Justin Bayless

Founder & Managing Principal

Justin is a dynamic force in healthcare entrepreneurship, known for his best-selling book, “The Journey to Ten Figures,” and his transformative impact on the mental health industry.

As the Founder and President of The Journey Venture Studio, a groundbreaking 501(c)(3) organization, he empowers underrepresented founders to solve healthcare disparities. Additionally, he is the Managing Principal at Bayless Ventures and Ten Figures.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Justin graduated from Morehouse College before launching his career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in New York City. However, his passion for making a difference led him back home to revitalize his family’s mental health business. Driven by a commitment to solving complex healthcare challenges in underserved communities, he spearheaded the integration of physical and behavioral health at Bayless Integrated Healthcare for Medicaid populations. Under his leadership, the company became a national pioneer in telehealth, earning Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC) accreditation in 2018. Justin’s exceptional leadership propelled Bayless Integrated Healthcare onto the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America for three consecutive years. In December 2020, he orchestrated a landmark deal with Magellan Health Inc., a Fortune 500 company, achieving a nine-figure valuation. Following the acquisition of Magellan Health by Centene Corporation in January 2022, he fully transitioned from the family business but not before he reclaimed the Bayless trademark, setting the stage for new ventures.

Inspired by the drive to give back to the next generation, Justin founded Ten Figures, an advisory and asset management company. Through this platform, he and his team guide emerging entrepreneurs from underdogs to industry leaders, leveraging technology, relationships, and leadership development. Ten Figures also manages a variety alternative assets and real estate. In May 2024, Justin published his debut book, “The Journey to Ten Figures: A Guide for the Dark Horse Entrepreneur”, a reflection on his journey and a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. The book quickly became a bestseller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, selling over 10,000 copies in its first week.

Justin also founded the Journey Venture Studio and launched its first successful portfolio companies in 2024 with Founders-in-Residence  Imen Maaroufi Clark & Ekene Nkem-Mmekam. Through Bayless Ventures, Justin invests in early-stage companies, supporting the next generation of underrepresented entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, networking, and introductions. His portfolio includes successful investments in Piction Health, Prickly Pear, Joiful Health, and Sweater, to name a few. Justin also serves on the Limited Partner Advisory Board for funds that share the same commitment to supporting underrepresented founders including the Morgan Stanley Next Level Fund and Emmeline Ventures.  

Justin’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2017 Spirit of Enterprise Award from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, the 2019 Living History “Art of Entrepreneurship” Honor, and a spot on the 2019 Phoenix Business Journal’s 40 under 40 list. He was also named a 2021 AZ Telehealth Leader by Arizona Business Magazine, one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders in 2021, and was featured on the 2024 AZ Big 100 list. In addition to his professional endeavors, Justin also serves as a Board Trustee to his alma mater, Morehouse College. His philanthropic efforts include supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Valley, Elevate Med, Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, and Morehouse College. He is also a passionate supporter of the arts, contributing to the Studio Museum of Harlem, Phoenix Art Museum, and ASU Art Museum.

Click here to follow his journey… journeytotenfigures »