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In the bustling heart of New York City, where skyscrapers touch the sky and dreams are as vast as the skyline, Eziah Syed is quietly revolutionizing the way we approach healing. Imagine a world where healing transcends the physical, embracing the emotional, psychological, and spiritual facets of human well-being. This is the vision that drives MEND, a groundbreaking startup dedicated to holistic healing. In a captivating episode of How I'm Building This, host Prateek Mathur delves deep into Eziah’s inspiring journey, uncovering the secrets behind MEND’s success and the relentless passion that fuels it.
From Corporate Strategy to Entrepreneurial Spirit
Eziah’s story begins in the town of Kingston, Ontario, where he was raised alongside three entrepreneurial brothers. Despite their father’s long-standing career at Pfizer, each sibling was drawn to the thrill of creating something new. Eziah’s early years were marked by a love for sports, including a stint playing basketball at a national level in Canada. His academic pursuits led him to an MBA in Toronto, where his fascination with strategy and innovation blossomed.
Armed with invaluable experience from corporate giants like Citibank and Deloitte, where he led global strategy and product development, Eziah ventured into the startup ecosystem. This unique blend of corporate acumen and startup agility laid the foundation for MEND—a company committed to redefining healing through a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach.
Navigating the Fundraising Landscape
Raising capital is often the lifeblood of any startup, and Eziah navigates this terrain with strategic precision. “Investors are looking for proof points that show you can scale your business effectively,” Eziah explains. For early-stage startups, demonstrating product-market fit and market potential is crucial, while later stages demand evidence of scalability and profitability.
Eziah’s experience with raising a Series A amidst tight funding environments underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability. His key advice for founders is to tailor their fundraising strategies to align with the specific expectations of different investor types. Whether seeking seed funding or growth equity, understanding what investors value can make the difference between success and stagnation.
Building a Resilient Team
As MEND expanded, so did the complexities of managing a growing team. Eziah shifted his focus from solely assessing hard skills to prioritizing cultural fit and resilience. “We move fast, and there are a lot of demands. Not everybody can handle the pressure,” he notes. This strategic approach to hiring ensures that each team member not only possesses the necessary expertise but also the ability to thrive in a high-pressure, dynamic environment.
Eziah shares a practical example: contrasting the performance of two enrollment coordinators, one excelling under pressure and the other struggling. This experience taught him to identify and replicate the attributes that contribute to success, such as initiative, a positive attitude, and energy. By valuing these traits, MEND fosters a cohesive and motivated workforce, essential for driving the company’s mission forward.
Overcoming Foundational Challenges
The path to building MEND was not without its hurdles. One of the most daunting moments Eziah faced was when a committed VC fund backed out just as the company was ramping up operations. “I had to identify a new investor in less than 60 days,” he recalls. This intense period tested his leadership and resourcefulness, ultimately strengthening his resolve to push MEND toward success.
Eziah also highlights the inherent tension between meeting investor expectations and maintaining the company’s growth trajectory. Startups rarely follow a linear path; breakthroughs and market shifts often create step-function changes. Balancing these dynamics requires founders to stay anchored in their vision while adapting to external pressures.
Establishing Credibility Through Science and Partnerships
MEND’s success is deeply rooted in its scientific foundation and strategic partnerships. Eziah emphasizes the importance of investing in clinical studies to build credibility within the medical community. “Our products are steeped in science, which helps us gain trust and authority,” he explains. This scientific rigor not only validates MEND’s offerings but also differentiates the company in a competitive market.
Word-of-mouth referrals have been instrumental in MEND’s growth, particularly within professional sports teams and the US military. These endorsements from respected institutions amplify MEND’s reputation, attracting more clients and partners. Eziah’s focus on delivering tangible results ensures that these referrals are both meaningful and impactful, driving the company’s expansion organically.
Managing Mental Health as a Founder
The pressures of leading a startup can take a significant toll on mental health. Eziah candidly discusses his personal strategies for maintaining resilience and well-being. His disciplined morning routine includes meditation, a carefully curated nutrition regime, and daily exercise—practices that bolster his physical and mental strength.
Eziah likens the startup journey to training for a marathon, where consistent self-care and mental fortitude are essential for enduring the long, challenging race. By prioritizing his health, he ensures that he remains capable of leading MEND through its inevitable ups and downs, demonstrating that personal well-being is integral to professional success.
Learning from Mistakes and Pivoting
No entrepreneurial journey is without mistakes, and Eziah is no exception. Early attempts to penetrate the physical therapy market revealed resistance from therapists reluctant to adopt new sales-oriented practices. This realization prompted a strategic pivot towards comprehensive perioperative care, expanding MEND’s digital platform to address broader healing needs.
Eziah’s willingness to adapt and pivot based on market feedback underscores the importance of flexibility in business strategy. By continuously reading the market and responding to its demands, MEND remains agile and aligned with its mission to support holistic healing.
The Road Ahead for MEND
Looking forward, MEND is poised for further growth through strategic partnerships and enhanced distribution channels. Eziah highlights plans to collaborate with major medical distributors, aiming to reach spine surgeons and other specialized fields. These partnerships, built on mutual trust and shared values, will amplify MEND’s impact and accessibility.
Brilliant execution, as defined by Eziah, encompasses not only client satisfaction but also robust business fundamentals. By delivering exceptional clinical care and optimizing operational efficiency, MEND is set to achieve sustained profitability and scalability.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Eziah Syed’s journey with MEND is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic thinking, and a holistic approach to business. His insights into fundraising, team building, and maintaining mental health provide a valuable blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the startup landscape.
As MEND continues to grow and innovate, Eziah remains committed to his mission of transforming healing through science and compassionate care. For those looking to follow in his footsteps, his story serves as both inspiration and a practical guide to building a meaningful and successful venture.
