Tom Ruginis

Yo, you gotta hear about Tom Ruginis. This guy’s the real deal in the startup scene, especially if you’re into science and tech mashups. So, he’s the founder and CEO of HappiLabs, which is basically changing how research labs get their shit together, like, they handle all the procurement, supply chain, inventory stuff for labs so scientists can focus on the science, not the logistics. That’s some advanced thinking, right? And he’s not just talking, he crushed it with Y Combinator in S18, part of that elite batch that gives startups the boost they need. That’s where he got serious mentorship and funding, showing he’s got the skills and grit.

Now, here’s the backstory that makes him even more interesting. Tom’s roots are deep in science, he’s got a B.S. in molecular biology from Benedictine, and he even dipped into a PhD at UIC. But he’s not your typical lab nerd who just stays in the lab. Nah, he jumped into the biz side, working as a Medical Assistant at Edward Hospital, then as a Lab Consultant at MIDSCI, and even as a Creative Director at Ruugy Media. Dude’s got a mix of science, marketing, and leadership skills that most people don’t.

What does that say about him? It’s simple, he’s all about making science easier and more sustainable. He cares about supporting scientists, pushing for diversity, and making the whole supply chain less bullshit and more fast. That’s his mission, help scientists do what they do best, without getting bogged down by logistics or waste. And he’s based in the Bay Area now, but his whole vibe is about collaboration and innovation.

Basically, Tom’s story is about someone who saw a problem in the scientific world, labs wasting time and money on supply chain chaos, and decided to do something about it. He took his background in science and combined it with entrepreneurship, jumped into YC, and now he’s building something that’s not just a startup but a movement to make science better. No Cap, this guy’s the kind of founder who’s here to stay and actually make real change.