Alexa Roeper

Check it out, we’re talking about Alexa Roeper, this girl’s a straight-up boss in the startup world, especially in health tech. She’s from Waterloo, Canada, went to the University of Waterloo, you know, the place that pumps out some serious tech talent. She’s been around the block with a bunch of legit companies like Ortech, Union Gas, and some clean energy stuff, so she’s got real hands-on experience in regulated industries. Not just theory, she’s built stuff that actually works in tough environments.

But what really sets her apart? In 2018, she jumped into Y Combinator’s S18 batch with her company Penta Medical. This isn’t just some random gadget, it’s a smart hardware startup focused on injury recovery. And get this, she developed this wearable laser therapy device inspired by her own sports injury. Basically, she turned her pain into innovation. The device uses software, making treatment way easier and more accessible. No more crazy expensive trips to the clinic, she’s trying to democratize injury rehab, which is big.

Before all that, she was super active in her community, leading Canada Learning Code in Waterloo for a couple of years and teaching hundreds how to code. She’s about giving back and spreading tech skills. Even during COVID, she jumped in to help get medical gear and sat on hospital boards. She’s not just about startups; she genuinely cares about making a real impact on health and safety.

So, what does her process say about her? She’s all about turning personal pain into effective solutions. She’s not afraid to jump into regulated industries and figure out how to make complex tech work in real life. She’s got that rare blend of technical smarts, hustle, and heart, always looking for ways to help people, whether that’s through injury tech, education, or health. Honestly, she’s the real deal, a perfect example of what happens when you combine innovation, grit, and a genuine desire to improve lives.