Latest news with #SemlerScientific
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Bitcoin Is Quietly Entering The Healthcare Sector
Bitcoin has made inroads into finance, energy, and even politics. Now, a growing number of healthcare companies are embracing it. Not only as a hedge or a balance sheet asset, but also as a guiding philosophy and potential infrastructure layer. The move may seem unlikely, given healthcare's deeply regulated and bureaucratic nature. But that's precisely the point. For companies like CrowdHealth and Semler Scientific, Bitcoin's appeal isn't speculative. It's structural. In a sector inundated with reverse incentives, opaque pricing, and costly middlemen, Bitcoin offers transparency. The U.S. healthcare system is worth roughly $5 trillion, averaging over $17,000 per person. Even with the high costs associated with health insurance, claims are often denied. Andy Schoonover, founder and CEO of CrowdHealth, experienced this firsthand. His insurer refused to pay an $8,000 bill for his daughter's ear tube surgery, despite doctors deeming it medically necessary. Soon after, he dropped his insurance and began building a cash-pay model that eventually became CrowdHealth. A peer-to-peer platform where members fund one another's healthcare needs. In this process, he found a natural audience among bitcoiners. Schoonover, who told Forbes in an interview he holds roughly 80% of his liquid assets in Bitcoin, says the overlap wasn't accidental. 'Bitcoiners understand incentives,' he said. Schoonover believes that as patients dig deeper into the healthcare system, it becomes clear that hospitals, health networks, and government policies often work against patients' best interests. A pattern quickly recognized by bitcoiners. CrowdHealth allows members to pay a monthly fee, directly contributing to each other's care. In return, they avoid premiums and networks. Schoonover said their model has grown to over 10,000 members. CrowdHealth is leaning further into Bitcoin by letting users invest unused healthcare funds into bitcoin. The long-term vision, according to Schoonover, is Bitcoin circularity in healthcare. 'If we can build bitcoin circularity within healthcare we believe that will go a long way in normalizing bitcoin as a medium of exchange,' Schoonover said. Unlike insurance, CrowdHealth doesn't guarantee payment. However, Schoonover claims that the community fully funds over 99% of eligible bills. While CrowdHealth integrates Bitcoin at the user level, Semler Scientific takes a top-down approach. The publicly traded medtech company adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset in 2024, becoming one of the first healthcare companies to do so. For Semler chairman Eric Semler, Bitcoin represents resilience, scarcity, and alignment, traits sorely lacking in the healthcare system. 'Bitcoin is monetary freedom,' Semler told Forbes. 'We're freeing people medically through early detection, and Bitcoin helps us stay strong financially.' The company's core product, QuantaFlo, is an FDA-cleared diagnostic tool for vascular disease. It enables early detection of cardiovascular issues, allowing for timely and potentially life-saving interventions. Semler emphasized the importance of early detection and noted that healthcare could benefit from adopting principles found in Bitcoin's design, such as decentralization, transparency, and reducing reliance on middlemen. In an interview with Forbes, Eric Semler of Semler Scientific explained that their Bitcoin strategy isn't just about protecting cash in an inflationary environment. It's about owning the digital future. The company is exploring ways to mine Bitcoin creatively and integrate value into its shareholder model. 'We're in acceleration mode,' Semler said. 'We're not just buying Bitcoin, we're adding value to our value.' In 2023, Semler became active in the company his father had founded. He joined the board to improve capital allocation and saw Bitcoin as the obvious next step, following Michael Saylor's Strategy concept. 'It was a last resort in the best way.' Bitcoin offered a neutral reserve asset with no counterparty exposure or political entanglements, making it a good fit. Despite its early-mover status, Semler Scientific remains a rarity. Semler said that few medtech or biotech peers have followed suit. One exception is KindlyMD, a company that shares philosophical alignment but little market overlap. Still, he believes healthcare is well-positioned to lead a treasury shift. Healthcare companies generate steady cash flow, operate under strict regulations, and require long-term resilience, which according to Semler, makes Bitcoin a natural fit. That shift may be slow, but for now, Semler is content leading the charge. The future of Bitcoin in healthcare, according to companies like CrowdHealth and Semler Scientific, is not about layering crypto onto a broken system. It is about rebuilding that system from the ground up using first principles. They see Bitcoin with the potential to help make healthcare more affordable, build trust by putting patients in control, protect savings from inflation, and support better systems for sharing medical information. Schoonover envisions a future where bitcoiners fund one another's procedures and doctors accept bitcoin directly, cutting out insurers entirely. Semler imagines a more robust, future-proof treasury model that gives healthcare companies stronger balance sheets and global leverage. Bitcoin won't eliminate the need for regulation, nor will it immediately replace legacy players. But it does offer some interesting options. The examples of CrowdHealth and Semler Scientific suggest that some healthcare companies are exploring Bitcoin not for its popularity, but as a response to challenges in the current system.
