The Shape Sensing Company

Turning surgical tools into smart devices with our own IP. Working with top strategics, approaching first launch. 5x YOY revenues in 2025.

  • Stage Prototype Ready
  • Industry Medical Devices and Equipment
  • Location Austin, TX, USA
  • Currency USD
  • Founded April 2020
  • Employees 6
  • Incorporation Type C-corp
  • Website shapesensing.com

Company Summary

The Shape Sensing Company is redefining minimally invasive surgery with fiber optic shape sensing. Our systems, sensors, and integration services enable radiation-free, real-time 3D navigation for manual devices and closed-loop feedback for robotics. With independent, scalable IP and proven leadership, we target a $15B TAM and aim for $90M+ revenue in 5 years as shape sensing becomes a new standard.

Team

  • Ryan has more than 20 years of experience in the medtech industry, with leadership roles at Boston Scientific and St. Jude Medical (Abbott). He has led commercial teams introducing breakthrough technologies to market, founded his own company, and holds two issued patents. At TSSC, he leads the company’s vision and growth strategy, building partnerships and guiding commercialization to position shape sensing as a new standard in surgery.

  • Alex Tongue
    CTO

    Alex is the co-founder and CTO of TSSC with over a decade of experience advancing fiber optic sensing technologies. He began his career at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center and later helped bring fiber optic sensing to commercial applications. Alex developed the company’s shape sensing platform over 10 years, leading to multiple patents and recognition through the R&D100 Award and Sensors Expo Rising Star Award.

  • Justin Braun
    Co-founder

    Justin is a co-founder of TSSC and an inventor of the company’s core fiber optic shape sensing technology. He previously co-founded Sensuron, where he served as CEO and led the development of advanced fiber optic sensing systems. Justin is a named inventor on multiple patents and continues to lead systems engineering at TSSC, ensuring robust performance and scalability of the platform.

  • Pierrick Vulliez
    Executive Chairman

    Pierrick is Executive Chairman and co-founder of TSSC. He founded 4DSP, later acquired by Abaco Systems in 2016, and co-founded Sensuron with Justin Braun to commercialize fiber optic sensing technology. He has spent two decades leading the development of advanced signal processing and sensing systems, including collaborations with NASA. A recipient of the R&D100 Award, he brings a track record of building and scaling deep-technology ventures.

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