How This Company Is Innovating Red-Light Therapy By Making Lasers Wearable Forrest Smith of Kineon has scaled down and unplugged bulky clinical machines, making them more convenient and cost-effective for customers.
By Jon Bier
Key Takeaways
- Kineon developed a portable, FDA-registered near-infrared therapy device, making clinical-grade treatment accessible for home use.
- The company's recent $1.5 million crowdfunding success positions it as a leader in the emerging wearable light therapy market.
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Forrest Smith started learning Chinese when he was just 14. He now speaks and writes it fluently. This early immersion in the language and culture set the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey, which would lead Smith from the factory floors of China to the cutting edge of medical technology innovation in the U.S..
Smith is now the CEO and Co-founder of Kineon, a company that has developed a wearable, FDA Registered near-infrared (NIR) red light therapy device. A serial entrepreneur, Smith recently appeared on the One Day with Jon Bier podcast to share insights from his 18 years of launching startups in China. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
Seeing the light
Smith's path to founding Kineon was paved by a unique combination of passion for sports and a keen understanding of the Chinese manufacturing process. As a former professional athlete who still plays rugby, Smith is no stranger to the aches and pains of sports injuries. He's also seen the therapeutic benefits of red light therapy on pain and inflammation firsthand, after suffering from an MCL tear
In addition, Smith also knows his way around Chinese business practices. During his stint in China, he worked with various startups, particularly in the LED lighting industry, which exposed him to the potential of light-based technologies.
The idea for Kineon crystallized when Smith noticed a need in the market for more accessible, clinical-grade light therapy devices.
"We saw an opportunity to take what was typically a bulky, expensive clinical device and make it portable and affordable without sacrificing efficacy," he explains. This vision led to the development of the Kineon MOVE+ Pro device.
Today, Kineon has gained traction among athletes, chronic pain sufferers, and health-conscious individuals. The company raised $1.5 million recently through crowdfunding. Here are some lessons Smith says he's learned along the way.
Start with a clear mission
Smith emphasizes the importance of starting your company with a well-defined mission before even choosing a product or treatment modality. For Kineon, the mission was crystal clear: "to improve the quality of life for the largest number of people we can, in the most measurable and substantial way we can," he says.
This mission-first approach guided every subsequent decision, from product development to market strategy.
"When you wake up with a purpose, it gives everything much more meaning."
Mind the gap
"One of the things that we look for is a gap between what is and what can be based on the technology," Smith tells me.
In studying red light therapy and talking to experts, Smith realized two things: There were good clinical-level devices in the space that had great medical literature behind them, but they were $30K to $50K.
His goal was to harness the current technology to produce the same results while reducing the price significantly. The MOVE+ Pro retails for $699.
Build a diverse team
Smith credits much of his success to partnering with people who complement his skills and perspective. He describes himself and his business partner, Tom Sanderson, as "almost exact opposites."
Smith's background in manufacturing and supply chain management brings a structured, data-driven approach to the business. Meanwhile, Sanderson's strengths lie in interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
"We really are so different that it covers off a major portion of how we can run a business effectively," Smith says.
Prioritize your work-life balance
Smith makes sure to keep his own health front and center. His daily routine includes two workout sessions: a morning cardiovascular exercise, often on an assault bike or echo bike for long zone two work, and a mid-afternoon strength training session.
Smith also practices meditation and breathwork for 20 to 30 minutes daily, often using yoga nidra to recharge his energy levels. He tries to maintain this routine seven days a week.
"If I don't train daily, if I don't meditate daily... I'm not myself," Smith admits. "And the impact I'm making on the people that I'm committed to have a positive impact on is no longer positive."
Listen to your customers
Smith credits Kineon's success to their early emphasis on customer engagement. They launched their product on a crowdfunding platform, which allowed them to interact directly with their early adopters.
"We took hundreds of calls, and we're still taking calls with our community," Smith says.
What did they learn? There was a strong demand in the marketplace for red-light therapy delivered in a more convenient and affordable way.
Their goal became clear, as Smith sums it up: "Let's make this device affordable so people can put it in their homes and start using it every day. Let's make it wearable so they don't have to plug it into the wall.
Mission accomplished.
