Shapecrunch is a startup from India that focuses on creating custom orthotics and prosthetics using 3D printing technology. The company was founded in 2015 by Nitin Gandhi, Jatin Sharma, Arunan Arivalagan, and Jiten Saini. Here is a look into their vision, early days, and the background of the founding team.
The idea for Shapecrunch came from Nitin Gandhi's personal experience. Gandhi had issues with flat feet and was dissatisfied with the manual process of getting custom orthotics. He saw an opportunity to use 3D printing to make the process more efficient and comfortable. Gandhi and his team, all engineers with experience in 3D printing, decided to create a system that could digitize the entire process of making orthotics.
The early days involved extensive research and collaboration with medical professionals. They worked with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to develop their algorithm and understand foot anatomy better. This research phase was crucial in refining their technology and ensuring it met medical standards.
The vision of Shapecrunch is to provide comfortable and customized orthotics to people suffering from various foot issues, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes-related foot problems. They aim to make this technology accessible and affordable for a wide range of patients.
The founding team of Shapecrunch consists of experienced engineers and entrepreneurs. Nitin Gandhi, one of the co-founders, has a background in engineering and was the driving force behind the idea. Jatin Sharma, another co-founder, also comes from an engineering background and has experience in 3D printing. Arunan Arivalagan and Jiten Saini, the other co-founders, bring additional technical expertise to the table.
The team's collective experience in 3D printing and their collaboration with medical professionals have been key to the development of Shapecrunch's technology. They have also received support from various medical institutions and have filed patents for their innovative approach.
Here are some key members of the Shapecrunch team:
Shapecrunch has evolved significantly since its inception in 2015. From its initial concept to its current state, the company has made substantial progress in terms of technology, product offerings, and market reach. Here’s a look at their business evolution.
The initial concept of Shapecrunch involved creating a digitized process for making custom orthotics. The team developed a mobile app that uses computer vision and machine learning to convert foot photos into 3D models. This app eliminates the need for expensive scanners and manual processes, making it more accessible and cost-effective for patients.
Today, Shapecrunch offers a range of products, including custom insoles, ortho slippers, and custom shoes. Their technology allows patients to scan their feet using the mobile app, and the data is then used to create customized 3D printed insoles. This process is streamlined and efficient, providing quick turnaround times for patients.
The company has also expanded its reach, working with over 100 doctors globally and serving patients in India, the US, and Europe. Their products are trusted by podiatrists and other medical professionals for their comfort and effectiveness.
Shapecrunch has achieved several key milestones since its founding. Here are some notable ones:
These milestones reflect the company's growth and its increasing impact in the healthcare sector, particularly in orthotics and prosthetics[1].
Shapecrunch has expanded its product portfolio significantly. Here are some of the key products they offer:
Their products cater to a range of foot conditions, including flat feet, heel pain, and knee pain. The customization ensures that each product meets the specific needs of the patient[5]).
Shapecrunch's technology infrastructure is a key component of their success. Here’s a detailed look at their core platform architecture, security and compliance framework, and the innovations they bring to their industry.
The core of Shapecrunch's technology is their mobile app and software system. The app uses computer vision and machine learning to convert foot photos into 3D models. Here’s how it works:
This process is completely digitized, eliminating the need for manual processes and expensive scanners[1][3]).
The software is designed to be user-friendly, allowing doctors and patients to easily navigate the process. The system also includes various workspace layouts for different tasks, such as assembly, editing, and export[1]).
Shapecrunch ensures that their technology complies with medical standards and maintains patient data security. Here are some aspects of their security and compliance framework:
These measures ensure that the products are not only effective but also safe and compliant with regulatory requirements[3]).
Shapecrunch is innovative in several ways, disrupting the traditional methods of creating orthotics and prosthetics. Here are some key innovations:
These innovations have made Shapecrunch a leader in the orthotics and prosthetics industry, providing comfortable and effective solutions for patients worldwide[1][3]).
Shapecrunch, an Indian startup, has made significant strides in the market by innovating the way custom foot insoles are created and distributed. Here’s a look at their impact.
