Founders building in healthcare can't just move fast and break things. Timelines are longer, stakes are higher, and success depends on navigating systems that reward rigor over speed.
That's the reality Robhy Bustami, co-founder and CEO of BioticsAI, has been navigating. His company is developing an AI copilot for ultrasound that helps detect fetal abnormalities, an area where misdiagnosis rates remain surprisingly high. Bustami joined Isabelle Johannessen on TechCrunch's Build Mode podcast to discuss how the company has managed the highly regulated space, kept the team motivated, and cut through red tape.
Key challenges include securing FDA approval, which required extensive clinical validation and patience, and fundraising in a sector where VCs are often wary of long cycles. Bustami emphasized the importance of focusing on the mission to retain talent and building relationships with regulators early.
"You have to be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint," Bustami said. "But when you see the potential impact on patients, it's worth every extra mile."
The episode offers practical advice for any startup operating in heavily regulated industries.