Ben Blume: Hinge Health's IPO, a milestone on the mission to transform MSK care
Ben Blume, Partner, Atomico
Seeing Hinge Health complete its IPO today takes me back to meeting founders Dan and Gabriel in 2017 – fresh from their studies but already in possession of such a clear vision.
Dan and Gabriel started with a bold mission, but crucially, also one which was clearly defined. Disrupting musculoskeletal (MSK) care was personal for them. They’d each had frustrating experiences with injury recovery, and had scientific backgrounds in relevant areas (Dan in biochemistry, Gabriel in regenerative medicine).
They weren't just presenting an idea, they arrived with an early prototype already demonstrating impressive results. Our belief in Hinge quickly solidified around what we identified as the critical ingredients for success: demonstrable clinical outcomes, deep user engagement, clear customer ROI and a challenge affecting millions of people globally in need of a solution.
We saw Hinge Health execute on that early promise. Their knowledge of the US customer, competitor and regulatory landscape was second to none. They were convinced this market was theirs to win and knew what was required to achieve this, from product to team to go-to-market strategy. What they lacked in years in the workplace, they made up for in academic research, domain expertise and lived experience.
When we visited their first office - a run down building with unmistakable signs of a rodent problem - it was obvious where they had chosen to invest, not in their surroundings, but in their people. The early team was made up of highly motivated operators, determined to make every dollar of customer and investor money count. Even at the advisory level, they had already connected with world-class experts, some of whom would later join the executive team.
Those early trade-offs worked. As Hinge Health scaled, they were able to match their investment in people with the kind of environment they deserved. But from the start, it was a story of intentional choices, and a culture that prioritised long-term success over short-term comfort. Fast forward to today, seeing them partner with nearly 2,250 clients, including the likes of Salesforce and US Foods, it’s clear this attitude has served them well. Hinge Health's success reinforces our view that truly impactful change is built on a foundation of purpose, where the mission and the company's financial success are designed to be mutually reinforcing.
Hinge’s IPO is a testament to this extraordinary journey, validating the initial vision and drive I saw in Dan and Gabriel seven years ago. Of course, this isn't the endpoint. With ambitious plans for global expansion and a mission to help the millions still suffering from MSK pain, Hinge Health is poised for its next chapter, and we’re excited to be a part of it.
