EMPATHY DESIGN LABS

Empathy Design Labs Foundation Story

Empathy Design Labs is a startup that focuses on solving problems with a simple and intuitive approach. The company was founded by User Experience Researchers and Designers, supported by experts in Technology and Implementation. Here’s a look into their vision, early days, and the founding team’s background.

Vision and Early Days

The founders of Empathy Design Labs had a clear vision from the start. They wanted to create solutions that are easy to use and understand. This vision was driven by the need to simplify complex problems and make them accessible to everyone. In the early days, the team worked tirelessly to develop a methodology that combined research, design, and technology to achieve their goals.

The team's approach was centered around co-creation, involving mothers, doctors, researchers, designers, engineers, and other experts to develop innovative solutions. This collaborative approach helped them in understanding the real-world problems and designing solutions that were both effective and user-friendly.

The early days were marked by intense brainstorming and prototyping. The team aimed to raise awareness around accessibility and inclusive design principles, which became a cornerstone of their work. This focus on accessibility and inclusivity set the stage for their future projects and innovations.

Founding Team Background

The founding team of Empathy Design Labs consists of professionals from various sectors, including Research, Design, Healthcare, Technology, and Development. This diverse background brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, enabling the team to tackle complex problems from multiple angles.

The team includes User Experience Researchers who are skilled in understanding user needs and behaviors. Designers with a keen eye for detail and a focus on user-centric design also play a crucial role. Additionally, experts in Technology and Implementation ensure that the solutions are not only innovative but also feasible and scalable.

This diverse team has been instrumental in driving the company’s vision forward. Their collective experience and skills have helped in creating solutions that are both practical and impactful.

Empathy Design Labs Business Evolution

Empathy Design Labs has undergone significant evolution since its inception. From its initial concept to its current state, the company has made strides in various areas. Here’s a look at their business evolution, key growth milestones, and product portfolio expansion.

From Initial Concept to Current State

The initial concept of Empathy Design Labs was to create simple and intuitive solutions. Over time, this concept has evolved into a comprehensive approach that integrates research, design, and technology. The company has moved from just idea generation to actual product development and market deployment.

One of their significant projects involves developing a non-invasive and wearable pregnancy monitor. This device is designed for daily monitoring of pregnancy, providing alerts and suggestions to expecting mothers. This project exemplifies the company’s commitment to human-centric design and innovation.

Today, Empathy Design Labs is recognized for its innovative solutions in healthcare and beyond. The company continues to expand its scope, addressing various challenges with its unique approach.

Key Growth Milestones

Empathy Design Labs has achieved several key milestones since its founding. Here are some notable ones:

• Establishment of a Strong Founding Team: The company started with a team of experienced professionals from various fields, which laid the foundation for its future growth[1]).
• Development of the Wearable Pregnancy Monitor: This project marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey, showcasing its capability in healthcare technology[5]).
• Expansion into Accessibility and Inclusive Design: The company’s work in accessibility has been instrumental in raising awareness and improving services for people with disabilities[3]).
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Empathy Design Labs has collaborated with various experts and organizations to co-create innovative solutions, further solidifying its position in the industry[5]).
• Market Recognition: The company has gained recognition for its innovative approach and solutions, which has helped in its growth and expansion.

Product Portfolio Expansion

Empathy Design Labs has expanded its product portfolio significantly over the years. Here are some key areas of expansion:

• Healthcare Technology: The company has developed several healthcare-related products, including the wearable pregnancy monitor. These products are designed to be user-friendly and effective[5]).
• Accessibility Tools: Empathy Design Labs has also developed tools and resources to enhance accessibility and inclusive design. This includes equipment and technology for simulating disabilities and improving digital products[3]).
• Research and Design Services: The company offers research and design services, helping other organizations to develop user-centric solutions. This service is backed by their extensive experience in UX research and design[1]).
• Co-creation Platforms: Empathy Design Labs has established platforms for co-creation, involving various stakeholders in the development process. This approach ensures that the solutions are practical and meet real-world needs[5]).

Empathy Design Labs Technology Infrastructure

The technology infrastructure of Empathy Design Labs is robust and innovative. Here’s a look at their core platform architecture, security and compliance framework, and the innovation they bring to their industry.

Core Platform Architecture

The core platform architecture of Empathy Design Labs is designed to be flexible and scalable. The company uses a variety of technologies to support its products and services, including advanced software tools and hardware components. For instance, their wearable pregnancy monitor uses advanced sensors and algorithms to provide accurate and timely feedback[5]).

The platform is built with a user-centric approach, ensuring that the solutions are easy to use and understand. This involves integrating feedback from users and stakeholders to continuously improve the platform.

The architecture also supports collaboration, allowing the team to work seamlessly across different departments and with external partners. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures that the solutions are comprehensive and effective.

Security and Compliance Framework

Empathy Design Labs places a strong emphasis on security and compliance. The company ensures that all its products and services meet the highest standards of security and compliance. Here are some key aspects of their framework:

• Data Protection: The company has robust data protection policies in place to safeguard user data. This includes encryption, secure data storage, and strict access controls.
• Compliance with Regulations: Empathy Design Labs complies with all relevant regulations and standards, ensuring that their products and services are legally and ethically sound.
• Regular Audits and Testing: The company conducts regular security audits and testing to identify and address any vulnerabilities.
• User Consent and Transparency: Empathy Design Labs is transparent about how user data is collected and used, obtaining necessary consents and providing clear information to users.

