The Next Quarter Podcast - Episode 9 - Ian Coyne with Perci Health

Kelly McCabe and Morgan Fitzsimons – co‑founders of Perci Health, a “whole‑human” virtual cancer clinic – share how they’re redesigning cancer support around the person, not just the treatment. From an oncology leader who saw survivorship gaps widen, to a consumer brand builder drawn to purpose and better user experience, they explain Perci’s pivots, their insurer‑partner model, and why cancer is rapidly becoming a long‑term condition that needs continuous, adaptive care.

Highlights:

• Morgan’s path: Consumer and media leadership (brand, growth, digital transformation) and a shift into health after seeing cancer care as fragmented and not designed around the person.
• Kelly’s path: 18 years in oncology – clinical, NHS leadership, then COO of cancer services in private healthcare – spotting persistent survivorship gaps after treatment ends.
• The problem Perci targets: We’re improving survival, but recovery and quality of life often lag – patients can be left managing long‑term physical, psychological, and practical impacts with limited support.
• How they teamed up: Met as colleagues (not friends), built the company with clear role separation, shared values, and deliberate co‑founder alignment.
• COVID as an accelerant: Launching in early lockdown helped normalize virtual touchpoints in cancer pathways.
• Early funding edge: Raised initial capital from a large group of oncologists and cancer surgeons – adding credibility plus a built‑in clinical advisory network.
• Business model evolution: Started DTC to learn fast from users, then pivoted to B2B with UK private health/protection insurers; enterprise cycles are long and ROI proof takes time.
• Founder lessons on scale: In regulated, clinical categories, credibility-heavy sales often stays founder‑led longer than expected; roles shift constantly with phase and fundraising.
• From service to tech platform: Moving toward a technology-led model that enables clinicians – while balancing “move fast” product culture with clinical safety and governance.
• The future vision: Cancer increasingly treated as a long‑term condition; Perci’s “adaptive care” aims to monitor needs over time and match the right intervention to the right moment.
• What “whole human” includes: Support for side effects and life impacts – e.g., menopause/hormonal changes, neuropathy, chronic pain, fertility, psychological support, and return‑to‑work.
• Personal notes: Early inspirations from their mothers shaped their pull toward purpose, care, and building something meaningful.

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