seStart-Ups Snapshot
Navut
My company, Navut, was established to solve one of the biggest issues people face when moving to a new city, namely choosing the right neighbourhood to live in. Our data-driven neighbourhood-finder accesses 50 official sources to match people with areas that best fit their lifestyle needs. We also have the real-estate background and technology to address an even bigger need: streamlining the entire home-buying process. We’ve launched a new solution that assists home buyers every step of the way, and have partnered with financial institutions and mortgage providers to get this product in front of the people who need it the most.
Why I started the company: I’m in my early thirties and have moved eight times in three countries. After settling in Montréal in 2008, I realized that every time I’d moved, I’d spent thousands of dollars in services, products, and long-term contracts without really knowing my best options. I also realized that choosing the right neighbourhood and right home can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life.
What is the problem that your product/service solves?
Buying a home is such a crucial decision that it’s ranked as the third most stressful life event a person can experience. Getting proper guidance along the way – including helpful reminders regarding next steps and access to top real-estate and mortgage specialists – considerably lowers stress levels, and lets people enjoy this major life event, while also minimizing the associated risks.
The most fun we’ve had so far was when we were selected in 2016 by TechStars, considered the best start-up accelerator in the world, to join their Boston program. During an exhilarating four months, our team of 12 lived together and worked non-stop to launch Navut in the U.S. We worked with hundreds of passionate founders and mentors who helped us take our business to the next level.
SYNG Pharma
My company, SYNG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SYNG Pharma), is an early-stage venture incubated in Johnson & Johnson Innovation’s JLABS@Toronto. Using research discoveries originating at Queen’s, we are developing a new first-in-class diagnostic test and treatment for endometriosis and certain cancers.
Why I started the company
An estimated 176 million women worldwide suffer from endometriosis and half of them may face infertility. Women dear to me have had endometriosis, uterine fibroids or infertility; my wife had polycystic ovarian syndrome-related fertility issues. So, when research revealed that a protein I had been studying for close to a decade is present in endometriosis patients, I felt compelled to take this discovery to its logical conclusion and develop this novel way to detect and treat endometriosis.
What is the business problem that your product/service solves?
Endometriosis affects one in ten women of reproductive age and is characterized by debilitating menstrual pain, discomfort during intercourse, abnormal vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite being one of the most prevalent female reproductive disorders, it remains misdiagnosed, misunderstood and ineffectively treated. Often years can pass before a diagnosis is confirmed through laparoscopic surgery. Current treatments are problematic; hormone-based therapies have significant side effects and are not completely effective.
SYNG Pharma has discovered a novel biomarker protein associated with the growth of endometriotic lesions. We have validated this protein as the target for a rapid, blood-based, non-invasive diagnostic test. A peptide capable of neutralizing the protein is being developed as a first-in-class non-hormonal treatment for endometriosis.
The most fun I’ve had so far was when I was explaining endometriosis to a group of men who had obviously never heard of it. It was a revelation for some of them to learn about the debilitating pelvic pain and other symptoms of endometriosis. I have found it deeply satisfying to help men realize that this disease is not simply “bad periods” and that endometriosis affects not just women, but also their families and communities.
What the business needs most right now is funds to complete pre-clinical studies before entering clinical trials within three years of receipt of funding. I’m reaching out to potential angel investors and families affected by endometriosis and infertility for their support, either through funding or helping spread awareness of this debilitating condition. I am also seeking strategic partners around the world for co-development or co-commercialization of this diagnostic tool and therapy.
NIU BODY
Why we started the company: Being avid makeup users and skincare enthusiasts, we were frustrated by the harshness of synthetic-laden makeup-remover products that dominate the market. In our quest to find the best natural solution, we turned to coconut oil, a beauty favourite. However, having to scoop out solid coconut oil from large jars cluttering up our bathroom vanities just wasn’t working for us.
Recognizing the need for a natural makeup remover in a convenient format, we decided to create NIU BODY makeup-remover wipes, which also moisturize, protect skin from microbial infections and combat premature aging.
The most important thing we’ve learned about starting a business is that it’s important to ask for help. You have to acknowledge that since you’re just starting out you don’t know it all yet – and that’s ok! We’ve been very fortunate that everyone we have approached has helped us navigate our way along this entrepreneurial journey. This help has allowed us to improve everything from the product formula to packaging, from our website to our marketing plan.
One of our most rewarding experiences happened in our first week of operation when we received our first international order, and it was from a complete stranger. We were working together on researching new products, when we received a notification of an online order from someone in California. It was surreal to discover that a stranger had not only heard about this niche product, but actually wanted to make a purchase. Shortly afterwards, when we started receiving orders from countries such as Switzerland and Taiwan, we realized that people all over the world are seeking natural skincare products. We have since expanded our product line to include makeup-remover oil and lip scrub, and will be introducing more new products soon!