When the opportunity to join Fast Track Health arose, it formed a high-speed lane to success for Jean Taylor and her company, Key Metrix Inc. Dedicated to helping individuals rebound from life's challenges with resilience and specializing in aiding recovery from injuries and accidents, Key Metrix offers comprehensive services ranging from case management to assistance in returning to work or school.

Central to Key Metrix's approach is its innovative app, Alytx, which streamlines communication and goal tracking for clients, therapists, insurers and adjusters, ensuring a smoother recovery process for everyone involved.

While the company offered a much-needed service, Taylor was looking for crucial connections within the insurance industry. Fast Track Health became the missing link. 

The program focuses on challenges identified by health-care partners and surfaces solutions from Canadian tech companies, with the end goal of commercialization through piloting and procurement opportunities. 

Introduced to the program by her advisor, Ellen Johnson, in June 2023, Taylor saw a chance to connect with major insurance players and refine her approach. She applied and secured a spot to present at a showcase in Sept. 2023. 

“We got an intriguing list of about 15 to 20 mentors or subject matter experts (SMEs) to help with our pitches,” Taylor said. 

The program's matchmaking service proved invaluable, pairing Key Metrix with three exceptional mentors who provided strategic guidance.

“I got so much out of those sessions. Even if I hadn't done the presentation, it would have been extremely valuable to me,” Taylor said. “Fast Track's matchmaking alone was worth it, as it led to invaluable relationships and introductions that I continue to actively utilize. It has been incredibly helpful.”

Taylor continued to meet with one of the SMEs even after the conclusion of the program. 

Tailored for growth

Initially, Taylor, surrounded by MedTech companies, wondered if Key Metrix, focusing on the insurance side of recovery (InsurTech), might be out of place. But personalized support offered by Fast Track Health helped her navigate the program and identify her niche.

Rather than simply attending meetings, Taylor aimed to forge meaningful connections with key insurance players, aligning herself with industry trends and objectives. Thanks to Communitech Fast Track Health facilitated introductions, Key Metrix secured at least 10 meetings.

"These opportunities were essential for gaining invaluable advice and exploring potential collaborations," she said. "One significant introduction even led to discussions about potential involvement in our management team."

Insider knowledge, unparalleled advantage

Fast Track Health provided Taylor with more than just connections; it granted her access to insider knowledge. Connecting with VP-level executives at major insurance companies, she learned about the growing prevalence of non-physical recovery challenges like PTSD and anxiety.

Armed with this information, Taylor recognized a perfect fit for her software, designed specifically to address cognitive and behavioral issues associated with brain injuries. By focusing on managing frustration and anxiety and facilitating smoother transitions back to work, Key Metrix offers a solution directly aligned with a major industry pain point.

“I definitely saw a product-market fit after gaining insights from industry insiders,” she said. “My software directly targets a pain point that insurers are facing, which is important for presenting our product effectively.”

Unexpected windfall

While exploring venture capital opportunities was part of Taylor's plan, Fast Track Health offered an unexpected surprise: a nearly $10,000 funding opportunity. This allowed Key Metrix to accelerate product development without external investment.

"It was a significant outcome of Fast Track Health that accelerated our product development and increased our value," she said.

The program also offered matching funds for software development goals, another unexpected benefit that Key Metrix capitalized on. These resources, combined with introductions to over 10 venture capital firms, propelled Key Metrix forward.

“I have secured next meetings, including one next week to discuss potential involvement with someone joining my cap table,” Taylor said. “This progress is significant."

Empowering women in tech

The impact of Fast Track Health extended beyond funding and connections. Taylor also gained access to femtech opportunities, connecting with women-led funds and organizations.

"These introductions have been enlightening," she said. "As a female founder, pursuing these opportunities has exposed me to resources and networks I wasn't previously aware of."