Meet CustomSurg co-founder Thomas Zumbrunn and discover how he optimizes orthopedic surgery

Thomas Zumbrunn co-founded Venture Leader Medtech CustomSurg because he has a bone to pick: One in four surgeries after complex bone fractures results in patients suffering from complications and long-term disabilities. The Zurich-based startup turns current subjective clinical treatments into a data-driven process that makes surgeries more efficient and provides personalized treatment strategies. Find out more about Thomas’s expectations for the Venture Leaders Medtech experience, and discover how Nelson Mandela and Michael Bay influence his entrepreneurial career.

To boost the innovative power of the Swiss medtech industry, medtech startups now have their own Venture Leaders roadshow to Boston, one of the world’s major life sciences hubs and the ideal springboard for ambitious startups on their way to global expansion. Our profile series features the 10 Venture Leaders Medtech 2021, and we will introduce you to the inaugural graduates of the program. To learn more about the startups, we asked each entrepreneur to complete a short profile and choose at least six questions from a questionnaire about their personal and professional life.

Name: Thomas Zumbrunn
Location: Zurich
Nationality: Swiss
Graduated from: ETH Zurich, In 2018, with a PhD in health sciences and technology (orthopedics, biomechanics)
Your job title: Co-founder and CEO of CustomSurg
Number of employees: 3
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2013, I was in the audience of a Venture Leaders event at Swissnex Boston

“CustomSurg provides faster surgeries with better outcomes.”

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup? 
The CustomSurg idea originally started in 2014 when two Europeans [Dr. med. Arvind von Keudell and Dr. Thomas Zumbrunn] were roommates in Boston while working in orthopedic surgery on innovation and medical aspects, respectively. Following a growing friendship, they decided to create something impactful around their common passion for orthopedic technology. Soon, the mission was clear: improve patient outcomes and make surgeon’s lives easier through innovative technologies. When the third European [Valentin Splett] with a medtech business background joined the team, we set the wheels in motion… 
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders program, and how will it help you achieve your vision? 
Following the first clinical feasibility projects, it is now the right timing to approach additional US hospitals and investors—besides evaluating development and manufacturing partnerships. While the most important part is to connect with potential investors, the exchange with peers undergoing similar challenges to enter the US market could positively influence our day-to-day work. I believe the journey of CustomSurg will greatly benefit from my new learnings in business development, particularly related to the US ecosystem.
 
What is one thing not many people know about you?
That my first “job” was working as a mechanic at a bicycle store in 7th grade, which also provided my first financial contribution for my emergent ski racing career. It was very exciting to have an actual job outside the duties at home. Besides learning about bikes, it was fascinating to discover the effects of humans interacting with mechanical systems.
 
What is your favorite movie or show?
Armageddon by Michael Bay. Unthinkable tasks are successfully completed by a team not given any credit—nevertheless, diversity, spirit, and courage overcame all odds.
 
What advice would you give your teenage self?
 “I never lose. I either win or learn.” — Nelson Mandela
 
How did you come up with the name of your startup?
Honestly, in the end, it came down to which .com sites were freely available. Of course, we sought a catchy name that we could relate to while not being too constraining on the first envisioned product, but a lot of websites were already taken or expensive to acquire.
 
Where and when are you most productive?
When I am under some pressure. Then, the “where” can be anywhere from an airport or office to a ski slope or beach.
 
What is the most challenging aspect of being a founder? 
Quitting a job to go into an unknown world of problem-solving and not knowing what to expect and how long the venture will last. The period of an ensured salary is running out faster than you expect, and you have to keep the focus on innovation and business development. 
 
Last but not least, could you show us your workspace? 
This is my mountain office in Hasliberg, where we have been working during the pandemic and where I still regularly work, as many of my activities require a good computer and a free mind. 





For more information and updates on CustomSurg and the Venture Leaders Medtech, follow the Venture Leaders Medtech 2021 team with #VleadersMedtech on social media or subscribe to our newsletter. 
 
Venture Leaders Medtech 2021 is organized by Venturelab and supported by EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Hansjörg Wyss, Kellerhals Carrard, Paul Scherrer Institut, Swissnex Boston, University Zurich, Canton of Vaud, and Canton of Zurich.