Stoko

Summary: The first knee brace was introduced in 1967 and 50 years later, barely anything has changed. People spend thousands of dollars on a brace and most wear it once or twice, hate it, and then never wear it again. This results in reduced activity levels, increased risk of further damage, and poor outcomes. Stoko has developed a patent-pending platform bracing technology to integrate joint support directly into athletic apparel. Our technology is unnoticeable while enabling users to adjust support for any instability or activity. Our first product targets knee ligament instabilities, providing the same support as a rigid brace in a garment that looks and feels like a base layer. We build flexible support structures directly into the seams and panels of the garment with materials that offer ten times the strength of steel by weight. These materials recreate the ligament structure, providing support in the exact same way your body does and resulting in unparalleled comfort, improved compliance, and better outcomes.

Need: One in three adults over the age of 25 report joint pain and they spend over $2B every year on braces that just don’t cut it. These products are bulky, don’t stay in place, and incredibly uncomfortable to wear. Practitioners and patients agree that compliance is the biggest issue with current braces and they are actively looking for a better solution. These people need a product that provides adequate support, stays in place, and feels comfortable. We are able to offer everything they need with a garment that provides adjustable support up to the same level as a rigid brace, is quick and easy to put on, stays in place, and looks and feels exactly like the apparel they already wear.

Value: Stoko products improve health outcomes by increasing activity levels of patients after sustaining a joint injury. We improve patient compliance by offering the same support as a rigid brace in a garment that looks and feels no different than a base-layer. We have focused on creating an unparalleled user experience by increasing comfort, ensuring simplicity, and providing adjustability throughout the recovery process. We give patients the ability to improve stability and manage pain by adjusting support at any time and for any activity with the turn of a dial.