Building a business is no small feat, especially when you’re focused on developing breakthrough medical technologies. In this week’s #StartupSpotlight, Prakash Kolli, Co-Founder & CSO, 3D Orthobiologic Solutions, shares his journey, the inspiration behind the venture, and the lessons learned along the way. Let’s dive into the fascinating story of how 3D Ortho is changing the landscape of bone grafting surgery with 3D printing technology.
Q1: Could you tell us a little bit about your company?
We focus on revolutionizing the way bone grafts are used in surgeries by 3-D printing bone graft scaffolds and developing related cell culture technologies. The goal is to create more effective, customized solutions for patients needing bone repairs, ensuring that they heal faster and more efficiently. Our company aims to address a significant gap in the medical field, offering advanced, 3D-printed options that could drastically improve patient outcomes.
Q2: What inspired you to start your own company?
I’ve always been drawn to challenges that push me technically and allow me to tap into a broader range of skills. Starting a business from scratch is tough, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. My co-founder and I zeroed in on bone grafting because it’s a complex issue that hasn’t been fully addressed by existing solutions. There’s a real need for innovation in this field, and we saw an opportunity to make a significant impact by combining 3D printing with medical technologies to solve this problem.
Q3: What previous experiences influence your role today?
My earlier experiences, especially with my first startup, played a big role in shaping how I approach building this business. One of the key takeaways was understanding that a successful startup is built on a strong team. Early-stage companies require people who are not only passionate about the mission but also capable of executing day-to-day operations. Founders and initial team members must be flexible, willing to step into various roles, and get things done quickly. It’s all about wearing multiple hats and making sure the business moves forward, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.
Q4: What are the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as a startup founder, and how did you overcome them?
One of the toughest challenges was getting our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) off the ground, especially while navigating the regulatory landscape with limited resources. When you’re building something from the ground up, you have to be incredibly resourceful. Being cost-efficient is critical, and that often means making difficult decisions about where to allocate resources. We had to be smart, move fast, and learn to do more with less. Every decision counts, and finding creative solutions to obstacles became part of our DNA.
Q5: Do you have any mentors or role models who have inspired you while you have been building your business?
I’m fortunate to have a few mentors who have played a significant role in guiding me through this journey. One of my biggest role models is my co-founder, who successfully leads Nanochon, a company focused on cartilage regeneration. Their leadership has been an ongoing source of inspiration. I also work closely with business advisors like Gary Grenter and Iyad Saidi, who have a wealth of experience in starting and exiting medical device companies. Their insights have been invaluable, helping me navigate the complexities of building a startup and growing it into a successful business.
Q6: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and future startup founders based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
The most important piece of advice I can give is to never give up—persistence is absolutely essential. Starting a company isn’t easy, and failure is a natural part of the journey. Don’t be afraid to fail, because each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep pushing forward, even when the challenges seem insurmountable. If you stay focused and persistent, success will eventually come. Building a startup takes time, effort, and a willingness to adapt, so stay the course and keep moving forward.