by John Shufeldt, MD, JD, MBA, FACEP
What does it take to build something that matters? Hosted by John Shufeldt, Entrepreneur Rx features conversations with founders, investors, executives, and innovators who are building the future. From entrepreneurship and venture capital to technology, healthcare, defense, and leadership, each episode explores the stories, challenges, and lessons behind creating impactful companies and driving meaningful change. Learn more at www.XcellerantVentures.com
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
4/28/2021
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
June 23, 2026
<p>What if autoimmune disease could be treated without another injection, infusion, or daily pill? </p><p>In this episode of Entrepreneur Rx, host John Shufeldt sits down with Nishant Doctor, founder and CEO of Surf Therapeutics, to discuss his journey from medtech engineer to healthcare entrepreneur. Nishant shares how nearly two decades in neuromodulation, R&D, clinical development, and commercialization led him to build Surf Therapeutics, a Stanford spin-out developing a breakthrough ultrasound neuromodulation platform for autoimmune disease. </p><p>The conversation explores the science behind Surf’s at-home, non-invasive ultrasound therapy device for rheumatoid arthritis, the role of the spleen and inflammatory pathways, what it takes to build and test medical technology in a startup environment, and why speed, data, accountability, and solution-oriented thinking matter so much in early-stage innovation. </p><p>John and Nishant also discuss leadership, technical founders, the future of AI, and what it means to build something that may feel non-consensus today but could change how patients are treated tomorrow. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Nishant Doctor: </strong>Nishant Doctor is the founder and CEO of Surf Therapeutics. He has more than 18 years of experience leading R&D and commercial efforts at medtech and neurotechnology companies, including Medtronic, Abbott, and LivaNova. Trained as an engineer, Nishant has helped build multiple implantable Class III medical devices and has also been closely involved in the sales and commercialization of those technologies. His career has focused on neuromodulation, medical device innovation, and translating complex science into technologies that can improve patient care. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Surf Therapeutics:</strong> <a href="https://www.surftherapeutics.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Surf Therapeutics</a>, a Stanford spin-out, is building a breakthrough ultrasound neuromodulation platform to treat autoimmune disorders, like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) —conditions that leave over 2 million Americans without effective or tolerable treatment options, even with blockbuster drugs like Humira and Rinvoq. After years of foundational research at Stanford, they've developed the first of its kind, at-home non-invasive ultrasound therapy device that is used just for a few minutes a day and validated to be clinically safe and effective for treatment of RA. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Xcellerant Ventures: </strong><a href="https://www.xcellerantventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Xcellerant Ventures</a> is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies across healthcare, technology, defense, and other emerging industries. Through multiple funds and investment vehicles, including the <a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=podcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Jetstream Venture Fund</a>, the firm partners with visionary founders, provides strategic guidance, and helps connect investors with opportunities in the private markets. Its portfolio includes companies developing solutions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Jetstream Venture Fund: </strong>Jetstream Venture Fund is an interval fund managed by Xcellerant Ventures and Sweater Industries LLC, that seeks to provide investors access to early-stage, high-growth companies with flexible terms, lower minimums (<a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=spotify-podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rx-e3&utm_term=surf-therapeutics" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">$5,000 minimum investment</a>), and no carried interest. Jetstream is one of the first funds of its kind, bringing venture-style investing opportunities to a wider professional audience. Back-end administration is provided by Sweater Ventures a ground-breaking turnkey fund management company. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Note:</strong> The Jetstream Venture Fund has invested in Surf Therapeutics. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Disclosure for Jetstream:</strong> Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and can be obtained by emailing <a href="mailto:jetstream@sweaterfunds.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">jetstream@sweaterfunds.com</a> or by visiting the <a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=spotify-podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rx-e3&utm_term=surf-therapeutics" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Fund's website</a>. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. </p>
June 16, 2026
<p>What does it take to challenge decades of conventional medical practice? </p><p>In this episode of Entrepreneur Rx, host John Shufeldt sits down with Dom Messerli, founder and CEO of Lenoss Medical, to discuss his journey from medical device executive to entrepreneur. Dom shares how listening to surgeons led him to develop a biological alternative to traditional bone cement used in spinal fracture procedures, the challenges of building a medical device company, and the lessons learned scaling a healthcare innovation from concept to commercialization. </p><p>The conversation explores entrepreneurship, risk-taking, leadership, company culture, fundraising, and what it takes to bring meaningful innovation to patients and physicians alike. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Dom Messerli:</strong> Dom Messerli is the founder and CEO of Lenoss Medical. With decades of experience in the medical device industry, including leadership roles at Synthes, Dom has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes. Drawing on years of collaboration with spine surgeons, he founded Lenoss Medical to address longstanding challenges in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures through biologic, patient-focused technologies. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Lenoss Medical:</strong> <a href="https://lenoss.