Standard Cyborg (YC W15) sells artificial limbs
fastcompany.comJeff - Congrats!!!
I clicked on the link and hoped this was your company (we met at Startup School).
Great press, looking forward to seeing your company own this space.
A solo YC founder, impressive! I wonder if the branding "cyborg" appeals to most prosthetic limb users?
It might. I don't have any prosthetics per se, but I had to undergo some major reconstructive surgery in one of my arms a few years back after a bad accident. As a result, I've got a lot of "hardware" in that arm. Personally, I've always found the word "cyborg" a fun and interesting self-description, since, technically speaking, it's accurate. I'm also aware that I am a lot nerdier than your average potential user here.
For a lot of prosthetic limb users, I imagine that preserving some measure of dignity is almost as important as preserving or attaining limb functionality. It's important to feel human, and to be taken seriously. "Cyborg," spun the right way, might have an empowering angle to it. But I could just as easily see it reading as glib and borderline insulting. I'm sure the founder intends for the former, but the market will determine which connotation prevails.
Whatever the case, I'm happy to see a YC entrepreneur in this space!
That was exactly my question! Seems like some people would bristle at that moniker.
that's a fair criticism. so far the reactions have been positive
Not a criticism just a comment to ponder. I suspect outside of tech/HN circles people are less eager to become cyborgs. ;)
i meant criticism in the friendliest way possible!
it's been interesting to watch the shift in how prosthetics have been perceived just in my lifetime. It's shifted from "it must look exactly like a leg" to "something metal and carbon fiber looks really cool". And I expect that trend to continue. My personal theory on it is we are all becoming little cyborgs with cell phones attached to our hips or palms - that is making the regular person much more comfortable with the idea.
Jeff, the founder, here.
Happy to answer any questions!