In this episode of Healthcare Uncensored, host Rani Khetarpal sits down with Zak Eisenberg, Partner at Merritt Healthcare Advisors, to demystify the world of healthcare investment banking and uncover what truly makes a company attractive in today’s market. From co-founding an edtech startup in college to advising on strategic transactions for ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals, Zak brings a rare blend of entrepreneurial grit and financial strategy to the conversation.

Rani and Zak explore the ins and outs of mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and deal-making in a highly regulated, politically influenced industry. They also tackle the growing role of AI in healthcare, the shifting venture capital landscape, and what it really means to be a value-added partner—not just a banker.

Meet the Guest: Zak Eisenberg

Zak Eisenberg is a Partner at Merritt Healthcare Advisors, where he advises health system leaders, physicians, and investors on strategic transactions in ambulatory surgery centers and surgical hospitals. With a background in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and private equity, Zak brings a uniquely cross-sector perspective to healthcare M&A. He specializes in deal origination, capital structuring, and strategic growth, bridging clinical operations with long-term value creation across the healthcare ecosystem.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Zak’s unconventional path from acting student to startup founder shaped his career
• The role and real function of investment banks in healthcare (hint: it's not just raising money)
• Why Merritt Healthcare Advisors focuses exclusively on the lower-to-middle market
• Key indicators that make a healthcare company "investment ready"
• Why relationship-building is core to successful healthcare transactions
• The impact of AI on provider workflows, patient interaction, and diagnostics
• What venture capital firms are really looking for in the current climate
• How AI hype is creating noise—and where Zak sees real, sustainable value

Connect with Zak Eisenberg

🔗 https://merrittadvisory.com/

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:

https://missionmatters.com/author/rani-khetarpal/