial futures of their employees. Hiring a senior software engineer, account specialist, and more.   💳 Square builds tools that make commerce easier and more accessible to all. It started with a little white credit card reader, but it didn't stop there. Hiring a senior software engineer, software engineer, and more. Search now In case you missed it    🎓 The truth about finding your first engineering job   🎈 Those inflated job titles aren't fooling recruiters   💸 4 perks recruiters will pitch—and what to consider AngelList Weekly 90 Gold St San Francisco, CA 94133 Unsubscribe | Update Preferences