We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Raleigh since winning Startup Prize’s Non-FDA Track for 2023. Learn what’s been happening with SteadiSpoon, Raleigh’s thoughts on Startup Prize and life as a founder, and how you can help SteadiSpoon continue to thrive.
What problem is SteadiSpoon looking to solve?
We help people suffering debilitating hand tremors take life back into their hands with assistive devices and monitoring software. Our self-stabilizing devices are entirely mechanical and empower patients to feed themselves—we are working on other attachment heads for a wider range of activities.
Any recent big wins?
We just wrapped up Design-for-Manufacturing and are about to begin out first small-batch production of units. We are also in talks with Baylor Scott & White Health for a pilot with our software.
What are some of your current challenges and next big pushes?
We are working on navigating manufacturing and fulfillment, managing the pilot with BS&W, and establishing a B2B model with care facilities for our assistive devices.
How has participating in the Startup Prize helped you in your startup journey?
The “pitch” experience during the finals was unlike any other competition I have been involved with. Walking into a room with incredible judges who have already reviewed your materials in-depth could make for a very interrogatory environment. But, that couldn’t have been further from the truth in my experience.
The hour pitch session turned into more of a brain-storming session about how to improve my business and how the judges with their various backgrounds could help. Some of those judges have become close advisors and some of those suggestions have become critical parts of my company’s roadmap and strategy.
When you hit a wall, how do you recenter and reset? What keeps you committed and brings you back into focus?
This is a path of tremendous uncertainty. You venture into the unknown, seeking to create nothing from something—this is what makes it as exciting as it is excruciating. When I run into walls, it can often feel debilitating. I have found that time and remembering the power of time/experience to be my best antidotes. What seems insurmountable today often seems highly difficult tomorrow, and even workable the day after.
In terms of commitment, I think a large part of our suffering often comes from narrowed attention on ourselves. In these moods, I remind myself of why I started—my grandmother. As for most healthcare founders, it’s the patients that drive us. I remind myself of my responsibility to these patients to deliver something that could restore their dignity and that usually gives me the catalytic energy to get back on track.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
– John McPhee is an incredible non-fiction writer with a range from the Swiss Army and shipping vessels to former MET directors and the Florida Orange empire. He’s an incredible writer who manages details and characters so naturally. I’ve found his writing very helpful as startups have to navigate storytelling from a set of facts. I’d recommend looking up his portfolio and then choosing whichever topic interests you most—for me it was La Place de la Concorde Suisse.
– Andre Gide, The Immoralist. A wonderful book navigating coming-of-age and discovering then asserting one’s philosophy against the universe.
– Tracy Chapman. I’ve loved her for a long time and her recent resurgence inspired me to dive back into her discography.
How can folks in the Startup Prize ecosystem help? What sort of connections or knowledge will help you continue to move forward?
We are currently looking for the following:
– FDA guidance for Digital Health software
– Connections to Clinicians (Neurologists, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists)
– Connections to Care Facilities (Rehab Centers, Assisted Living, Retirement Homes, Skilled Nursing, etc.)
Last words of advice, insight, encouragement for your fellow founders?
I’ll leave you with two quotes, one business and one literary:
“Social Entrepreneurs are the driven, creative individuals who question the status quo, exploit new opportunities, refuse to give up, and remake the world for the better.” – David Bornstein
“And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” – John Steinbeck