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Lenoss Medical</a> is a medical technology company focused on advancing the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Its flagship product, OsteoPearl®, is a biologic implant designed to provide an alternative to traditional bone cement used in spinal procedures. By leveraging natural bone-derived materials, Lenoss aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing risks associated with conventional treatment approaches. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Xcellerant Ventures:</strong> <a href="https://www.xcellerantventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Xcellerant Ventures</a> is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies across healthcare, technology, defense, and other emerging industries. Through multiple funds and investment vehicles, including the <a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=spotify-podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rx-e2&utm_term=lenoss" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Jetstream Venture Fund</a>, the firm partners with visionary founders, provides strategic guidance, and helps connect investors with opportunities in the private markets. Its portfolio includes companies developing solutions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.</p><p><strong>About Jetstream Venture Fund: </strong>Jetstream Venture Fund is an interval fund managed by Xcellerant Ventures and Sweater Industries LLC, that seeks to provide investors access to early-stage, high-growth companies with flexible terms, lower minimums ($5,000 minimum investment), and no carried interest. Jetstream is one of the first funds of its kind, bringing venture-style investing opportunities to a wider professional audience. Back-end administration is provided by Sweater Ventures a ground-breaking turnkey fund management company.</p><p><strong>Disclosure for Jetstream: </strong>Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and can be obtained by emailing <a href="mailto:jetstream@sweaterfunds.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">jetstream@sweaterfunds.com</a> or by visiting the <a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=spotify-podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rx-e2&utm_term=lenoss" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Fund's website</a>. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.</p>
June 9, 2026
<p>In this episode of Entrepreneur Rx, John sits down with Allisa Song, Co-Founder and CEO of MU Medical. Allisa shares the story behind developing NanoDropper, a device designed to reduce medication waste and improve patient adherence, as well as her entrepreneurial journey. They discuss the realities of building healthcare companies, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and bringing innovative solutions to patients and providers. Whether you're a founder, healthcare professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insights on innovation, leadership, and creating meaningful impact in healthcare. </p><p> </p><p><strong>About Allisa: </strong>Allisa Song, MD, is the co-founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.mumedical.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mu Medical</a>, the company behind <a href="https://nanodropper.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">NanoDropper®</a>, an innovative adapter that reduces the size of eye drops to help patients improve medication adherence, reduce waste, and lower treatment costs. She founded the company while attending the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine after identifying a widespread challenge facing glaucoma patients. Today, she leads Mu Medical's mission to improve ophthalmic drug delivery through innovative technologies that enhance patient outcomes and advance eye care. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Mu Medical:</strong> Mu Medical is an ophthalmic medical technology company dedicated to improving how eye medications are delivered. Its flagship product, NanoDropper®, helps patients reduce medication waste, extend the life of prescription eye drops, and improve adherence to treatment. Today, the company is expanding beyond NanoDropper to develop innovative drug delivery and packaging solutions aimed at transforming the future of ophthalmology. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Xcellerant Ventures</strong>: <a href="https://www.xcellerantventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Xcellerant Ventures</a> is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies across healthcare, technology, defense, and other emerging industries. Through multiple funds and investment vehicles, including the <a href="https://www.jvf.vc" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Jetstream Venture Fund</a>, the firm partners with visionary founders, provides strategic guidance, and helps connect investors with opportunities in the private markets. Its portfolio includes companies developing solutions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.</p><p><strong>About Jetstream Venture Fund: </strong>Jetstream Venture Fund is an interval fund managed by Xcellerant Ventures and Sweater Industries LLC, that seeks to provide investors access to early-stage, high-growth companies with flexible terms, lower minimums (<a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=spotify-podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rx-e1&utm_term=mu-medical" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">$5,000 minimum investment</a>), and no carried interest. Jetstream is one of the first funds of its kind, bringing venture-style investing opportunities to a wider professional audience. Back-end administration is provided by Sweater Ventures a ground-breaking turnkey fund management company.<strong>Disclosure for Jetstream: </strong>Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and can be obtained by emailing <a href="mailto:jetstream@sweaterfunds.com">jetstream@sweaterfunds.com</a> or by visiting the <a href="https://www.jvf.vc/?utm_source=spotify-podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=rx-e2&utm_term=lenoss">Fund's website</a>. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.</p>
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
What does it take to build something that matters?
Hosted by John Shufeldt, Entrepreneur Rx features conversations with founders, investors, executives, and innovators who are building the future. From entrepreneurship and venture capital to technology, healthcare, defense, and leadership, each episode explores the stories, challenges, and lessons behind creating impactful companies and driving meaningful change.
Learn more at www.XcellerantVentures.com
This podcast updates inactive.
This podcast is available on 9 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.
