In the ortho startup world, the journey from innovation to success often follows a predictable arc—one that’s beautifully illustrated by the Gartner Hype Cycle (see Figure below).
Many startups ride the initial wave of excitement, reaching the "Peak of Inflated Expectations" with their groundbreaking technology. But what comes next can make or break a company: the "Trough of Disillusionment."
I’ve seen too many orthopedic startups fall into this trough and struggle to emerge because they’re too focused on their tech and not enough on building a real business. As I often say, a business with...
