4Combinator, a startup accelerator focused on transforming medicine

http://www.4combinator.com/

by bmillare • 12 years ago

2 3 12 years ago

bmillare• 12 years ago

Yes the name sounds very familiar also the information on the website is somewhat lacking but the idea itself is interesting.

My concern however is it's not really clear how doing mostly science can turn into a profitable business here, startups in the medical space are usually translational by nature. At the very least, if they are proposing affecting the medical space, they need to provide support for overcoming FDA approval. It's not clear how this is will happen given all the advisers are scientists...

larrys• 12 years ago

This is a truly impressive undertaking.

However I wonder if there could potentially exist some trademark infringement on YC (regardless of whether they care or would even pursue any potential infringement.)

Part of the logo colors are similar, as well as the general concept of "startup accelerator", and most importantly the actual name.

From the site:

"We envision, incorporate, finance, support, and mentor a select number of startups that we are committed to make successful. Each startup is funded from the beginning for success, allowing the team to exploit new developments in physics, math, and the life sciences to create truly novel technologies and do the science enabled by being first."

I'm noting (after checking USPTO) that YC doesn't appear to have applied for a Federal trademark although obviously they quite clearly have the necessary common law rights and this name is certainly similar enough.

kolev• 12 years ago

The branding sounds like YCombinator for the 4chan demographic, but looks impressive.

Anyway, I don't think a bunch of "stealth" and purely profit-oriented startups will change medicine - this isn't much different than the status quo. I think what will truly change medicine is the FOSS model applied to science, i.e. the non-profit idealist mindset, who truly wants to advance science, and not just get rich quick (we know it's more profitable to invent WhatsApp or Instagram than cure cancer and not only for those who can afford it).

4Combinator, a startup accelerator focused on transforming medicine

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