In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Paul Marshall, the founder of Rapid Fluidics, to explore how he turned his side hustle into a thriving business in the microfluidics industry. Paul shares his entrepreneurial journey, from spotting a gap in the market to leveraging grants and angel investments to scale his business.
Learn how Paul has used his expertise in engineering and innovative technologies like 3D printing to revolutionize the development of medical diagnostic devices and compete with industry giants. His story is an inspiration for entrepreneurs looking to transform a passion project into a full-time venture.
What You’ll Learn:
- Identifying Market Needs: How Paul discovered a demand for faster and more accurate microfluidic prototyping.
- Securing Funding: Insights into accessing grants and attracting angel investors to fuel growth.
- Navigating Competition: Strategies for competing with larger, established players in the biotech space.
- Innovations in Microfluidics: How 3D printing is transforming the development of medical diagnostics.
- Scaling a Side Hustle: Key lessons from Paul’s journey, from prototyping to full-scale production.
Episode Highlights:
- “Paul, your transition from a side hustle to a full-time business is inspiring. What was the turning point that made you take the leap?”
- “You’ve leveraged 3D printing to rapidly prototype microfluidic test cards. How has this technology changed the landscape of product development in your field?”
- “Grants and angel investments have been instrumental in your growth. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs seeking similar funding opportunities?”
- “What challenges have you faced as a smaller player in a competitive industry, and how have you overcome them?”
About Paul Marshall:
Paul Marshall is an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in the life sciences and biotechnology industries. As the CEO of Rapid Fluidics, Paul specializes in designing and rapidly prototyping microfluidic systems for customers at all stages of product development. With a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and expertise in 3D/2D CAD systems and FEA software, Paul brings innovative solutions to the medical diagnostic device space.
