Accelerate from 0-1 in one month.
I help healthcare founders validate solutions through customer discovery, design sprints, and AI, simplifying your Go-To-Market strategy and derisking your start. Together, we'll build the right thing from day 0.
Meet Derek Koch
Health Tech Product Builder.
For over 20 years, I've specialized in 0-1 product development and GTM strategies for healthcare companies, from Embodied Labs, PointCare, YourNurseIsOn to my current work at Singula Health. I've helped build products serving 2M+ patients while driving 69% revenue growth.My experience has taught me a secret weapon - resource optimization. I do more with the resources you actually have. I collaborate with your existing team, structure projects for maximum efficiency, and leverage AI as a strategic team member. AI handles research synthesis, prototype generation, and iteration cycles—freeing your people to focus on customer insights and strategic decisions.The result - You validate your healthcare product faster and leaner than you thought possible, without expanding headcount or waiting for your next funding round.
How We Build the Right Product.
Customer Discovery - I facilitate structured interviews using Zoom and synthesize insights with Notion and NotebookLM. We map the problem space, identify critical assumptions, and validate if the problem is worth solving—before committing to build.Rapid Prototyping - Using Cursor and off-the-shelf tools, I create working demos that test your core value proposition with real users. We make functional prototypes that prove demand and surface technical challenges early.Team Leverage - I collaborate with your existing team in focused sprints. AI handles research synthesis and iteration cycles, freeing your people for strategic decisions. We build an agile, customer-obsessed culture.The result - You validate your product direction with real customers, build a prioritized roadmap based on evidence, and get proof points that make your startup more investable—all without expanding headcount or waiting for your next funding round. I teach you the process as we go, so your team owns the framework for every product decision ahead.
Built for Scale, Impact, and Speed.
69% CAGR driving product portfolio transformation.2M+ patients served through Medicaid enrollment and eligibility products.100%+ YoY growth scaling immersive VR clinical education.$750K+ in funding secured for Apprentice100™, training 150+ developers for tech companies.Millions in additional reimbursements unlocked healthcare provider customers through enrollment optimization.SOC 2 Type II & HIPAA Compliance OfficerUS Patent (No. 8498904) for innovation in healthcare staffing.AI-powered CDSS platform currently building for precision psychiatry.View in-depth case studies:
0-1 Product Launch
Growth Restart Initiative
Twelve Projects. Twelve Months.
I only take on 12 projects per year. Here's why: effective 0-1 development demands full attention—deep customer discovery, thoughtful design iteration, and hands-on collaboration with your team. I don't do surface-level consulting or hand off a deck and disappear. Each engagement gets the focus it deserves..Spots fill fast. If you're ready to validate your healthcare product the right way, let's talk before the year books up.Book a time or contact me if you need help thinking something through.
[email protected]
A100's Demo Day—12-week program producing 150
engineers from 15+ Northeast colleges.
What It's Like to Work With Derek.
I've had the great fortune of working with amazing people. Here's a bit of what they are saying. For more on my capabilities and style, check out my LinkedIn.
"In a world full of distractions, Derek is the guy I'd bet on to get the job done."
Everett Lebherz | CEO
"I quickly came to understand his leadership approach, which is one of pragmatism, integrity, and focus. Derek was a clear and steady voice in the room when difficult decisions needed to be made, and he was always someone we could rely on to stay calm and keep sight of the bigger picture when priorities shifted."
Jake Mathias | Software Architect
" If I ever needed someone to think out a scenario with me, map out a process, get very strategic with my thinking Derek was always the first person I would call. He challenged my thinking in ways I have never been challenged... I grew so much as a leader & an individual with having Derek as someone to turn to."
Jennifer Miksch | Vice President Sales
"During his tenure... the number of users of the company's service increased more than 20-fold... He is a first rate professional, with the deepest integrity and commitment to excellence. He built a tremendous record of accomplishment in the time I worked with him."
Faiz Ahmed | CEO
"Derek led the company in several different areas, and he always excelled and delivered impactful results, no matter how disparate the problem area... Derek could be depended on to provide leadership in making decisions for the company’s success and to handle any situation or problem with an inspiring level of professional discretion and acumen. Derek is a colleague and leader with a level of proficiency and expertise that few organizations are lucky enough to find."
Errol Cleary | Full Stack Developer
"I knew it would take a very special developer to take it from a paper napkin concept to market... I was informed of his brilliance in software development. Derek has lived up to those expectations and more. He is an incredibly talented designer and really easy to work with... If you have an idea that you would like to bring to market, Derek is your man."
Phoebe Browning | CFO
Build the Right Product From Day 0.
Ready to Derisk Your Start?
Book a time with me to discuss your product challenge. I'll tell you honestly if 0-1 development is right for your stage and if I'm the right person to help you.Most projects run about a month and typically include: customer discovery interviews, design sprint facilitation, rapid prototyping, and a validated roadmap. We'll scope your specific needs, timeline, and cost on the call.Book a time today and let's build the right thing from day 0.