Startup Company Zaneez® Health Scales Up Production Based on Field Success
Startup companies attempting to introduce new products face numerous challenges as they bring their innovations to market. Startup company Zaneez® Health in Glastonbury, Connecticut successfully navigated the entrepreneurial eco-system to bring their orthopedic and rehabilitation manufactured products to market.
Dr. Marien Zanyk, founder of Zaneez aspired to offer unique products that support recovery and athletic performance. She faced headwinds introducing her first orthopedic product, but with her ambition and the help and guidance of resources in Connecticut, Zaneez is poised for business growth.
From Prototype to Production
In the early stages of launching her company, Dr. Zanyk reached out to CONNSTEP, the Connecticut Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center, for manufacturing assistance for her initial product offering.
CONNSTEP senior advisor Jack Crane introduced Dr. Zanyk to the UConn Tech Park for their 3D printing and scanning capabilities and connected her to Canevari Plastics in Milford, Connecticut for their thermoforming technology to handle the low volume production run of her orthopedic products. She also contracted with Spark Design in Meriden for CAD redesign and production modeling.
Crane also introduced Dr. Zanyk to FORGE, an organization in Connecticut that connects entrepreneurs who have new product ideas with manufacturing suppliers, fostering supply chain relationships between startups and manufacturers. According to Dr. Zanyk, “the support of FORGE was instrumental in getting my company off the ground.” FORGE was contracted by the Connecticut Manufacturing Office and is funded by the Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF).
Working with partners and leveraging resources in the state has permitted Zaneez to move from the prototype stage to thermoforming production scale up. Positive market response in the field has enabled the company to successfully pivot from low volume thermoform manufacturing to higher volume injection molding mass production. Dr. Zanyk added, “I see a forest of opportunity for my products. I’ve created my own playbook and I’m a warrior in the field. I think startups provide inspiration for others and an economic spark to fuel the economy.”
Contributions to the Economy
Startup companies like Zaneez Health do in fact bring significant value to the economy. They drive innovation, create jobs, and encourage competition, which can lead to better products and lower costs for consumers. Additionally, the growth of new companies stimulates local economies and contributes to broader economic diversity.
By introducing unique solutions to the orthopedic and rehabilitation market, Zaneez not only fulfills a consumer need but also pushes larger companies to adapt and invest more in innovation, ultimately benefiting the industries they market to, including healthcare, athletics, and more.
Given the importance that new product companies have on our economy, the following strategies provide insights for potential startups to help cultivate their success.
Strategies for Success
For startups looking to successfully introduce new products, particularly in challenging and competitive fields, these strategies can be beneficial:
- Focus on Innovation and Quality: Startups should prioritize product quality and innovation to differentiate themselves from established brands. The right research and development ensure the best products are brought to market. Establishing early partnerships with reliable manufacturers can not only ease production but also create trust and enable smoother scalability.
- Network Proactively: Building relationships across the industry—from suppliers to potential customers—is crucial. Networking can open doors to partnerships and provide insights into market trends. CONNSTEP continues to collaborate with Zaneez to help support Dr. Zanyk’s emerging company and enhance her manufacturing prowess.
- Develop a Strong Brand Identity: Clearly defining what makes the company unique is essential to capturing market interest. For Zaneez, aligning the brand with athletic rehabilitation and recovery has helped establish its identity in the professional and collegiate sports market and as a go-to product in the health improvement field.
- Financial Prudence and Strategic Investment: Managing cash flow and carefully planning expenses will help startups survive in their early years. Dr. Zanyk advises, “Get professionals involved early. They recognize your value and can assist with production, financial management, and marketing.”
In conclusion, while Zaneez Health faced the typical challenges of a startup, Dr. Zanyk focused on product innovation, finding and building strong partnerships with essential resources in the state, applying quality production capabilities, and employing effective marketing strategies to nurture market response. With perseverance, support, and fortitude, startups can successfully establish themselves and thrive.
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