P | P | P – feat. Radii

We had the opportunity to speak with Joshua Steer, Founder and CEO of Radii Devices, a MedTech startup located at the Engine Shed in Bristol. They are a medical device software company that specialises in data-driven design for custom prosthetic limbs for people with amputations.

The purpose of article series ‘Product | People | Potential’ is to feature and showcase the very best UK start-ups with grand potential, truly inspiring businesses that are shaking up their sector. We capture and share the stories behind the name. We collate authentic peer to peer real talk, while celebrating the growth and success thus far and gather a glimpse of what’s ahead.

Tareek @ ADLIB: Can you please introduce yourself, what your business does, what stage you are at currently and what makes your business and offering unique?

Joshua: I’m Joshua Steer, Founder and CEO of Radii Devices, a MedTech startup located at the Engine Shed in Bristol. We are a medical device software company that specialises in data-driven design for custom prosthetic limbs for people with amputations. By analysing a dataset of 3D scans and outcome measures using our population-based shape analysis methods, we create evidence-driven design suggestions. Our goal is to streamline the socket design process and enhance patient outcomes. Currently, we are conducting in-clinic research to evaluate the effectiveness of our software in NHS clinics. Besides prosthetics, our technology is applicable to the design of other medical devices that require a focus on quality-of-fit, such as NIV masks, PPE, and wheelchair seating.

Tareek @ ADLIB: Can you share the story behind the origin of your business and Service / Product?

Joshua: The idea for Radii Devices emerged during my PhD research at the University of Southampton, where we were focussed on making cutting-edge engineering design and analysis technologies accessible and available in the clinic. I witnessed the challenges faced by prosthetists in designing comfortable, well-fitting prosthetic sockets. We realised the potential of leveraging data and technology to improve the design process, and in March 2020, we spun out from the university to form Radii Devices. Our software aims to provide prosthetists with evidence-based support, streamlining the design process and improving patient outcomes.

Tareek @ ADLIB: Speaking of People, can you share some challenges you have faced, are facing or are anticipating around scaling and growing your team? Do you have any top tips you could share with those businesses faced with the same issues?

Joshua: Scaling and growing our team has been challenging, as finding talent with the right expertise and alignment with our mission is vital. We focus on identifying individuals who are passionate about solving the problem we’re addressing and are ready to step up to the challenge. In a small team, it is critical you ensure you have a diversity of skills, experience and perspective and find people who are happy to input and feedback outside their area of expertise.

Tareek @ ADLIB: Moving to Product, what has been your approach to understanding and implementing product market fit?

Joshua: We have focused on continuous user feedback and collaboration with key stakeholders, including prosthetists, patients, and healthcare providers right from day one. This approach has allowed us to refine our software to meet the unique needs of the prosthetics field and ensure that our solution addresses the most pressing challenges faced by both patients and clinicians. We’ve also had to consider not just the software, but how it integrates into the wider clinical pathway.

Tareek @ ADLIB: And then Potential, can you share some challenges or barriers you had to overcome to create a Product / Service offering with potential?

Joshua: Creating a product with potential required overcoming several challenges, such as building a robust dataset, forging partnerships for in-clinic research, and securing funding. By staying focused on our mission and collaborating with experts in the field, we have been able to create a solution with the potential to significantly improve the lives of people with amputations. In MedTech, you cannot develop in a vacuum, you act as a small cog in a larger clinical pathway. Therefore, you have to bring together your partners and ensure you can effectively communicate your product, technology, and value proposition to them all.

Tareek @ ADLIB: Investment can often be a challenge for start-ups & scale-ups. Do you have any piece of wisdom you could share around best approach?

Joshua: Getting investment can be tough, with market conditions and investor priorities often out of your control. My advice: research funding sources that match your mission, polish your pitch to show your solution’s impact, and explore grants, partnerships, and revenue opportunities. Also, raise the right amount of capital to reach specific goals and value inflection points rather than comparing yourself to other startups. Show investors you can use capital wisely by setting realistic targets and milestones. This’ll make your startup more attractive and help you grow sustainably.