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Rosen Law Firm Encourages Semler Scientific, Inc. Investors to Inquire About Securities Class Action Investigation
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Semler Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMLR) resulting from allegations that Semler Scientific may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Semler Scientific securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ for information on the class action. What is this about: After trading hours on February 28, 2025, Semler Scientific filed with the SEC its 2024 annual report on Form 10-K. The annual report disclosed that on February 11, 2025, Semler Scientific 'began initial settlement discussions with DOJ [(the United States Department of Justice)], but ceased initial discussions on that date. Accordingly, there is a risk that DOJ will file a complaint or complaint in intervention in a civil False Claims Act lawsuit seeking damages. [Semler Scientific] does not believe the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.' On this news, Semler Scientific stock fell over 9% on the next trading day. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: on Twitter: or on Facebook: Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Semler Scientific® Appoints Natalie Brunell to its Board of Directors
CAMPBELL, Calif., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Semler Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMLR), a publicly traded company that has adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset and is one of the leading corporate holders of Bitcoin, announced the appointment of Natalie Brunell to its board of directors. This strategic addition reflects Semler Scientific's continued commitment to its Bitcoin treasury strategy and further strengthens its leadership within the Bitcoin community. "We are thrilled to welcome Natalie to our board of directors," said Eric Semler, chairman of Semler Scientific. "Natalie is a highly respected journalist and educator – and a leading advocate for Bitcoin, with a deep understanding of its role as a transformative asset. As the 4th largest U.S. public company on the Bitcoin Standard in terms of Bitcoin holdings, we believe we are a strategic asset. Her insights will be instrumental as we pursue our Bitcoin treasury strategy and aim to deliver long-term value to our stockholders." "I am honored to join Semler Scientific's board at such an exciting time in the company's journey," said Natalie Brunell, board member of Semler Scientific. "As one of the leaders in adopting Bitcoin as a primary treasury reserve asset, Semler Scientific's innovative approach sets a powerful example for companies globally. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the company's Bitcoin strategy, and helping shape the future of corporate treasury management in the digital age." About Natalie Brunell: Natalie Brunell shines in the Bitcoin space as a top-rated podcast host, influential educator, and poised media commentator. As the leading Bitcoin podcast, 'Coin Stories' is a deep, engaging dive into the revolutionary Bitcoin network and how it intersects with global economics and technology trends. Natalie's incisive interviews do more than just explore the nuances of finance; they reveal the human element behind the headlines, offering a compelling narrative about the relentless pursuit of the American Dream in the digital Natalie was an award-winning TV journalist and investigative reporter. For more than 10 years she covered in-depth local and national news topics and holds a regional news Emmy for breaking news was also an adjunct professor of advanced communication and visual storytelling at the University of Southern California. She holds a Master's of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. About Semler Scientific, Inc.: Semler Scientific, Inc. is a publicly traded company that has adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset and is one of the leading corporate holders of Bitcoin. In May 2024, Semler Scientific became the second U.S. publicly traded company to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy. By using proceeds from equity and debt financings, as well as cash flows from operations, Semler Scientific intends to strategically accumulate Bitcoin. In addition, through its healthcare business, Semler Scientific is a pioneer in developing and marketing technology products and services to assist its customers in evaluating and treating chronic diseases. Its flagship product, QuantaFlo®, which is patented and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a rapid point-of-care test that measures arterial blood flow in the extremities. The QuantaFlo test aids in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and Semler Scientific is seeking a new 510(k) clearance for expanded indications. QuantaFlo is used by healthcare providers to evaluate their patient's risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additional information about Semler Scientific can be found at INVESTOR CONTACT: Renae CormierChief Financial Officerir@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Semler Scientific, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Semler Scientific Adds 167 Bitcoin, Bringing Holdings to 3,634 BTC
