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From Software to Robotics: Todd Blankenbecler on Building, Scaling, and Reinventing Startups
Description
In this episode of The Innovator’s Playbook, host Seth Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Telliant Systems, sits down with Todd Blankenbecler, CEO of Zeeno Robotics, a serial entrepreneur who has built, scaled, and sold multiple successful companies in the orthodontic software industry.
Todd shares his journey from early startup days to pioneering robotics in dentistry. He dives into what it takes to transition from software to hardware, the nuances of selling a business, and the mindset needed to thrive through uncertainty.
Listeners will learn:
- Why hard work and persistence are the foundation of every startup.
- How to scale from operator to visionary by investing in great people.
- What founders should know before an acquisition and how to prepare for the inevitable change.
- What founders should know before an acquisition and how to prepare for the inevitable change.
Key Takeaways
From Orthodontic Software to Robotics
“Just because it worked last time doesn’t mean it’ll work this time.” Todd’s journey began in orthodontic software, a niche market that became his laboratory for learning product development, customer empathy, and scaling operations. Now, with Zeeno Robotics, he’s venturing into uncharted territory, combining software precision with hardware innovation to solve staffing challenges in dental and medical practices.
Hard Work Isn’t Optional
“It’s a 24/7 thing… You’ll think about your startup when you wake up at night or drive down the road.” Todd emphasizes the unglamorous truth of entrepreneurship: relentless consistency. He believes founders must “ring the bell every day”, showing up, solving problems, and persevering through missed launches and bad days.
The Art of Scaling: People, Not Just Products
“You’ve got to invest in good people and make sure they stay.” Todd outlines how founders must evolve from being operators to orchestrators. Scaling, he says, requires building trust, nurturing talent, and stepping back from doing everything yourself.
The Exit Mindset
“When you sell, the business is going to change and that’s okay.” Having sold two companies, Todd offers a candid view of both strategic and private equity exits. He explores the emotional and operational shifts post-sale, and why founders must plan not just for financial returns, but for their personal transition.
The Future of Robotics and AI
“Robots can’t just be cool, they have to be useful.” At Zeeno Robotics, Todd is applying AI to create robots that assist with real-world tasks, from sterilizing tools to supporting staff in clinics. He envisions a future where robots learn on the job, much like humans, adapting to new responsibilities through AI-driven learning.
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