Cast21 products can be mass-manufactured and still custom adapt to a patient’s unique body shape without 3D printing, heating elements, or water. This makes our technology faster and easier to use while taking up less space. It can be applied in many more settings where those amenities may not be available.
Founder, Ashley S. Moy
Name: Cast21
Location: Chicago, Illionis, USA
Website: https://cast21.com
Product / Service Offering: Waterproof exoskeleton casts, braces, and splints
Founder Interviewed: Ashley S. Moy
Other Key Management Team Members: Veronica Hogg
This article is part of our Women Entrepreneurs Spotlight Series featuring female entrepreneurs and their companies. We hope these founders’ interviews will inspire and motivate you as you undertake your own entrepreneurial journey.
Tell us a little about yourself with a focus on what motivates you.
I am fascinated by the ways that we heal and how patients are treated for various conditions. It inspired me to tackle many different biomedical challenges. I love that my current role places me in the center of all the moving parts that come together to treat a patient.
When did you establish your company and where did the idea originate?
Cast21 was established in 2016. My co-founder has been in over 50 casts and wears leg braces every day of his life. He knew firsthand the struggles and complications that surround traditional joint immobilization and was passionate about solving the issue.
What need or needs does your company seek to fill for its customers?
We provide a light-weight, waterproof exoskeleton for their broken bones that can get them back many of their daily freedoms they would otherwise lose during the healing process. You can still sign our product and pick your favorite color.
We offer providers an easy-to-use, contained solution for joint immobilization that takes just minutes to set without any external hardware or water. The materials can also be x-rayed.
What is the one thing that sets your company apart from its competitors?
Cast21 products can be mass-manufactured and still custom adapt to a patient’s unique body shape without 3D printing, heating elements, or water. This makes our technology faster and easier to use while taking up less space. It can be applied in many more settings where those amenities may not be available.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while getting your company up and running, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I faced and am still facing today is around team building. Making sure I have the right people in the right positions who are happy and motivated is constantly at the forefront of my mind. We address this challenge with an objective, thorough hiring process, career planning, and listening to the wants and needs of our team members.
Are there resources you have utilized that other founders might find compelling or useful?
University resources, including data libraries, facilities, and talent, have been fantastic resources for Cast21. I highly encourage other founders to get in touch with their alma mater and see how the relationship can be mutually beneficial.
What steps have you taken to secure funding for your company and what, if anything, would you do differently if you had to start over?
I would have changed the way I structured our funding and raised more money.
What You Need to Develop a Startup Pitch for Free.
What is the most helpful tip or “hack” you’ve ever learned, stumbled across, or been given?
Ask for help and show gratitude when you receive it. It is so simple. I am amazed at how many entrepreneurs do not ask for help, even when they are in need. We have learned so much from the many kind people who have reached out when we asked for assistance.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your company?
If you or someone you know could use our product, we would be happy to help you find a physician. Please reach out to us on our website and join the conversation on social media @Cast21Offical.
Advice to female entrepreneurs…
Be a part of the inclusion conversation and encourage others, even if not a minority, to do the same.
Are you familiar with other Women-led startups? If so, we would like to hear from you. Tell us about them in the comments below!
Sandra Sloan
Sandra has previous supply chain and business operations experience which she is leveraging as an author with FundingSage focused on spotlighting entrepreneurs and their startup efforts.
