Dr. Priya Shah
Dr. Priya Shah
Founder & CEO, VitalPath Diagnostics
“Innovation isn’t about technology alone — it’s about compassion at scale.”
Dr. Priya Shah is the Founder & CEO of VitalPath Diagnostics, a biotech startup revolutionizing early detection for chronic illnesses. Her company’s AI-powered blood test can screen for 12 conditions from a single sample — cutting costs by 70% compared to traditional methods.
After earning her MD/PhD in biomedical engineering, Priya worked at a major hospital where she saw patients lose precious time due to late diagnoses. Frustrated by the limits of existing tools, she left clinical medicine in 2016 to launch VitalPath.
By 2023, the company had raised $80 million in venture capital and partnered with leading hospital systems across the U.S.
Recognition & Media
- Forbes “30 Under 30: Healthcare” (2018)
- TEDMED Speaker (2020)
- Fast Company’s “World Changing Ideas” Award (2022)
Personal Bio
Outside of the lab, Priya is a passionate advocate for women in STEM. She founded SheCodesHealth, a nonprofit mentoring program for girls interested in science and technology. She also volunteers weekly at a free community clinic in San Jose.
Why I Do What I Do
“My why is personal. I lost my uncle to a preventable illness — not because treatment didn’t exist, but because it came too late. That loss ignited my mission: build tools that give families time back. Every patient deserves a fair chance at prevention.”
How I Overcame My Greatest Challenge
In 2019, Priya pitched to 47 investors — and 46 said no. Most believed her vision was “too ambitious” for a young founder without a corporate background. “Every no felt like a weight, but it also sharpened my clarity.”
On her 48th pitch, she secured seed funding from a healthcare-focused angel investor who believed in her passion. Today, that early backer sits on VitalPath’s board as the company scales globally.
“Persistence isn’t glamorous. It’s just refusing to let ‘no’ be the final word.”
Quick Facts
- HQ: San Jose, CA
- Founded: 2016
- Employees: 85
- Favorite motto: “Science with soul.”
Message to Future Entrepreneurs
“Don’t underestimate the power of your story. Investors, partners, even patients — they connect first with why you care, and only then with what you’ve built. Your authenticity is your greatest asset.”
Legacy Statement
Priya hopes VitalPath will help make early detection as routine as brushing your teeth. Her long-term vision is a world where healthcare is proactive, not reactive — saving millions of lives and billions in costs.