Semler Scientific (SMLR) added to its bitcoin (BTC) holdings last week. The company acquired 167 BTC for $16.2 million, or an average price of about $97,000 each, according to a Monday morning SEC filing. The purchases appeared to be mostly or totally funded via sales of common stock, with the company disclosing it's sold 1.166 million shares for $39.8 million under its April 15 at-the-market offering (SMLR previously disclosed bitcoin purchases on April 25 and April 30). Semler now holds 3,634 bitcoin acquired for $322.3 million, or an average price of $88,668 each. At bitcoin's current price around $94,000, the holdings are worth more than $340 million. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's Why We Think Semler Scientific (NASDAQ:SMLR) Might Deserve Your Attention Today
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' A loss-making company is yet to prove itself with profit, and eventually the inflow of external capital may dry up. If this kind of company isn't your style, you like companies that generate revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in Semler Scientific (NASDAQ:SMLR). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide Semler Scientific with the means to add long-term value to shareholders. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. The market is a voting machine in the short term, but a weighing machine in the long term, so you'd expect share price to follow earnings per share (EPS) outcomes eventually. Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. Impressively, Semler Scientific has grown EPS by 19% per year, compound, in the last three years. If growth like this continues on into the future, then shareholders will have plenty to smile about. Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. Despite consistency in EBIT margins year on year, Semler Scientific has actually recorded a dip in revenue. Suffice it to say that is not a great sign of growth. The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. For finer detail, click on the image. View our latest analysis for Semler Scientific Since Semler Scientific is no giant, with a market capitalisation of US$286m, you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects. It's said that there's no smoke without fire. For investors, insider buying is often the smoke that indicates which stocks could set the market alight. Because often, the purchase of stock is a sign that the buyer views it as undervalued. Of course, we can never be sure what insiders are thinking, we can only judge their actions. Even though there was some insider selling over the last year, that was outweighed by Independent Chairman of the board Eric Semler's huge outlay of US$1.9m, spent buying shares. The average price of which was US$37.93 per share. Insider buying like this is a rare occurrence and should stoke the interest of the market and shareholders alike. On top of the insider buying, it's good to see that Semler Scientific insiders have a valuable investment in the business. Holding US$53m worth of stock in the company is no laughing matter and insiders will be committed in delivering the best outcomes for shareholders. At 18% of the company, the co-investment by insiders fosters confidence that management will make long-term focussed decisions. While insiders are apparently happy to hold and accumulate shares, that is just part of the big picture. That's because Semler Scientific's CEO, Doug Murphy-Chutorian, is paid at a relatively modest level when compared to other CEOs for companies of this size. For companies with market capitalisations between US$100m and US$400m, like Semler Scientific, the median CEO pay is around US$1.6m. The Semler Scientific CEO received US$1.1m in compensation for the year ending December 2024. That seems pretty reasonable, especially given it's below the median for similar sized companies. CEO compensation is hardly the most important aspect of a company to consider, but when it's reasonable, that gives a little more confidence that leadership are looking out for shareholder interests. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making. If you believe that share price follows earnings per share you should definitely be delving further into Semler Scientific's strong EPS growth. On top of that, insiders own a significant piece of the pie when it comes to the company's stock, and one has been buying more. So it's fair to say that this stock may well deserve a spot on your watchlist. It is worth noting though that we have found 2 warning signs for Semler Scientific (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you need to take into consideration. Keen growth investors love to see insider activity. Thankfully, Semler Scientific isn't the only one. You can see a a curated list of companies which have exhibited consistent growth accompanied by high insider ownership. Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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