Investor Profile: Thomas Schulz

In this edition of our investor profile series, we spotlight Thomas Schulz, founder of Healthetia, an angel syndicate with a strong focus on healthcare startups. With a background that spans healthcare, AI, and venture building, Thomas combines decades of industry expertise with a deep passion for empowering founders and solving meaningful problems in the healthcare space.

The Story Behind the Healthetia

Can you tell us about your syndicate?

Healthetia is a healthcare-focused angel syndicate. The name pays homage to "Helfetia," the historical name for Switzerland, where the syndicate began as a healthcare community 17 years ago. Initially, we were an offline network of over 7,000 members in Switzerland, bringing together professionals like doctors, nurses, and specialists to share knowledge and build connections.

Why did you start it?

Over the last decade, I stepped away from health care to focus on AI and venture startups. I built businesses and advised startups, diving deep into the investing world. Through this, I noticed a significant gap in healthcare funding in Europe. Great ideas and capable teams weren’t receiving the support they needed at critical stages.

That realization inspired me to return to health care with Healthetia, leveraging my experience and network to invest in innovative healthcare startups. Our mission is to convert experts into investors by bridging their understanding of the problems with actionable investment opportunities.

Angel Investing

What excites you about investing in a founder or startup?

I’ve been on the founder journey four times and understand the critical phases. Early-stage founders often face the toughest challenges: moving from initial funding by friends and family to building a scalable, investable business. This is precisely where Healthetia aims to step in.

I’m particularly excited by teams with diverse backgrounds. A mix of experiences, perspectives, and skills fosters creativity and resilience. It’s not about the highest academic credentials or traditional profiles; it’s about shared values and complementary strengths.

The Importance of the Founder

What’s the most important quality you look for in a founder?

Resilience and adaptability. Founders face constant challenges, from unexpected client cancellations to team setbacks. The ability to listen, adapt, and persevere is crucial. I’ve also found that great founders are open to advice and mentorship. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick conversation or a single idea to help overcome an obstacle.

What challenges have you observed with founders?

The unexpected is part of every founder’s journey—whether it’s losing a co-founder, dealing with health issues, or managing cash flow crises. Many founders also struggle with feeling isolated. That’s where angel investors can add value—not just with funding, but as trusted advisors. Sometimes, simply being available to listen makes a big difference.

What advice do you often give to founders?

"Get smarter with every interaction." This has been my guiding principle for years. Whether you’re receiving feedback, facing criticism, or refining your idea, take something useful from each experience. Stay adaptable, but also defend the core of what you believe in. Confidence balanced with a willingness to learn is a recipe for long-term success.

Getting to Know Thomas

What’s one fun fact about you?

I walk two hours every day, which I call “Walk the Talk.” Over the past four years, I’ve walked 4-5 million steps annually. During these walks, I send video messages, follow-ups, and good vibes to my network. It’s a refreshing way to stay productive while getting outside. The name is a play on "walkie-talkie," and it’s become my personal trademark.

How should founders reach out if they think they’re a good fit?

I’m always reachable via LinkedIn or the Healthetia site. I welcome messages across any channel and personally respond to every inquiry.