Innovation in its Industry

Empathy Design Labs is known for its innovative approach and solutions. Here are some ways the company is innovating in its industry:

• Human-Centric Design: The company’s focus on human-centric design sets it apart. By involving users and stakeholders in the design process, Empathy Design Labs ensures that its solutions are practical and effective[5]).
• Advanced Technology Integration: The use of advanced technologies such as sensors, AI, and machine learning helps the company to develop cutting-edge solutions. For example, their wearable pregnancy monitor uses advanced algorithms to provide accurate monitoring and feedback[5]).
• Accessibility and Inclusive Design: Empathy Design Labs is at the forefront of accessibility and inclusive design. Their work in this area has helped in raising awareness and improving services for people with disabilities[3]).
• Co-creation Platforms: The company’s co-creation platforms allow for collaboration between various stakeholders, leading to innovative and practical solutions. This approach ensures that the solutions meet real-world needs and are user-friendly[5]).

Company Market Impact

Empathy Design Labs, founded by Shivi Kapil, has made a significant impact in the market, particularly in the healthcare sector. Here’s a look at how the company has grown and expanded its influence.

User Base Growth

Empathy Design Labs has seen substantial growth in its user base, especially with the introduction of its innovative product, Kriya. Kriya is a non-invasive wearable device designed for daily monitoring of pregnancy, providing alerts and suggestions to expecting parents for timely action[7].

The device has been well-received by pregnant women, especially those who have experienced stillbirths in the past. Shivi Kapil mentioned that one of the happy moments for the company was when they got their first individual customer who had a stillbirth and was willing to pay for their product. This indicates a growing trust and demand for Kriya among its target audience.

The company aims to cover five Indian states initially and reach over 50,000 mothers within the first two to three years. This ambitious plan suggests a strong potential for user base growth as the product becomes more widely available and recognized.

Market Share Expansion

Empathy Design Labs is expanding its market share through strategic initiatives and partnerships. The company is incubated at Nasscom CoE-IOT Lab and has exhibited its innovation in international platforms such as Ottawa, Canada, as part of the AICTE-India-Canada Accelerator[7].

Their business model is primarily B2G (Business-to-Government), generating revenue through direct sales to government and partners. This approach helps in scaling up the adoption of Kriya across various regions, especially in areas where government support can facilitate widespread use.

Empathy Design Labs also benefits from support programs like the Womenpreneur programme by AIC Banasthali, which helps in further expanding their market reach and influence.

Financial Inclusion Initiatives

Empathy Design Labs is working towards financial inclusion by making healthcare more accessible and affordable. The Kriya device is designed to provide critical health monitoring for pregnant women, which can be particularly beneficial in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited.

The device’s ability to detect abnormalities and send alerts for timely medical intervention can help reduce healthcare costs in the long run by preventing complications. This aligns with the company’s mission of improving antenatal fetal monitoring and protecting millions of pregnant mothers and babies worldwide.

By targeting government and healthcare institutions, Empathy Design Labs ensures that their product reaches those who need it most, contributing to financial inclusion in the healthcare sector.

Company Financial Journey

Empathy Design Labs has had a notable financial journey since its inception. Here’s an overview of their revenue growth, path to profitability, and investment rounds.

Revenue Growth Story

Empathy Design Labs' operating revenue is under INR 1 crore for the financial year ending on 31 March 2020. However, the company has experienced a significant reduction in revenue, with a 32% decrease in the same period[8].

Despite this, the company has shown resilience and adaptability. The EBITDA has increased by 32% over the previous year, indicating improved operational efficiency. This growth in EBITDA is a positive sign, suggesting that the company is managing its costs effectively.

The financial performance also reflects the company's focus on product development and market expansion. With grants and support from various programs, Empathy Design Labs is working towards stabilizing and growing its revenue streams.

Path to Profitability

Empathy Design Labs has seen a substantial improvement in profitability. For the financial year ending 2020, the company experienced a 100% increase in profit, despite a reduction in total revenue[8].

This increase in profitability can be attributed to efficient cost management and the successful execution of their business model. The company's ability to generate profits even during challenging times indicates a strong financial foundation.

The net worth of the company has remained stable, with no significant change, which is a positive indicator of financial stability and sustainability.

Investment Rounds and Valuations

Empathy Design Labs has secured significant funding through grants and partnerships. The company won a big grant with C-Camp as the managing partner, which has been crucial for their development and growth[7].

The support from programs like the Womenpreneur programme by AIC Banasthali and the AICTE-India-Canada Accelerator has also been instrumental in securing necessary funds and resources. These investments have helped in scaling up the production and distribution of Kriya.

While specific valuation details are not available, the company's ability to attract grants and partnerships indicates a strong potential for future growth and investment.

Company Strategic Partnerships

Empathy Design Labs has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its operations and market reach.

Banking Collaborations

Empathy Design Labs does not have publicly disclosed banking collaborations. However, their B2G business model involves working closely with government institutions, which often require partnerships with financial institutions for funding and support.

Given the nature of their business, it is likely that they collaborate with banks and financial institutions to facilitate transactions and manage their financial operations effectively.

Merchant Partnerships

The company does not have detailed information on merchant partnerships. However, Empathy Design Labs works with various stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including hospitals and healthcare providers, to ensure the widespread adoption of Kriya.

These partnerships are crucial for reaching a broader audience and ensuring that the product is integrated into existing healthcare systems.

Technology Alliances

Empathy Design Labs has formed significant technology alliances. The company is incubated at Nasscom CoE-IOT Lab, which provides them with the necessary technological support and resources to develop and refine their IoT-embedded product, Kriya[7].

Their participation in the AICTE-India-Canada Accelerator has also facilitated technological collaborations and exposure to international best practices. These alliances are essential for the continuous improvement and innovation of their products.

In addition, the company works with advisers who support them on clinical, technical, and business aspects of their solution, ensuring a well-rounded approach to product development and market expansion.