Shapecrunch has seen substantial growth in its user base since its inception. The company started selling its custom insoles in early 2017 and has since served over 2000 patients. This growth is largely due to the convenience and accuracy of their process.
Doctors and patients can use the Shapecrunch app to take just three pictures of the foot, add the patient's bio, and upload a prescription. This process takes only 7 minutes, making it much faster than traditional methods[6].
The app's simplicity and the remote nature of the process have allowed Shapecrunch to expand its reach. Any doctor or patient can download the app and order custom insoles, which has helped in increasing the user base rapidly.
Additionally, the digital storage of patient data allows for easy reordering of insoles, which has led to a high rate of repeat customers. Every 1 in 4 customers orders another pair for different shoes within 6 months.
Shapecrunch is expanding its market share by entering new territories and partnering with medical clinics.
The company is already growing fast in India and Singapore, with over 50 clinics using their technology. They are also planning to enter the US market, which they see as their primary market in the future.
By focusing on medical accuracy and getting doctors involved in the design process, Shapecrunch has managed to differentiate itself from other players in the market. This approach has helped them gain trust among both doctors and patients.
Here are some key markets Shapecrunch is targeting:
Shapecrunch's model also promotes financial inclusion by making custom insoles more accessible and affordable.
The use of 3D printing technology reduces the cost of producing custom insoles compared to traditional methods. This makes the product more affordable for a wider range of consumers.
Moreover, the company's partnership with medical clinics ensures that the insoles are sold primarily as medical devices, which can be covered by health insurance in many cases. This makes the product more accessible to people who need it for medical reasons.
Here are some ways Shapecrunch is promoting financial inclusion:
Shapecrunch's financial journey has been marked by steady growth and strategic investments.
Since its launch, Shapecrunch has seen a steady increase in revenue. The company's innovative approach to custom insoles has attracted a significant number of customers.
The revenue growth can be attributed to the increasing number of patients using their insoles and the repeat business from satisfied customers. Over 2000 patients have already benefited from Shapecrunch's custom insoles, and this number is growing.
The expansion into new markets, such as the US, is also expected to boost revenue. The company's focus on medical accuracy and doctor-recommended products has helped in building a strong brand reputation, which is crucial for long-term revenue growth.
Shapecrunch's path to profitability involves several key strategies.
The company has reduced production costs by using FDM 3D printing technology and assembling the machines themselves to ensure they can print flexible materials perfectly. This cost efficiency has helped in maintaining profitability.
Additionally, the company's partnership with clinics and doctors ensures a steady stream of orders, which helps in maintaining a stable revenue flow. The data-driven approach and precise customization also reduce the need for multiple iterations, further reducing costs.
Shapecrunch has received investments to support its growth and expansion plans.
The company received a grant from BIRAC for clinical research, which helped in validating their technology and expanding their reach. This financial support has been crucial in their growth journey.
While specific details on investment rounds and valuations are not available, the company's consistent financial growth and market expansion indicate strong investor confidence. Here are some key points about their investment:
Shapecrunch has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings and reach.
While there is no specific information on banking collaborations, Shapecrunch's model of selling through medical clinics could potentially involve partnerships with health insurance providers and financial institutions.
Such partnerships would help in making the custom insoles more accessible by ensuring they are covered under health insurance plans. This would align with their financial inclusion initiatives and expand their user base further.
Here are some potential banking collaborations they might consider:
Shapecrunch has partnered with various medical clinics and doctors to sell their custom insoles.
These partnerships are crucial as they ensure that the insoles are recommended by medical professionals, which adds credibility and trust among consumers. The clinics also provide the necessary infrastructure for taking foot images and prescribing the insoles[6].
The company's website lists various clinics that are part of their program, indicating a strong network of merchant partners. Here are some key points about these partnerships:
Shapecrunch has leveraged advanced technologies to develop their custom insoles.
The company uses 3D printing technology combined with a computer vision algorithm to create precise and customized insoles. This technology integration has been key to their success and differentiates them from traditional methods[6].
They are also developing sensors for diagnostic purposes, which will further enhance their offerings. Here are some key technology alliances and developments:
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