Jennifer Fried

Jennifer Fried is a seasoned business leader with a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry. As the co-founder and General Manager of Explorer Surgical, she spearheaded the development of a cutting-edge digital platform for operating rooms and procedure suites. Jennifer's journey with Explorer Surgical began in 2015 at the University of Chicago, where the company originated from a research laboratory within the Department of Surgery. With a successful funding round of $10 million and the global expansion of their software to serve medtech and hospital clients, Explorer Surgical caught the attention of GHX, culminating in its acquisition in 2021.

Jennifer's true passion lies in fostering innovation within healthcare through technology-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency and elevate patient care standards. Transitioning from her role as a healthcare venture capitalist, she dedicated herself to nurturing Explorer Surgical while simultaneously maintaining a foothold in the investment landscape. Her involvement as a Partner at Portfolia's FemTech Fund and a General Partner at The Fund Midwest attests to her commitment to advancing entrepreneurial ventures in the healthcare sector.

Jennifer's educational background is a testament to her multidisciplinary approach to business. Holding a Master of Business Administration degree with a focus on Finance and Entrepreneurship from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, she also pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences and Economics, specializing in Financial Economics at Northwestern University.

Throughout her career, Jennifer Fried has held key positions in various prestigious organizations, reflecting her diverse skill set and strategic acumen. From serving as a General Manager at Explorer Surgical and a Venture Partner at The Fund to her roles as a Fellow at the Society of Kauffman Fellows and a Vice President at Park Lane Ventures, Jennifer has consistently excelled in driving business growth and fostering innovation. Her extensive experience spans across notable entities such as Hyde Park Angels, Bain & Company, and ZS Associates, where she honed her expertise in healthcare, finance, and strategic consulting.

Jennifer's journey is marked by her unwavering dedication to mentorship and community building within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing from her own experiences with mentors, she actively supports budding entrepreneurs and investors, contributing to the cultivation of a thriving business environment. Jennifer Fried's professional trajectory exemplifies her passion for leveraging technology to transform healthcare and her commitment to empowering future leaders in the industry.