Cal Poly CIE SBDCServing San Luis Obispo County
Helping Your Business Start, Grow and Succeed
"“The SBDC was what allowed us to work alongside peers who are equally motivated and helps with ongoing momentum for our company, especially when I wasn’t aware of so many entrepreneurs and like minded individuals.” – Donald Lee, Co-Founder
More Info: Website

Novocuff

Novocuff is a medical device startup currently developing hardware to reduce infant mortality caused by preterm birth. Co-founders Amelia Degenkolb and Donald Lee have developed a silicone device designed for vaginal insertion. This device applies pressure to the cervix, supporting the body’s anatomy, which physicians can adjust the pressure of throughout the pregnancy. Lee began developing a solution for preterm death a#er coming face to face with the problem himself; when his wife’s routine ultrasound turned into a hospitalization and eventually a preterm birth. Lee was dissatisifed with the lack of medical preterm prevention technologies and joined forces with Degenkolb to create Novocu!. Degenkolb previously worked with a startup that created a device to prevent prevent postpartum hemorrhage(Alydia Health). That company was acquired by American pharmaceutical company Organon & Co. in 2021 for $240 million.Alydia Health was acquired by American pharmaceutical company Organon & Co. in 2021 for $240 million.

SBDC Assistance: Business Plan, Capital Funding, Pitch Prep, Financial Plan

Economic Impact: $70,000 Angel Investment

 

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the California SBDC closest to you.