Mangrove Health Launches to Reshape Florida's Primary Care Landscape

MIAMI, FL – April 23, 2026 – A new player has entered Florida’s competitive healthcare arena with a mission to redefine primary care for the state's seniors and families. Mangrove Health officially announced its launch today, backed by a significant strategic investment from private equity firm Mako Capital Group and health innovation holding company Despierta. The Miami-based organization aims to improve health outcomes and access for Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace members through a value-based model that prioritizes preventative, team-based care powered by advanced technology.

Founded by veteran healthcare executives Elena Castañeda and Dr. Emily Maxson, Mangrove Health is positioning itself as a solution to the persistent gaps in the primary care system. The company’s approach moves away from the traditional fee-for-service model, which rewards volume, to a value-based framework where physicians are incentivized for improving patient health and long-term wellness.

"For too many Florida families who are working hard and doing everything right, quality primary care has remained out of reach — not because of a lack of effort, but because of a system that was not designed with them in mind," said Elena Castañeda, CEO of Mangrove Health. "That is exactly the gap Mangrove Health was built to close."

A New Model for a Crowded Market

Florida's healthcare market is notoriously complex, characterized by a large and growing senior population and significant numbers of residents covered by Medicaid and ACA Marketplace plans. Mangrove Health enters a field with established value-based care providers, including major players like ChenMed and Oak Street Health, which have already built considerable footprints across the state.

However, Mangrove's leadership sees a clear opportunity by focusing intently on a coordinated, patient-centric model for populations that often struggle to navigate the healthcare system. By integrating services and focusing on prevention, the company aims to reduce costly emergency room visits and hospitalizations, thereby generating savings and improving quality of life—the core tenets of value-based care. The company's initial physical presence is a rebranded clinic in Cutler Bay, which is already serving as a Community Partner for ACCESS, Florida's public assistance program, signaling a deep commitment to its target demographic from day one.

The Power of Founder Expertise and Technology

Mangrove Health's credibility is significantly bolstered by the deep industry experience of its founders. CEO Elena Castañeda is a Wharton MBA who previously served as Managing Director of Practice Acquisitions at ChenMed, giving her firsthand experience in scaling value-based operations. Co-founder Dr. Emily Maxson, a practicing internist, brings a wealth of clinical and strategic knowledge from her former role as Chief Medical Officer at Aledade, a company that helps independent practices transition to value-based care.

This blend of operational, clinical, and strategic expertise is central to the company's plan to deploy what it calls "advanced technology and AI." While specific proprietary platforms have not yet been detailed, the use of technology in this context typically involves predictive analytics to identify at-risk patients, data-driven clinical decision support for physicians, and tools to streamline patient communication and care coordination. The company's website notes a heavy investment in data infrastructure to provide its care teams with actionable insights, aiming to elevate the standard of care.

Dr. Maxson’s background also includes leading technology dissemination for public health initiatives in New York and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of how to implement technology effectively to improve population health.

Strategic Capital Fuels Ambitious Expansion

The financial backing from Mako Capital Group and Despierta provides more than just capital; it offers a strategic partnership designed to accelerate growth. Mako Capital, a Miami-based private equity firm, specializes in partnering with founder-led companies in essential services. Their stated approach is an "operator-led value creation playbook," indicating a hands-on strategy to help build durable, market-leading businesses.

"We were drawn to Mangrove Health's leadership, vision and innovative approach to primary care and to the potential for them to deliver better health outcomes for thousands of Florida families," said Angel Morales, Co-Founder of Mako. He added that Mako's experience in value-based care would help accelerate Mangrove's growth into a regional leader.

Complementing Mako's operational focus is Despierta, a holding company and venture studio dedicated to health equity and frontier technology. Despierta's involvement underscores Mangrove's commitment to innovation and social impact. The firm employs a "barbell strategy" of launching new ventures and acquiring assets where technology can drive value, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Mangrove’s model.

"Health equity starts at the community level," noted Despierta Co-Founder Christian Seale. "Mangrove Health's patient-centric approach aligns perfectly with our mission to empower and elevate ventures that promote long-term health."

From Concept to Community in Cutler Bay

Mangrove Health's journey begins on the ground in South Florida. In 2025, the company acquired its first clinical center, SMC Medical Center, which has been rebranded as Mangrove Health Cutler Bay. The company has emphasized continuity, assuring patients that the "same team you trust" remains, easing the transition for the existing patient base.

The Cutler Bay center is already operational and accepting new patients, offering a suite of services that includes pediatric care, annual physicals, urgent care, and specialized Medicare wellness exams. This initial site serves as a launchpad and a real-world laboratory for the company's model, allowing it to refine its team-based approach and technology integration before scaling further. With the new investment, Mangrove Health plans to roll out additional clinical centers, expand partnerships with major health plans, and continue building the technology infrastructure necessary to support its ambitious vision for a healthier Florida.