In this article, we delve into the fascinating intersection of sports, engineering, and entrepreneurship, drawing insights from our interview with Athanase Kollias, CEO of KINVENT, as featured in one of the latest episodes of Bright Founders Talk. Established in 2017, KINVENT emerged from Athanase's unique background as both a competitive athlete and an engineer, driven by his dissatisfaction with the subjective nature of physical therapy.
Throughout his decade in competitive rowing and rugby, Athanase spent countless hours with physical therapists, which sowed the seeds for a company that aims to revolutionize how sports and rehab professionals assess progress and engage patients. As a result, KINVENT has developed innovative tools that provide objective, data-driven insights into physical performance and recovery. With a current network of approximately 16,000 physiotherapists and 4,000 new patients weekly, KINVENT is making a substantial impact on health care.
Athanase's ambitious goal for the next four years is to expand this network to include around 100,000 therapists and up to 5 million patients. This interview explores Athanase's journey from tinkering in his father's biomechanics lab to leading a company at the forefront of physical therapy technology, illustrating the profound influence of his early exposure to the field and his enduring passion for innovation.
From Athlete to Innovator: Athanase Kollias on Shaping the Future of Physical Therapy
Athanase Kollias brings a unique blend of personal experience and engineering acumen to the world of physical rehabilitation. "I spent more time with my physical therapist than with anyone else," he recalls of his athletic days. This extensive interaction sparked his ambition to enhance the objectivity in physical therapy. Frustrated by the lack of measurable progress during his treatments, Athanase leveraged his engineering background to forge a new path in healthcare technology. KINVENT was born out of his desire to create tools that not only track recovery but also engage both professionals and patients in a meaningful way.
KINVENT's foundation is deeply rooted in Athanase's early exposure to biomechanics, playing in his father's lab with tools that were more than just toys; they were the beginnings of his life's work. "I was used as a dead weight to test my father's first force plates," Athanase chuckles, underscoring a childhood steeped in the practical applications of physical science. This early immersion didn't just prepare him for a career; it sparked a lifelong passion to innovate within the health sector, ultimately aiming to impact millions of lives. His company now supports thousands of physiotherapists and patients, with ambitious plans to expand its reach even further in the coming years.
The decision to focus primarily on health over athletic performance was a deliberate one, informed by personal values and market needs. Athanase discusses scenarios that illustrate the broad impact of KINVENT's technology—from aiding top athletes like Rafael Varan to improving the daily lives of individuals like grandma Michelle, who suffers from osteoarthritis. "The impact on Michelle's life is much bigger," he explains, highlighting the profound effect that advanced physical therapy can have on ordinary people's ability to lead normal lives. This blend of personal narrative and professional insight provides a compelling glimpse into the motivations that drive Athanase's entrepreneurial journey.
Breaking Boundaries: Athanase Kollias Advocates for Open Innovation in Medical Tech
As we dive deeper into the conversation, Athanase Kollias shares insights on KINVENT’s reception in the medical technology market. The feedback, he reveals with a proud smile, has been overwhelmingly positive. “Our customers love it,” Athanase states, referring to the 16,000 physical therapists and coaches who use KINVENT’s products. This community isn't just a customer base; it's a vibrant, creative pool that actively contributes to the product's evolution. It's this collaborative approach that keeps KINVENT at the cutting edge, ensuring the product not only meets but anticipates the needs of professionals in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
Athanase emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement with the market to foster product excellence. "Having an open ear is the key," he notes, underscoring the crucial role of listening in product development. By maintaining close contact with users—whether through direct feedback, sales teams, or marketing insights—KINVENT prioritizes real-world applications and practical improvements. This philosophy is encapsulated in Athanase’s belief that the longevity of a product in the market hinges on its inherent quality, not merely on aggressive marketing or sales tactics.
In a surprising twist, Athanase expresses a desire for more competition in the sector. Unlike many CEOs who might view a crowded market as a threat, he sees it as an opportunity to enhance innovation and broaden education about new technologies. “I hope they don’t see us as competitors either,” he says, highlighting a cooperative vision aimed at revolutionizing physical therapy with data and biofeedback. This ethos is reflective of a broader perspective that values long-term relationships and trust—principles that he believes are essential not only for business success but for meaningful progress in healthcare.
Defining Success in Depth: Athanase Kollias on Passion, Product, and Personal Goals
As the conversation veers into how Athanase Kollias measures success, he leans back with a thoughtful pause before diving in. “Success? You have to put a KPI behind it,” he begins, outlining that success isn't a one-size-fits-all metric. It could mean fame, revenue, or achieving dreams, but for Athanase, the true marker of success is doing something you love. “If this last one is not true, you won't succeed in all the others," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of passion in his entrepreneurial journey. This resonates deeply, especially when he reveals, "Do something that you love so that you won't work again," capturing his philosophy succinctly.
Athanase doesn't shy away from acknowledging the less glamorous side of leadership and entrepreneurship. He admits that not every day at KINVENT is exhilarating—some days are challenging, marked by tough decisions, unexpected market responses, or even staffing issues. Yet, it's not all about the struggles; it's about finding balance and having a haven to turn to. For Athanase, that haven is his family. He smiles warmly, mentioning his three kids and wife as his ultimate support system, "My Heaven is my three kids and my wife," sharing a personal glimpse into what keeps him grounded amid the business chaos.
Navigating through the complexities of leading a cutting-edge medical technology company, Athanase also discusses how he stays ahead in a rapidly advancing field. Building a strong network, staying closely connected with customers, and ensuring continuous revenue streams to fund research and development are his strategies for keeping KINVENT innovative. He encourages his team to trust their instincts—a sentiment that guides his leadership style, "Listen to your gut, because it's rarely wrong." Athanase's approach to business is as dynamic as the market he thrives in, always ready to adapt and seize new opportunities that align with both his personal values and professional ambitions.
Optimism and Innovation: Athanase Kollias Charts the Future of Medical Technology
Athanase Kollias exudes optimism as he discusses the future of KINVENT and its recent strides in the medical technology landscape. Having secured a significant €16 million in funding, his focus is now on expanding into the North American market and pushing the boundaries of education in medical tech. "The best way of helping professionals to implement technologies is to teach them how to do it," Athanase explains, underscoring the importance of education alongside technological innovation. This dual focus on geographic expansion and educational empowerment reveals a strategy not just for growth but for fostering deeper industry understanding of new technologies like machine learning and advanced sensors.
The best way of helping professionals to implement technologies is to teach them how to do it
Athanase Kollias
CEO at KINVENT
CEO at KINVENT
During a recent international congress in Spain, the impact of KINVENT's innovations was visibly confirmed when a presentation left attendees literally agape. "You had a person there with an open mouth, because they loved the system," Athanase recounts with a chuckle, pointing to the 'jaw-dropping' reaction as proof of market fit. This moment highlights not only the effectiveness of KINVENT's products but also the charismatic approach Athanase brings to his sales and demonstration processes. It's this charisma, combined with solid technology, that enables KINVENT to make such memorable impressions on an international stage.
Navigating the challenges of running a diverse company, Athanase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a unified vision among his team of 80 employees from 13 different nationalities. "The biggest challenge...is to give everyone a common ground and a common dictionary," he states, highlighting how diversity within KINVENT enhances its richness and innovation capacity. By fostering an environment where different perspectives are not just heard but integrated, Athanase ensures that KINVENT remains at the forefront of medical technology, driven by a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through innovation.
