Client Spotlight: Kara LeBlanc, Founder and CEO of Medreddie
Discover the AI-powered tool that is revolutionizing medical solution procurement—and the story of perseverance behind it.
Procuring the ideal medical solution is time-consuming, involving significant resources and often spanning months or years for a decision. As a healthcare procurement specialist for over a decade, Kara LeBlanc navigated leadership roles within the supply chain sector, giving her firsthand knowledge of the pain points of the process, and she wanted to do something about it.
“After a decade of firsthand experiences and frustrations with the status quo, I embarked on a mission to transform medical procurement at scale, driven by the profound realization that behind every purchase, there's more than just a transaction; there's a patient waiting at the end.”
Developing Medreddie
Enter Medreddie: a B2B SaaS health tech AI company whose commitment is to empower healthcare professionals with a seamless and efficient procurement process, ensuring timely access to life-saving solutions without compromising quality. By prioritizing value-based spending, Medreddie aims to enhance patient outcomes, eliminate waste, and address inefficiencies within the health system.
Kara joined our AC:Studio program in 2020, where early interactions with our design mentor Steven Fyke exposed her to the power of data-driven design thinking and a global perspective. From whiteboard drawings to clickable prototype iterations and testing with users, these insights led to the commercialization of the SaaS platform.
Kara's meticulous approach included years of user interviews and international research, while collaborating with SnapPea in Waterloo for strategic design and user experience testing to ensure the product was built right the first time.
“Each interaction with the esteemed AC mentors has been a cornerstone in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. Their invaluable wisdom continues to serve as a guiding force, offering crucial insights that transcend the initial development phase and remain instrumental in the ongoing evolution of our company.”
A success story supported by many
In September 2023, Medreddie received investment from The Firehood, Forum Ventures, and the BDC, which was announced at the Elevate Festival, marking a significant milestone for the team. While over 300 founders applied to the competition, only 35 were accepted—and one was awarded the grand prize of $450,000.
Medreddie is also part of The Firehood, which advances the participation, leadership, and prosperity of women in technology, along with Forum Ventures, supporting B2B SaaS founders and enabling them to drive innovation across industries, building massive, scalable businesses in the process. Medreddie is also a part of The Axis Sales Accelerator at the University of New Brunswick, which specifically aims to identify and secure lead customers and build scalable, repeatable sales strategies. And Kara has recently been accepted to ventureLAB’s Scale AI Accelerate AI program, which supports growing AI startups offering intelligent solutions and applications in the supply chain industry.
“I am profoundly grateful to visionary leaders Danielle Graham and Claudette McGowan, Co-Founders of The Firehood, and Lisa Zarzeczny, CEO of Elevate. Their unwavering commitment to championing women in tech serves as an enduring inspiration. We are deeply honoured to receive this substantial investment, acknowledging the pivotal role it plays in advancing our mission.”
Today: A brand new approach to medical device procurement and sales
Medreddie stands at the forefront of innovation with a stellar team comprising seasoned leaders in diverse fields—Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Product Management, Technology, and Strategic Partnerships. The collective talent and cohesive teamwork within the organization sets the stage for continued growth and heightened impact.
As they now embark on further market development across North America, the UK, and Europe, Medreddie's exceptional team ensures expedited access to optimal medical products, reshaping the industry and propelling it toward further success. Procurement professionals and medical manufacturers alike can start benefitting from the AI today at Medreddie.com—and experience the supply chain revolution for themselves.