Meet Gondola Medical Technologies co-founder Francesco Cecchini and learn about his motor rehabilitation technology

27.08.2021 13:45, Isabelle Mitchell

Francesco Cecchini co-founded Gondola Medical Technologies, a Venture Leader Medtech that helps patients affected by neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s, spinal stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and ataxia regain movement abilities. The GONDOLA® AMPS is a cutting-edge and side-effect-free treatment that helps improve movements and balance while reducing motor blocks, rigidity, and spasticity in people. Learn more about Francesco’s expectations for the Venture Leaders Medtech experience, and find out the story behind his company’s name.

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: Francesco Cecchini
Location: Lausanne
Nationality: Italian
Graduated from: Università Degli Studi di Bergamo, Italy, with a master’s degree in business and economics, in 1993
Your job title: Co-founder and CEO of Gondola Medical Technologies
Number of employees: 14 (as of 08/2021)
Money raised: EUR 2.2 million equity + EUR 2.5 million grants + EUR 1.1 million loans (as of 01/2021)
First touchpoint with Venturelab: In 2021, for the Venture Leaders Medtech Boston

“We strive to make the GONDOLA® AMPS therapy—delivered through our patented device—the standard of care in treating walking and balance impairments due to neurological disorders.”
 
How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
I am one of two co-founders, and we complement each other: Stefano Tassin, co-founder and chief of therapies at Gondola, is experienced in innovative therapeutic approaches for neurological diseases, while I am the “business” part of the venture. We met back in 2010 and immediately decided that we wanted to work together to carry his innovation to the market. The official journey started in June 2011 (yes, 10 years ago!). Since then, we have scientifically validated the therapy, developed the medical device to deliver it, and brought it to the market. Now ready to scale it up!
 
What do you expect from the Venture Leaders roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision? 
The Venturelab network is unprecedented and very strong: All past participants of the program have given me excellent feedback on the quality of the Venture Leaders program. The Venture Leaders program in Boston is what our company needs now: We have recently opened a new funding round and would really like to get US investors onboard since our strategy is to primarily focus on the US market. Moreover, I expect to create connections in the US to prepare for market entry. And I expect to create strong relationships with the CEOs of my fellow participants to share connections, experiences, and advice. 

What is one thing not many people know about you? 
In my personal life, I am an experienced bricoleur [handyman]: I love to build and fix things myself!

What is the one talent you wish you had?
I wish I had been a better student. 

What is your favorite book?
Ferrari Rex: Biografia di un grande italiano del Novecento by Luca Dal Monte. The book tells the real story of Enzo Ferrari, who started his career with a vision and has been able to build a company that is known in every corner of the world, with unique brand recognition. The reason why I love this book is that it shares the major roadblocks he encountered in his professional life; nonetheless, he has been able to never stop working toward his goals, ultimately building a legacy that survived him.

What are you most proud of? 
My family. 

How did you come up with the name of your startup? 
We engaged an R&D firm to design the first prototype of the device, and they were based not far away from Venice. One day, we meet for a project update, and the head of design enters the meeting room, throws a metal prototype shaped like a half-moon on the table, and says: “Hey guys, here is your gondola!” We never thought of that name before, and we liked it: It is easy to remember and free for registration in the medical field. So today, our product and our company are named Gondola!

Where and when are you most productive? 
At night, when I am alone and not distracted by anybody or anything. The place is not relevant; I just need my PC.

How and where do you clear your mind? 
Long car rides—alone and without music—gardening, or doing maintenance tasks at home.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder?
Being able to make an impact on the world we live in.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
Marketing is important, and it is everywhere. I have not considered “marketing” for a long time, and we should have managed this differently. It is essential for all aspects of the company—for fundraising, sales, getting grants, etc.!

Last but not least, could you show us what you are working on with Gondola Medical Technologie?
Here is a picture of our device (left) and a photo of how the device is used during therapy (right).



For more information and updates on Gondola Medical Technologies 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.