The appointment is part of the BMJ New Ventures programme, which was set up in 2016 to work with entrepreneurs in young companies who share its vision for a healthier world, and who can benefit from the company’s medical expertise, communications, and distribution channels, says the company.
Lara co-founded ImproveWell in 2016 to enable frontline healthcare professionals to drive change. ImproveWell is a digital solution enterprise, with a focus on quality improvement.
In less than three years, its technology has been adopted across the NHS and in the USA.
Before setting up ImproveWell, Lara worked in various senior roles across healthcare specialist investment, biotech, life sciences consulting and financial services businesses.
In 2014, she supported one of the largest UK biotech fundraisings at flotation on the London Stock Exchange, raising £200 million for Circassia, a specialty pharmaceutical company. And in 2016, she directed a €660 million healthcare private equity fundraise for GHO Capital.
She was deputy chair of the UK BioIndustry Association’s Communications Advisory Committee for over four years, and was also a trustee for the international NGO, Selfless, from 2015 to 2016.
Lara holds a first class degree in pharmacology from Bristol University where she was awarded the Hans Heller Memorial Prize for outstanding performance. In November 2017, she was named a “rising star” among the top 50 female leaders in UK healthcare by BioBeat.
As BMJ’s first Entrepreneur in Residence, Lara will be supporting BMJ’s strategy team to widen its horizons for innovation and entrepreneurship. As well as sharing her experience of innovation, Lara will provide strategic advice for internal and external projects. And she will help BMJ to shape the future of its Entrepreneur in Residence programme.
Commenting on the appointment, Anca Babor, Director of the Knowledge Centre at BMJ, said: “We are committed to working with entrepreneurs and bringing their unique perspectives to complement our in-house innovation work. I look forward to working with Lara on strengthening our innovation culture and further shaping our New Ventures programme.”
Lara Mott, CEO and Co-founder of ImproveWell, said: “With its prestigious reputation and worldwide reach, BMJ is in a strong position to encourage entrepreneurship and nurture opportunities across healthcare. The creation of this position highlights a commitment to innovation and I am honoured to have the opportunity to support the BMJ New Ventures team in developing a successful programme for the future.”
