This startup went from less than $100K to combining ultrasound and AI to save babies, protect mothers.

In the latest episode of our Build Mode podcast, we caught up with Startup Battlefield champion BioticsAI to explore their continued success since their victory at Disrupt 2023.

This is the the WIRED A̶u̶t̶o̶ *Complete* Interview. WIRED turns on dark mode as we hand-pick the very best Antony Starr (Homelander) questions from the internet. Does Homelander genuinely think he’s a hero? Who is the most hated character from _The Boys?_ What makes Homelander one of the greatest villains in television? Tune in to find out the answers to the internet’s best questions.

*The fifth and final season of _The Boys_ premieres April 8 exclusively on Prime Video (and runs through May 20).*

#AntonyStarr #Homelander #TheBoys

00:00 – The Complete Interview with Antony Starr
00:12 – Anyone else find themselves copying Homelander’s mannerisms?
00:53 – What’s the most ducked up thing Homelander did?
02:03 – Fear of heights—how do people with this phobia manage flying?
03:25 – Do you think there’s any real humanity left in Homelander?
04:04 – Will ‘The Boys’ be next to join the list of controversial endings?
04:45 – Does Homelander genuinely think he’s a hero?
05:27 – Feeling sorry… for Homelander?!
06:28 – Why do Hollywood psychopaths drink milk?
07:45 – Antony Starr does so much with his face…
08:50 – What was the scene that made you think “WTF?”
09:59 – Why do people even try to commit crimes in ‘The Boys?’
10:25 – What is your favorite fight from ‘The Boys’ and why?
11:48 – Who is the most hated character from ‘The Boys?’
12:36 – Can we just talk about how spot on the casting for ‘The Boys’ is?
13:50 – Why doesn’t Homelander just kill The Boys?
14:15 – Is Homelander the real villain?
14:44 – What makes Homelander one of the greatest villains in television?
16:10 – What would be Homelander’s fantasy world?

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Surviving the long road to FDA approval isn’t just about building great technology, it’s about keeping your team motivated, finding the right investors, and learning how to operate when timelines are uncertain.

This week on Build Mode, Isabelle Johannesen sits down with Robbie Bustami, co-founder and CEO of BioticsAI, a Startup Battlefield-winning company building an AI copilot for ultrasound to help detect fetal abnormalities. From a $100K prototype to FDA clearance, Robhy shares what it actually takes to build in one of the most regulated industries in the world.

In this episode, they break down what it really looks like to build a medtech startup, where you can’t “move fast and break things,” and every milestone takes time, coordination, and trust.

This conversation covers:
🧩How to stay motivated and keep your team aligned when FDA approval isn’t guaranteed
🧩What founders need to know about navigating the FDA process from day one
🧩 How to find investors who understand the slower, high-risk nature of medtech
🧩 Why cross-functional collaboration (engineers, clinicians, researchers) is critical to success
🧩 The role of advisors and why active industry experts matter more than big names
How to build momentum and celebrate wins during long, uncertain timelines

Apply to Startup Battlefield: We are looking for early-stage companies that have an MVP. So nominate a founder (or yourself): techcrunch.com/apply. Be sure to say you heard about Startup Battlefield from the Build Mode podcast.
TechCrunch Disrupt: If you’re thinking about applying to Startup Battlefield, then October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, we’re back for TechCrunch Disrupt, where the Startup Battlefield 200 takes the stage. So if you want to cheer them on, or just network with 1000s of founders, VCs, and tech enthusiasts, then grab your tickets.
Use code buildmode15 for 15% off any ticket type.

Chapters:
00:00 Building a $100K MedTech Startup
00:32 Intro: Biotics AI & the Problem with Ultrasound Misdiagnosis
02:16 What Biotics AI Actually Does (AI Copilot for Ultrasound)
02:54 Early Days: Startup Battlefield & First Product
07:10 Navigating FDA Approval (Without Guesswork)
09:22 What FDA Clearance Unlocks (Going to Market)
10:59 Selling into Hospitals & Early Customers
12:11 Keeping a Team Motivated During Long Timelines
18:54 The Hardest Parts of Building in MedTech
22:22 Fundraising, Advisors, and Building the Right Team
28:33 The Future of AI in Reproductive Healthcare

New episodes of Build Mode drop every Thursday. Hosted by Isabelle Johannessen. Produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience development led by Morgan Little. Special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.