Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marc Rippen, Founder of Alertgy, located in Melbourne, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Alertgy is a pioneer in 100% non-invasive continuous blood glucose monitoring technology. Through the use of its patented radio frequency sensor, Alertgy’s DeepGluco wearable device can accurately measure blood glucose in real-time, up to 3 times per minute. Most importantly, using our proprietary AI algorithm, DeepGluco can provide invaluable, up to the minute life-saving alerts to the users and their designated HCPs. Unlike other CGMs, we eliminate interstitial lag as well as painful and uncomfortable side effects of patches, needles, and implants associated with. The DeepGluco wristband can be readily integrated into an existing smartwatch form factor. Future versions can be further reduced in size. These will become available to consumers following FDA approval.
Tell us about yourself
I was a former army officer and, most recently, the Director of Engineering for the Marine and Space Technology Division of Stanford Research Institute (SRI) International. I hold degrees in microbiology, analytical chemistry, and aeronautics. I have always been involved in the development of technology to solve critical problems starting as a material engineer at Pratt & Whitney. I managed advanced research and development programs that supported the development of advanced materials for jet and rocket engines. I then became a field engineer for leading atomic and molecular spectroscopy companies. I provided turnkey solutions to materials analysis for various industries, from agriculture to environmental to manufacturing to advanced research and development in leading research institutions. I became the director of the FIU College of Engineering NASA tech transfer center, where I helped companies utilize NASA technologies in the commercial arena. In this role, I helped small businesses raise venture capital and pursue SBIR and STTR programs to fund the commercialization of their technologies. From there, I co-founded an Internet Start-up company and raised 1 million dollars, and eventually was able to take the company public in an acquisition. The combination of my education and experience allowed me the means to launch Alertgy and bring it to where it is today.
The inception of Alertgy was due to a tragedy; I found my wife nearly slipping into a diabetic coma and became unresponsive due to being in a prolonged low blood sugar state. After rehabilitating her, I found out that no technology existed anywhere that would alert me for future similar events. I decided to do something about it and started Alertgy. “Alert” to alert me “g” for glucose “y” because we need it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting the medical device started and funded was my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest things that come with being a business owner are finding the right team for your company, keeping them motivated, and making sure everyone gets paid for their hard work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My number one tip is to never give up! Keep moving forward. If you believe in your product and service, then keep at it. Everything will fall into place at the right time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.alertgy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alertgy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alertgy_gm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alertgy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alertgy/
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