When chief executive Steve Sanghera and chief commercial officer Jim Michel launched Inventus from a cramped room above a shop in 2020, the world was in lockdown.
Five years later, their company has become an established player in technology for clinical trials, working with some of the biggest pharmaceutical firms on the planet.
The now-global business has dedicated itself exclusively to providing fully provisioned devices for life sciences.
More than 500,000 purpose-built devices have been shipped across 70+ countries in 586 languages, helping trial participants engage with studies smoothly while keeping data secure.
The London-based MedTech is also the only business in the world to deliver an end-to-end solution for multi-million-pound clinical trials.
Spotting a gap
The spark came from an industry contact who needed devices for a clinical trial.
Sanghera and Michel looked closer at how studies were being run and spotted a critical flaw.
“We found many studies relied on consumer devices not designed for medical use in a clinical trial, which created compliance and reliability challenges,” Sanghera explained to BusinessCloud.
Rather than adapting off-the-shelf products, the duo decided to build technology designed for clinical trials from the ground up.
Building through disruption
Starting a hardware-based business during Covid was no easy task.
Supply shortages, shipping volatility and constantly changing site requirements tested the startup from the outset.
Sanghera said: “We stayed lean and invested in product development rather than cutting corners.
“The priority was reliability, pre-configuration and getting the right solution to the right place at the right time.”
Despite the pandemic putting the brakes on the world, the company managed to establish resilient supply chains and forge strong partnerships to help scale.
A global footprint
From the unusual start, Inventus quickly grew into a business with reach across continents.
Alongside hardware, the company rolled out device management systems and global connectivity designed specifically for trial environments.
The fifth anniversary brought up a milestone of more than 500,000 devices being in use worldwide across multiple therapeutic areas.
“Celebrating five years in operation while surpassing over 500,000 deployed devices was a clear marker of progress,” added the CEO.
“We also doubled down on sustainability, building a circular economy model so devices can be recycled or repurposed with zero waste to landfill and certified CO2 and ESG reporting.”
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What makes Inventus different
Inventus’ edge came from being the only manufacturer of patient and site devices built exclusively for clinical trials.
Its clinical-grade hardware was coupled with Inventus Connect, a global eSIM platform now operating in 130+ countries.
“The aim is to reduce friction for sites and patients while improving reliability and oversight,” explained Sanghera.
“We design for inclusivity and consistency. Our solutions are pre-configured, localised and centrally managed, with support for 586 languages so participants can navigate in their preferred language to maximise patient experience and engagement.
“Combined with robust logistics and remote management, this ensures the right technology reaches the right place and works as intended in diverse settings.”
Industry excitement
With sustainability becoming more and more of a priority for businesses in the industry, Sanghera has been pleased with the momentum.
“I am encouraged by the increased focus in the industry in creating better circular economy practices that cut waste and support ESG goals without compromising compliance,” he said.
“It’s an exciting time to be working in the industry and we’re looking forward to helping move it forward.”
“We design for clinical trial use from the outset and build compliance into architecture, not as an afterthought.
“The objective is to innovate where it improves reliability and access, while keeping patient safety and data integrity at the core.”
Lessons for founders
Sanghera’s background in mobile technology and financial solutions shaped his approach to Inventus.
Prior to founding the business, he had roles at organisations such as the IKON Office Solutions, Caudwell Group and mobile app provider Speak Group.
Experience in scalable infrastructure and supply chains have proved key in a sector where precision is paramount.
“Believe in your vision and stay the course, especially when conditions are tough,” he advised.
“Hire brilliant people and invest in culture so they feel part of the mission. Bringing in domain expertise was essential.
“Keep listening to customers, refine relentlessly and make decisions that improve reliability and access for them.”
‘More to come’
What kept the University of Derby graduate driving forward was simple – the impact.
He continued: “If our technology helps a trial launch well and land safely, that is meaningful.
“I was drawn in by the real-world impact of getting clinical infrastructure right and by the chance to solve practical problems for patients and sites.
“Five years on, we were still learning and improving. There’s a lot more to come.”