What Sets Town Square Health Apart from Other Startups
12/10/25
By David Qu, MBA, FACHE, FACHDM, CPHQ
Senior Strategic Advisor, Town Square Health
I first met Dr. David Buchanan at MATTER’s office in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart this past April. Within just a few minutes of conversation, I could tell this was going to be a compelling dialogue. His passion for primary care was unmistakable—how deeply he cares about patients and how clearly he understands the space. I was even more impressed by the fact that he left a high-profile role at CVS, where he served as Chief Innovation Officer of Health Delivery, to found Town Square Health. This kind of conviction, experience and clarity of purpose is the definition of Founder–Market Fit. Studies show that founders with strong market fit outperform others by an impressive 45%.
In the crowded landscape of healthcare startups, it’s easy for new companies to promise innovation and transformation. But at Town Square Health, we’re not just promising change—we’re delivering it in ways that truly matter for patients, providers, and investors alike.
Our healthcare system is in a dire state. In the United States, 100 million people struggle to access primary care, and more than half of older adults rely on urgent care for routine health needs. The very foundation of our healthcare system—primary care—is failing the people who depend on it most.
Care is fragmented. Access is difficult. Costs are rising. And older adults are paying the price.
That is why we founded Town Square Health!
Why Town Square Health is Different
What makes us different? It starts with our commitment to value-based primary care. Unlike traditional fee-for-service models that reward volume, our approach focuses on outcomes—keeping patients healthy, managing chronic conditions effectively, and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. This isn’t just good medicine; it is sustainable healthcare economics. By aligning clinical success with financial incentives, we create a system where everyone benefits: patients receive personalized, proactive care, and payers see real cost savings.
Another differentiator is our deep focus on senior care. With a rapidly aging population and the growth of Medicare Advantage plans, there’s a tremendous need for primary care models designed for older adults. Town Square Health invests in building strong, relationship-driven care teams that prioritize preventive care, medication management, and social support—elements often overlooked in traditional primary care settings.
Our culture of data-driven decision-making paired with human connection also sets us apart. Technology at Town Square Health doesn’t replace human care—it empowers it. Our teams use advanced analytics to identify patient needs, anticipate risks, and coordinate care efficiently, but the core of what we do remains deeply personal. Every patient interaction is an opportunity to build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve outcomes.
Our approach to scaling responsibly distinguishes us in the startup world. Many healthcare startups focus on rapid growth without ensuring operational excellence or care quality. At Town Square Health, we prioritize thoughtful expansion. Every new health center and every market we enter is an opportunity to replicate a proven model, ensuring consistency in both care and patient experience.
Last but not the least, it is our leaders. It starts with Dr. David Buchanan, then the leadership team including Lauren Ranalli, Marshal Glanzer, Fiona Weber, Ellen Wager and others. The team is inspiring, determined, collaborative, and fun to work with. A startup rises or falls on the strength of its leaders; talent builds the product, but leadership builds the company. In the turbulence of any startup, leaders are the steady hands on the compass. They turn uncertainty into progress.
Why Investors Should Take Notice
Investors often ask me, “What makes Town Square Health a startup worth betting on?” My answer is simple: we combine purpose with performance.
We’re building a healthcare company that is financially sustainable, clinically effective, and deeply human. Few startups can claim that—and even fewer can deliver it. This was clearly validated at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas in October 2025. In just two days, we secured nearly 18 investor meetings. Investors consistently told us how impressed they were by:
Our founders–market fit—the deep clinical and operational expertise of our leadership
Our new model of multi-specialty primary care clinics
Our use of AI agents to simplify operations and enhance patient experience
Our data-driven approach to market selection and growth
Town Square Health stands out not because of one thing, but because all the pieces come together—purpose, performance, innovation, and execution.Healthcare is complex, but the principles that guide us are straightforward: care that works, relationships that matter, and growth that lasts.
That’s what sets Town Square Health apart—and why we’re confident in the future we’re building.