What does your company do?
We have an end-to-end platform for the creation of custom medical devices for bone reconstruction. We start with the patient’s CT scan, turn it into a 3D computer model of the patient’s bone and work with the surgeon to plan the surgery and create custom implants and instruments to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes.
What is your background and how did you get into business?
I was born in Bogota, Colombia but raised in Medellin. I studied Mechanical Engineering at Ecole Nationale d’Ingenieurs de Metz in France and have a master’s in Computer Aided Mechanical Design from the same university. Also have a Master’s in Motorsport Engineering and Management from Cranfield University in the UK.
I started an engineering consultancy startup in Colombia, got involved with an orthopedic implant manufacturer, had an opportunity to buy the company and grew it within the Latin American market. In 2018 we decided to spin-off our 3D printed custom implant division to the U.S. where I am the CEO/Co-Founder and have been growing in the U.S. ever since.
I got into the business as a consultant for setting up an R&D process. The “aha” moment came when a local neurosurgeon called asking if we could do something for an 8-year-old boy who had lost part of his cranium in a bicycle accident. We sat down with our engineering team and created our first custom implant. That’s the moment we decided this was a great way to make an impact.
What sets your company apart from others?
We have three values that drive us, Simplicity, Speed and Value. Our platform and workflow is the easiest to use by surgeons, we offer the quickest response times and we provide patients access to the technology by using engineering to cut the cost of access to these technologies. That makes us better than our competitors.
What is the biggest challenge your company faces?
Our biggest challenges are getting regulatory access for our solutions and finding the right distribution partners in the countries where we have a presence.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy the most is solving problems, both technical and business, every day. Knowing that our product touches peoples’ lives so directly is also a super bonus. We get to see and live each patient’s story.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
The advice I would have for entrepreneurs is: It is going to be a roller coaster; you’re going to have massive wins and worrying losses. Just enjoy the ride and keep true to your purpose.
Which three books from your personal collection would you recommend for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs?
“Winning” by Jack Welch; “The Invincible Company” by Alexander Osterwalder; and “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel.