We may receive commissions for affiliate links included in this article. This is a sponsored post. Future Sharks makes no warranties about the statements, facts and/or claims made on this article. These are the opinions of the author. Read our advertising and contributor disclosure here.
I first learned about Partha Unnava when I saw him on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and his story really struck me, so I decided to interview him for Future Sharks.
City where you’re from: Atlanta, GA
Hobbies: Hip-hop, basketball
Favorite quote: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” I think this is by Abraham Lincoln but I’ve seen it credited a lot of different places
Follow him at: @officialpartha
Dope having you here Partha. Let’s get into it. What made you become an entrepreneur?
I didn’t want to work for anybody else and I knew that I could create more value with my time than I was being compensated for in internships or through any normal career path. Plus, I wanted the freedom to achieve my potential and I didn’t see a way to achieve that without doing my own thing.
Who were your biggest influences?
I look up to Will Smith and Dwyane Wade. They’re just awesome.
What project are you pursuing at the moment?
Better Walk (founded in May 2013), a medical device company. We made a crutch that doesn’t hurt your underarms.
What triggered your idea and how is it different from others?
Breaking my ankle playing basketball. Our product is different because it’s more comfortable for patients and it’s cost efficient for hospitals to carry.
How do you source deals with hospitals and medical equipment retailers?
We find our leads through group purchasing organization contracts we’ve signed, as well as through referrals from physicians and patients.
Value-add questions
Give the readers the best entrepreneurship advice you have.
Learn the marketplace by building a business that exists in the current cash flow situation, and once you understand it, then disrupt it.
What’s key when fundraising capital?
If you’re going to fundraise, it’s all about relationships. You’ll get further in country clubs than you will at pitch competitions. Find people you want to be like, who have backgrounds operating large businesses, and raise money from them.
What should an entrepreneur focus on?
50% maintenance and 50% growth.
“Look inward for half of the day and outward the other half.”
Any favorite books?
Mastery by George Leonard. The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo.
Future
Where do you see yourself and your product in a couple years?
If we do this right, the only crutch people will be using will be the Better Walk crutch. I hope to be building the business with several other products that can help patients without burdening the healthcare system at that point.