TheraB Medical - Michigan Rise's Newest Investment is now working with Tekna

East Lansing, MI – TheraB Medical, a company founded in Michigan and committed to global health, recently became the 14th investment for the Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund. TheraB’s CEO, Alexa Jones, is no stranger to the Michigan startup eco-system. The company started as a student engineering project at Michigan State University.

 “It has been a rewarding to see the progress in 2020 at TheraB,” said Jeff Wesley, Executive Director at Red Cedar Venture, Spartan Innovations and Michigan Rise. “Alexa has expanded the depth and breadth of the team and partnered with Tekna to truly advance this startup. We believe TheraB Medical’s technology addresses key challenges in the pediatric industry and consider their strong and experienced leadership team, a key-criteria for our continued support.”

 As Founder and CEO of TheraB Medical, Alexa's days are focused with acquiring funding, building partnerships, and finding the right partners to bring TheraB’s first product, SnugLit, to market. TheraB Medical is a medical device company that promotes holistic jaundice treatment by keeping babies in the arms of their mother during treatment. The company is commercializing its first product, SnugLit— the only portable, wearable phototherapy garment that allows maternal-infant bonding and breastfeeding without interrupting treatment. “Our path to commercialization looks promising.” said Alexa Jones, TheraB Founder. “We have collaborated with over 250 nurses and mothers and are excited to see SnugLit in the US and India by 2022.”

 TheraB has partnered with Tekna for Snuglit’s product development. The company has made great progress, working with two dedicated teams with one focused on designing the disposable Swaddle and the other working on designing and building the LED and battery fixture.

 "We are excited to support TheraB Medical as their Service Provider for product development. We believe that by supporting companies like TheraB, we can help deliver meaningful innovation to healthcare that improves quality and reduces cost.  We look forward to our future work with TheraB Medical and helping them change the status quo for the treatment of neonatal jaundice.” said Michael Nellenbach, Vice President of Tekna, Inc.

The team has been working this past year on creating the best possible swaddle in terms of design, useability and pricing. Designing a disposable swaddle that will be comfortable to the baby while simultaneously housing the LED insert has been their primary focus.

 The company is currently in the final stage of design using different LED technologies and interwoven materials. They will reach a final product design by early Spring.

Since TheraB first began their involvement with Red Cedar Ventures, they have made incredible strides progressing SnugLit’s path to market. In 2020 alone, TheraB received their first issued patent, hired several key team members, and continued to develop iterative prototypes on the path to final product development in coming months. They have formed a partnership with the Children's Hospital of Orange County, California, after the hospital reached out with interest in piloting SnugLit. They have also formed a partnership with Parkview Health in Fort Wayne as their second US pilot partner. Internationally, TheraB is working with a strategic partner in India to undergo a four-phase distribution plan, beginning with a 30-unit limited launch in Hyderabad, India.

 “With all of our exciting progress occurring in the midst of the most chaotic year we’ve ever seen, we can’t wait to see what we will accomplish in 2021.” said Alexa Jones.

 TheraB plans to close their current $1.3M seed round by Q3 of 2021. The funding from their current round will be used for completing final product development and manufacturing set up and reaching 510k clearance. Their next raise will begin upon the completion of these milestones.

About Michigan Rise: Michigan Rise is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSU Foundation and invests in early-stage high-growth, high tech businesses located in Michigan.  Since launching in August 2020, Michigan Rise has invested in 13 tech startups across Michigan. Michigan Rise is made possible with funding from MEDC and MSU Foundation. For more information on Michigan Rise visit www.michiganrise.com.