Joanna NathanCo Founder

United States - Houston, Texas

I am an investor turned entrepreneur on a mission to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients as the CEO of Prana Thoracic. Our technology is the first minimally invasive medical device to enable early diagnosis and intervention in lung cancer.

At the start of my career, I received the gift of entrepreneurship, an unexpected pivot that changed my path from research to innovation. My roles as Research Engineer at Texas Heart Institute and Director of Product Development at Saranas taught me what it takes to bring innovative technologies from idea to reality. My work at Mercury Fund, followed by my role as New Ventures Manager at Johnson & Johnson MedTech Center for Device Innovation expanded my perspective on innovation to include the investor mindset and ultimately led me to step back into an entrepreneurial role with Prana Thoracic.

I am invested in growing and supporting Houston’s life science community. I’ve mentored countless founders, and continue to advocate for students and aspiring entrepreneurs, as co-founder of Enventure and as President of the Board for Rice University Engineering Alumni.

I’m looking to connect with investors and clinical investigators working to improve outcomes for lung cancer patients.