From Dyslexia to MedTech Startup Success—Gwen Hannema's Journey

Mar 5

Written By Jothy Rosenberg

MARCH 5, 2025 | 00:39 | Episode 60

Gwenael Hannema, CEO of Orthosens

ABOUT MY GUEST

Gwenael Hannema

Gwenael “Gwen” Hannema is a mechanical engineer by training and a MedTech entrepreneur at heart. As the founder of OrthoSens, he is on a mission to revolutionize post-surgical recovery by "making implants talk." His company develops smart sensors and the SensApp platform to provide continuous, real-time insights into orthopedic recovery, empowering surgeons with dynamic data and engaging patients in their own healing journey.

With over a decade of experience and three startups to his name, Gwen has faced and overcome significant challenges, from managing inactive co-founders to navigating regulatory pivots under FDA and MDR frameworks. These experiences have shaped his approach to building resilient teams and products, and he openly shares these lessons to help other founders avoid common pitfalls.

Gwen journey is fueled by a commitment to innovation, teamwork, and lifelong learning. Beyond startups, he is a marathon runner and a firm believer in strong values and personal growth. Through OrthoSens, he aims to redefine orthopedic care and improve clinical outcomes for patients globally, positively impacting 30’000 lives by 2028.

Summary

Gwen Hannema shares his insights on the challenges and triumphs of launching medtech startups, highlighting the critical importance of having a solid shareholder agreement to avoid potential pitfalls. With a multilingual background and a personal connection to the medical field through family experiences with back pain, Gwen emphasizes the value of grit and perseverance in the face of adversity. He discusses his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, revealing the lessons learned from previous startup failures and how they shaped his current venture, Orthosens. Gwen's innovative approach integrates implantable sensors into existing medical devices, aiming to revolutionize patient monitoring without the limitations of battery life. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, he inspires aspiring founders to trust in themselves and remain resilient amidst challenges.

Story

Gwen Hannema, a seasoned entrepreneur with a multilingual background, shares his journey through the challenging landscape of medtech startups. Born in Switzerland and having lived in various countries, his rich cultural experiences fuel his passion for innovation. The conversation delves deeply into the contrasts between the startup cultures in Europe and the United States, highlighting the European tendency towards risk aversion and the stigma associated with failure. Unlike in the U.S., where past failures can be seen as valuable learning experiences, in Switzerland, admitting to failed ventures can lead to being labeled a 'failure.' This stark difference in mindset is explored through Gwen's personal anecdotes about his own entrepreneurial failures, which shaped his resilience and determination to succeed.

The episode also emphasizes the critical importance of language and communication in both personal and professional realms. Gwen's upbringing in a multilingual household instilled in him the belief that language skills are invaluable assets that no one can take away. He passionately advocates for nurturing language learning in children, reflecting on how it opens doors and creates opportunities. As a dyslexic individual, Gwen faced significant challenges in education, but these experiences have only strengthened his resolve to make a positive impact in the world, particularly in the medical technology field. His current startup, Orthosens, aims to revolutionize how orthopedic implants communicate with healthcare providers, ensuring better patient outcomes and transforming pain management solutions.

Gwen's insights into startup dynamics extend to the importance of having a solid shareholder agreement. He recounts lessons learned from his previous ventures, emphasizing the necessity of clear agreements among co-founders to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts that can derail a company. The discussion culminates in a powerful message about grit and perseverance, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to face challenges head-on and to maintain belief in their vision, regardless of the obstacles they encounter. As Gwen puts it, "Trust in yourself and don't take no for an answer." This episode not only inspires with stories of resilience but also equips listeners with practical advice for navigating the complexities of startup life.

Takeaways

Learning multiple languages opens up opportunities that no one can take away from you.
Emotional detachment from the challenges you face can help you solve problems effectively.
Establish proper shareholder agreements to avoid major conflicts and misunderstandings down the road.
Family support plays a crucial role in building the grit necessary for overcoming challenges.
Building a startup involves learning from past failures and continuously iterating on your ideas.
Developing a clear vision for your startup's impact can guide your long-term goals.