True leaders have the skill to imagine a superior world and motivate others to make that vision a reality. They are motivated by their mission, guided by compassion, and fearless in questioning the current situation. In business, healthcare, or technology, transformative leaders view gaps not as limitations but as chances to innovate. They confidently take the lead, using their past experiences and future ambitions to make impactful, enduring differences. In the growing healthcare industry, such leadership is not just valuable—it’s essential.
This kind of purposeful leadership is exemplified by Sundeep Sahni, CEO, and Nadin Karadag, COO, the Co-founders of VALEO Health. With a shared passion for empowering individuals to take control of their health, they’ve built a healthcare platform that’s as much about purpose as it is about innovation. For Sahni and Karadag, leadership isn’t just about steering a company; it’s about setting a new standard for an entire industry.
“We didn’t just want to build a business,” reflects Sahni. “We wanted to create something that made healthcare personal, actionable, and empowering.” This belief underscores their work at VALEO Health, a pioneering platform that integrates technology and personalized care to transform how people approach their health. Together, Sahni and Karadag bring a unique combination of empathy, entrepreneurial spirit, and a vision to address the gaps in traditional healthcare systems.
Let’s explore the journey of two bold leaders pioneering accessible and actionable healthcare solutions with VALEO Health’s innovative platform!
The Founders’ Journey
The seeds of VALEO Health were sown in 2011 when Sahni and Karadag met as MBA students at INSEAD. A decade later, the global COVID-19 pandemic became the catalyst for their idea to take shape. Both leaders were driven by deeply personal experiences that highlighted the limitations of conventional healthcare.
For Sahni, the wake-up call came during the pandemic, when he found himself battling for his life in intensive care. “I was only 36 and had always been so focused on work that I ignored my health completely. That experience changed my perspective entirely,” he says. It opened his eyes to the pressing need for accessible and proactive healthcare solutions.
Karadag’s journey began much earlier. Having grown up watching her mother grapple with multiple sclerosis, she witnessed firsthand how a fragmented healthcare system often leaves patients and families feeling overwhelmed. “I saw how hard it was to navigate the system and how much stress it caused for my family,” she recalls. Her personal struggles with pre-diabetes and arthritis further underscored the importance of preventive care and early intervention.
These experiences shaped the foundation of VALEO Health, a platform designed to make healthcare accessible, convenient, and holistic. “We believe healthcare should be as seamless as booking a cab or ordering a meal,” says Karadag.
Creating VALEO Health: A Revolution in Wellness
The mission of VALEO Health is simple yet transformative: to empower individuals to take control of their health. The app integrates every aspect of healthcare—diagnostics, consultations, medication, supplements, and wellness coaching—into one cohesive platform. “We wanted to eliminate the confusion and hassle that often comes with managing your health,” explains Sahni.
VALEO Health takes a holistic approach, addressing not just illnesses but the underlying factors that contribute to them. Whether it’s low energy, gut issues, or weight management, the platform focuses on preventive care to keep users from becoming patients. “People often wait until they’re diagnosed with something serious to take action,” says Karadag. “With VALEO Health, we aim to change that mindset by making health management simple and proactive.”
Another key differentiator is the human element that drives VALEO Health’s services. Unlike many platforms that prioritize scalability over personalization, VALEO Health is committed to providing a genuinely tailored experience. “Our doctors and coaches work together to deliver integrative, evidence-based care that’s designed for each individual,” Sahni explains.
Overcoming Challenges with Customer-Centric Innovation
As with any disruptive innovation, VALEO Health faced skepticism in its early days. Convincing people to trust a completely new healthcare model in middle east – that was only successful in the US (for example Hims&Hers) – wasn’t easy, but the founders’ steady focus on customer needs helped them overcome these challenges.
“When we launched, it was a new model for the GCC healthcare system,” admits Karadag. “But we built VALEO Health for the customer, and we let their feedback guide us every step of the way.” Today, the platform boasts a remarkable Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 82 and an average Google review rating of 4.9 stars, testaments to its ability to deliver real value.
Maintaining high standards of service was another hurdle. Unlike other platforms, VALEO Health’s wellness coaches aren’t driven by sales targets or upselling metrics. “This was very intentional,” says Sahni. “Our goal has always been to create a safe and supportive space where users feel genuinely cared for.” The feedback from customers underscores this approach, with many praising the sincerity and professionalism of VALEO Health’s team.
Technology at the Core of VALEO Health
At the heart of VALEO Health’s success is its innovative use of technology. The platform leverages AI-driven analytics to offer users personalized health insights based on their data. Whether it’s sleep patterns, hydration levels, or nutrition needs, the app provides actionable recommendations to help users optimize their health.
“AI is revolutionizing healthcare, and we’re using it to create a more personalized experience for our users,” explains Sahni. He envisions a future where users wake up to a fully tailored wellness plan, informed by data from wearable devices and other inputs. “Imagine your AI coach telling you exactly what your body needs for the day, from hydration to exercise—it’s like having a personal health assistant in your pocket,” adds Karadag.
Wearable technology also plays a crucial role in VALEO Health’s offerings. From monitoring vitamin levels to tracking ovulation cycles, wearables are becoming more sophisticated, and VALEO Health is at the forefront of integrating these advancements into its platform.
A Pillar of Success
In an industry as multifaceted as healthcare, collaboration is key. VALEO Health has built strong partnerships with healthcare providers, insurers, and other stakeholders to ensure a seamless user experience. “Healthcare is never about one player—it’s about bringing everyone together for the benefit of the patient,” says Karadag.
However, the founders are clear about who the most important stakeholder is: the individual. “Our ultimate mission is to help people avoid becoming patients,” emphasizes Sahni. This proactive philosophy drives VALEO Health’s focus on preventive care and long-term wellness.
The Future of Health-Tech in the Middle East
As pioneers in the Middle Eastern health-tech space, Sahni and Karadag are at the forefront of several transformative trends. One such trend is the rise of longevity-focused care, where the emphasis is on improving quality of life rather than merely treating illnesses. “People are increasingly looking at health as an investment in their future,” notes Karadag.
AI and wearable technology are also poised to reshape healthcare in profound ways. “The future of healthcare is about personalization,” says Sahni. “From AI-driven diagnostics to real-time feedback from wearables, the possibilities are endless.”
VALEO Health’s vision aligns perfectly with these trends, positioning it as a leader in the region’s evolving healthcare landscape.
A Mission That’s Deeply Personal
For Sahni and Karadag, VALEO Health is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of their personal journeys and a testament to their resilience. “This isn’t just about creating a product,” says Karadag. “It’s about creating a movement that empowers people to live healthier, fuller lives.”
Their mission resonates deeply with users, many of whom credit VALEO Health with transforming their approach to health. By combining technology, empathy, and innovation, the platform is not only meeting the needs of today’s consumers but also shaping the future of healthcare.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
As VALEO Health continues to grow, its impact on the Middle Eastern healthcare landscape is undeniable. With a relentless focus on innovation and a deeply human approach, the platform is redefining what healthcare can be. “We’re not just building a company; we’re building a new way of thinking about health,” says Sahni.
Through their leadership, Sahni and Karadag have proven that true change begins with vision and courage. Their work at VALEO Health serves as an inspiring example of how purpose-driven innovation can transform lives—and redefine an industry.
