Welcome to the latest edition of Re-Humanizing HealthTech, where we amplify and connect voices bringing humans back into healthcare.

I’m releasing this issue following some time in Asia, where I was able to reconnect with old friends, make some new ones, and spend an unusual amount of time around horses.

Most of us have spent some time wondering if the perfect cornflower blue we’re seeing in the sky is the same as the blue that you’re seeing. Whether anyone else can possibly understand the sonic perfection of rhythmic waves crashing at the beach as dusk approaches. Or, if the tingling of your skin after that cold plunge feels the same to everyone else.

From an objective standpoint, it’s easy to understand that amongst other receptor and environmental differences, the brain acts as a filtering and interpretation machine to change how an individual perceives each of these experiences.

Subjectively, it’s a little tougher. Gestalt principles had nothing on the conversation sparked by Laurel vs Yanny and the Blue dress vs the Gold dress.

Before we can begin to understand the differences between people, what happens when our senses are unavailable to us as individuals, like when we’re physically removed from what we’re trying to touch?

Is there a future world where you might be traveling or working in another location, yet you could still feel the warmth of your child’s face when you put them to bed at night?

A world where you could hug your grandma after a visit, and return to that feeling at a later time?

For decades, science fiction has explored emotional broadcasting and neural network constructs that enable people to share sensory experiences. A first step might be to ensure our sense of touch is always available.

Temporal and spatial questions aside (for now), the world that our featured founder is creating allows people to feel through devices, simply by thinking.

This is magic in real life, and Wendy is making it happen right now. Read more below.

In optimism,

Katie

Meet Wendy. She’s building BIOS, and turning science fiction into standard of care. Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS) has created a “USB port for the human body.” Our patent-pending Universal Nerve Interface enables individuals to control digital devices by thought. For our first application, we support individuals with limb loss to move AND feel human-like sensation again — simply by thinking.

Backed by FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, we have multiple successful human clinical studies. We are scaling from the clinical setting to help over 2 million amputees and wounded veterans across the United States.

This is the beginning of a new category in human-machine interaction.

Why did you choose this path?

Because I’ve never believed in the phrase “that’s impossible.” Throughout my career and life, when something is truly important, I don’t give up when it is hard. You respect the ambiguity, reframe the problem, gather your people, be creative, try an untested approach. Then you try again.

Over the past ten years, I had the privilege of helping launch the first gene therapy in the US, and contributing to the rollout of one of the first two mRNA COVID vaccines during the pandemic. Those moments provided something profound. When science, urgency, collaboration and mission align, and the team works together with determination, humor and humility, the “extraordinary” happens.

BIOS is next.

Our goal is to create a world where disability is no longer a disability. We are creating a new technology that restores function and sensation in ways that feel natural, intuitive and human.

What are the missing pieces for you right now?

💰Capital. We have clinical and regulatory momentum. Capital would allow us to compress our timelines and reach patients faster.

🤝 Alignment across innovation, reimbursement and adoption.

Healthcare innovation does not succeed on science alone. It succeeds when three forces intersect:

Each circle exists independently. True impact happens at the intersection. We are building the intersection by working across patients, physicians, payers, investors, government agencies (e.g., FDA, CMS), and other partners.

🚀 When alignment happens, innovation is sustainable, scalable and self-reinforcing.

What gives you hope?

The moment a clinical trial participant does something they thought was gone forever.

This is what we are building toward.

March has been absolutely spectacular in SF, with gorgeous weather (how is it in the 80s in March), and some fantastic get-togethers!

Also, note that the Bay lighting ceremony is happening this Friday. If you’re not in town, check out the footage afterwards. It’s going to be incredible.

We gathered some folks to share a space focused on movement, wellness, and as always, meeting people ready to amplify and support you.

Collaborating with The Council is amazing (big shout out to Vanessa & Amber!), and Somato’s foldable reformers (on the market, soon!) are a thing of absolute beauty — people were wowed by the experience.

We launched Living on Purpose with a gala to remember! An ecosystem of athletes, executives, and philanthropists gathered to kick off the next phase.

Unexpected future career perspective: talking acting post-sports with Dwight Hicks. You never know what’s next!

I help first-time founders in HealthTech & AgeTech through Pre-Seed —>Series A build the business muscle that matches their financial aspirations.

At the moments that matter for your company’s future, I’m your fractional Chief Business Officer (fCBO).

Reach out if you’re tackling gnarly problems.