Today's entrepreneur: Nick Desai

Never give up, think big, be humble

Today's entrepreneur is Nick Desai, co-founder and CEO of Heal, a doctor house call company he founded with his wife Dr. Renee Dua in October 2014. Heal brings a licensed, background-checked pediatrician or family doctor to the patient, on-demand, on their schedule, for $99 or for an in-network co-pay with select insurance plans.

The company, which has raised $71 million in venture funding, recently launched its own telemedicine service, and made its first acquisition, allowing it to expand to New York City. 

Desai is a serial entrepreneur and Heal is his fourth venture-funded start-up since 1998. 

Prior to Heal, he founded/led innovative and successful start-ups in online weight loss coaching, social networking and digital identity management.

He holds an MS in Electrical Engineering from UCLA and BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UC Irvine. Desai and his wife live in the Pacific Palisades with their three young children.   

I am a(n):

Entrepreneur

Companies I've founded or co-founded:

Heal, FitOrbit

Companies I work or worked for:

Heal

Achievements (products built, personal awards won):

2018 Lauds and Laurels Distinguished Alumnus - UC Irvine. CES Innovation Award Winner. CTA Company of the Year. US Patent Holder

If you are an entrepreneur, why?

I'm bursting with ideas!

My favorite startups:

Heal, Uber, Amazon, NetFlix

Why did you start your current company?

Because of a personal experience trying to get healthcare for my own infant children.

What's most frustrating and rewarding about entrepreneurship/innovation?

The uncertainty - it's what makes it frustrating and rewarding, all the time.

What's the No. 1 mistake entrepreneurs make?

Not trying.

What are the top three lessons you've learned as an entrepreneur?

Never give up, think big, be humble.