A new telehealth venture focusing on migraine treatment has emerged under the leadership of experienced entrepreneur Kelly Smith. The company, called Hedfirst, aims to revolutionize how patients access specialized migraine medications through a comprehensive telehealth platform.
The service connects patients with licensed healthcare providers across most U.S. states, delivering customized prescription
medications within 2-3 business days. Smith, who serves as founder and CEO, envisions this as just the initial phase of a more extensive healthcare technology initiative.
The company’s future plans include expanding into additional medical conditions and incorporating artificial intelligence tools to address diagnostic challenges. Smith highlighted the frustrating “diagnostic odyssey” many patients endure, often consulting multiple physicians before receiving accurate diagnoses. Hedfirst’s planned AI
implementation aims to streamline this process, providing patients with faster insights and more efficient care pathways.
Operating under Smith’s startup incubator Curious Office, which he established in 2007, Hedfirst utilizes backend technology powered by Teligant, another new venture co-founded by Smith. Both companies are currently self-funded, reflecting Smith’s strategic approach to startup growth. He emphasized the importance of maintaining lean operations, noting that excessive early-stage funding can sometimes hinder startup success.
Smith brings substantial industry experience to the venture, having previously served as chief digital officer at Athletic Greens, Hagerty, and MGM Resorts International. His background includes significant contributions to Starbucks’ digital transformation, particularly in mobile app development. Based in Idaho, Smith’s entrepreneurial track record includes successful exits with several Seattle-based startups: RocketVox (acquired by ThePlatform), ImageKind (acquired by CafePress), and Zapd (acquired by RealSelf).
The leadership team includes notable expertise in neurology through Dr. Alexander Mauskop, who serves as chief medical advisor. Dr. Mauskop, founder of the New York Headache Center, brings specialized knowledge in neurology to the venture. Additionally, Daria Smith holds the position of co-founder and COO for both Hedfirst and Teligant.
In the competitive telehealth landscape, Hedfirst faces established players including migraine-focused services like Cove, as well as broader telehealth providers such as Ro, Lyra, and Amazon One Medical. However, the company’s specialized focus on migraine treatment and planned expansion into AI-driven diagnostics could provide distinctive advantages in the market.
The startup’s approach aligns with growing demand for accessible healthcare solutions, particularly in specialized treatment areas like migraine care. By combining telehealth services with targeted medication delivery and future AI capabilities, Hedfirst aims to address significant gaps in current healthcare delivery models.
Smith’s measured approach to funding and growth reflects a thoughtful strategy in the healthcare technology sector. Rather than pursuing aggressive funding rounds initially, the company’s bootstrap model allows for focused development and strategic expansion based on market response and operational success.
The venture represents a significant addition to the telehealth landscape, particularly in addressing specific medical conditions through targeted solutions. As healthcare continues to evolve toward more accessible and technologically integrated models, Hedfirst’s combination of specialized care, medication delivery, and planned AI implementation positions it to potentially reshape how patients access and receive migraine treatment, with possibilities for expansion into other medical conditions in the future.