Three Rochester start-ups took first place in their divisions to become semi-finalists in Minnesota’s most popular business competition, the MN Cup. Canomiks won in the Food/Ag/Bev division, Shrpa took the High-Tech division, and Nanodropper was number one in the Student division.
In 2017, while working as a researcher and lab manager at her alma mater, the University of Washington in Seattle, Allisa Song came across an article that stated drug companies were purposefully making eye drops too big, forcing consumers to constantly restock and buy more of their products.
Nanodropper, a medical device startup founded by University of Washington and Seattle University grads, announced a $1.4 million seed round this week. The company makes an FDA-approved adapter for eye drop bottles that reduces the size of eye drops to save money and medication.
Forbes magazine honored the Nanodropper team of founders with a spot on their annual ‘30 Under 30’ list recognizing high achievers in health care.
On today’s podcast we chat with Allisa and Robbie about their start as entrepreneurs, how Nanodropper got its initial funding through student pitch competitions, recent exciting steps for the company, shared love of dogs, and much more.
“This gives us the funding to adapt our solution to meet the needs of Air Force personnel and I can’t think of anything more validating.”
Seema is the Chief Strategy Officer of Kore Power where she leads Strategy and Corporate Development. She previously founded ForeOptics, a management consulting firm specializing in complex transformations; change leadership techniques; and operational turnarounds to help organizations accelerate value capture and unlock business growth and potential. She exhibits deep expertise in designing, streamlining, and managing complex global supply chains and operations.
Chris is the Managing Director of Xcellerant Ventures, and CEO of Yoo & Co Accelerators. He is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, educator, and developer of new value creation in the Healthcare & Life Sciences industry. Chris has deep knowledge in disruptive technologies and is passionate about seeing great research innovations quickly become fundamental improvements to how we understand health and treat disease.
Katey Letzkus earned her Bachelors in Journalism from Oklahoma State University and is passionate about helping clinics grow and achieve their goals! Through her 14 years of medical sales experience, she has received multiple honors for her work with Plastic Surgeons, Prosthodontists, Oral Surgeons and large med spas to grow their businesses. Her primary goal is to ensure patients with financial hardships receive the eye medications they need while helping businesses save money.
Andrew received his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Temple University in Philadelphia. During his studies, he gained unique insight into various socioeconomic inequities that are affecting our local and global communities. Andrew leverages his diverse work experience to help foster new partnerships and to strengthen existing connections with both patients and eye care professionals.
Brooke received her undergraduate degree in communications and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. Brooke was formerly the Executive Director for a Southwest Florida nonprofit offering teen girls leadership and fitness programming. Using her extensive leadership, management, travel and operations experience, Brooke seeks to continue developing new and effective ways to grow the company. Brooke is also leading the charge to build new nonprofit partnerships and expand our mission.
Alena received her degree in chemistry from Western Washington University, fostering her love for all things science and numbers. She uses her analytical background to dive into the data, finding ways to better develop connections with eyecare providers to improve the accessibility and affordability of healthcare.
Robbie is an entrepreneur and award-winning journalist with a background in marketing and communications. He has contributed to The New York Times, Florida Weekly, and Mayo Clinic's education shield, and was once co-founder and executive editor of a news company in his hometown of Naples, Fla.
Jenny’s inquisitive mind and entrepreneurial roots led her to co-found Nanodropper. She recently completed her PhD in pharmacology at the University of Washington, and she has scientific research experience at top academic institutions, including her alma mater Brown University, Harvard Medical School, and UW.
Mackenzie is a device design engineer who earned her master’s degree in bioengineering with a focus on technology commercialization from the University of Washington. She is passionate about designing and commercializing solutions to address current healthcare problems, especially to help close health equity gaps.
Elias is a mechanical engineer specializing in design and prototyping. He loves being involved with startups because they challenge him in new and exciting ways. His broad background includes projects with SpaceX, Spacelabs Healthcare, Kestra Medical Technologies, and McKinstry. His passion is within the biomedical industry, making advances in medical devices.
Allisa is a physician-entrepreneur and inventor who received her MD from the Mayo Clinic. With a background in Clean Tech, neuroscience, and harm reduction, she is a thought leader in the field of value-based innovation and the visionary behind Nanodropper. Allisa's patient-centered mindset drives Nanodropper's mission.