Jon Lensing is a pioneer in the telehealth industry. He co-founded OpenLoop in 2019 while still a medical student at the University of Iowa. Now, as CEO, he focuses on providing accessible healthcare through technology. His goal? To make healing available anywhere people need it.
Initially aiming to be a plastic surgeon, Lensing and his co-founder, Christian Williams, realized there was a gap in telehealth access. They decided to take action, launching their startup to fill that need. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated OpenLoop’s growth, transforming it into a leader in providing seamless clinical support to virtual care companies. Today, they employ over 180 people.
This isn’t Lensing’s first entrepreneurial venture. In 2015, he co-founded GR Drone, a company specializing in aerial imagery. He also worked at SwineTech, where he spearheaded research on technology that helps save piglets, showcasing his knack for innovation across various fields.
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, he was honored as the University of Iowa Young Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2024, he made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. OpenLoop has attracted millions in funding and has won multiple awards, including the 2022 Prometheus Award from the Technology Association of Iowa for Software Development Company of the Year.
Experts believe that the rise of telehealth, accelerated by the pandemic, is here to stay. A recent report from the American Telemedicine Association indicates that 76% of patients are open to continuing virtual visits post-pandemic. This shift highlights the importance of companies like OpenLoop in reshaping healthcare delivery.
Lensing’s journey reflects a broader trend in tech entrepreneurship, where young innovators are leveraging their skills to create impactful solutions. With telehealth on the rise, Lensing’s vision resonates with many looking for convenient healthcare options.
As we move forward, the role of technology in healthcare will likely continue to grow, changing how we think about and access medical services. OpenLoop’s success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in various fields.
