Meet Abby McInturf.
Co-Founder of BAND Connect.
"Cincinnati is the perfect place to be a digital health startup..."
BAND Connect’s mission is to transform the current physical therapy workflows for both clinicians and patients by extending the high-quality in-clinic and musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation experience into the patient’s home and providing a more robust treatment experience that emphasizes accountability while reducing healthcare costs.
Q: What makes Cincinnati a great place to start a business?
A: Cincinnati is the perfect place to be a digital health startup because it is incredibly affordable, the ecosystem of local Universities provides both talent and research expertise, and most importantly there are a plethora of regional and nationally recognized health systems at your disposal!
Q: How did a grant from Main Street Ventures impact you and your business?
A: Main Street Ventures' valuable support will further our IP/patent efforts, which is a necessary ingredient to get our company to the next level. There is a lot of innovation and disruption occurring in the MSK PT Rehab segment today, and it’s important for us to protect our innovation and approach as we establish our business foundation. This MSV grant will support our efforts to complete the utility patent application currently in process with support from Wood Herron & Evans LLP. Additionally, having a strong IP portfolio is always useful as we pursue subsequent funding rounds.
MSV has had a pivotal role in helping cultivate the startup ecosystem since the late 90’s. Being recognized and supported by MSV is a milestone for BAND Connect on multiple levels.
Q: What is a lesson you've learned that has shaped your work?
A: In design school, I learned the value of a critique. In DAAP, every project would end by hanging your work up on the wall, and one by one, each person will share what they think, good or bad. After spending an entire semester pouring your blood, sweat, and tears into this creation, it is easy to try to defend your work, but after five years of criticism, you learn that other people’s opinions are so important because their personal experiences and backgrounds bring a different and equally valuable perspective.
I have found that our most productive conversations as a startup have stemmed from a critique and the end result is far better than what it was prior to the conversation.
Q: What's next for BAND Connect?
A: As a part of our commercialization plan, we are on the cusp of initiating two IRB-approved clinical trials with two large, nationally recognized health systems in Cincinnati focusing on rehabilitation for post-acute and chronic shoulder conditions. Once the trials are underway, we plan to raise a seed round of funding to help accelerate their planned commercialization and product development efforts.
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