What if autoimmune disease could be treated without another injection, infusion, or daily pill? In this episode of Entrepreneur Rx, host John Shufeldt sits down with Nishant Doctor, founder and CEO of Surf Therapeutics, to discuss his journey from medtech engineer to healthcare entrepreneur. Nishant shares how nearly two decades in neuromodulation, R&D, clinical development, and commercialization led him to build Surf Therapeutics, a Stanford spin-out developing a breakthrough ultrasound neuromodulation platform for autoimmune disease. The conversation explores the science behind Surf’s at-home, non-invasive ultrasound therapy device for rheumatoid arthritis, the role of the spleen and inflammatory pathways, what it takes to build and test medical technology in a startup environment, and why speed, data, accountability, and solution-oriented thinking matter so much in early-stage innovation. John and Nishant also discuss leadership, technical founders, the future of AI, and what it means to build something that may feel non-consensus today but could change how patients are treated tomorrow. About Nishant Doctor: Nishant Doctor is the founder and CEO of Surf Therapeutics. He has more than 18 years of experience leading R&D and commercial efforts at medtech and neurotechnology companies, including Medtronic, Abbott, and LivaNova. Trained as an engineer, Nishant has helped build multiple implantable Class III medical devices and has also been closely involved in the sales and commercialization of those technologies. His career has focused on neuromodulation, medical device innovation, and translating complex science into technologies that can improve patient care. About Surf Therapeutics: Surf Therapeutics, a Stanford spin-out, is building a breakthrough ultrasound neuromodulation platform to treat autoimmune disorders, like Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) —conditions that leave over 2 million Americans without effective or tolerable treatment options, even with blockbuster drugs like Humira and Rinvoq. After years of foundational research at Stanford, they've developed the first of its kind, at-home non-invasive ultrasound therapy device that is used just for a few minutes a day and validated to be clinically safe and effective for treatment of RA. About Xcellerant Ventures: Xcellerant Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies across healthcare, technology, defense, and other emerging industries. Through multiple funds and investment vehicles, including the Jetstream Venture Fund, the firm partners with visionary founders, provides strategic guidance, and helps connect investors with opportunities in the private markets. Its portfolio includes companies developing solutions that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives. About Jetstream Venture Fund: Jetstream Venture Fund is an interval fund managed by Xcellerant Ventures and Sweater Industries LLC, that seeks to provide investors access to early-stage, high-growth companies with flexible terms, lower minimums ($5,000 minimum investment), and no carried interest. Jetstream is one of the first funds of its kind, bringing venture-style investing opportunities to a wider professional audience. Back-end administration is provided by Sweater Ventures a ground-breaking turnkey fund management company. Note: The Jetstream Venture Fund has invested in Surf Therapeutics. Disclosure for Jetstream: Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and can be obtained by emailing jetstream@sweaterfunds.com or by visiting the Fund's website. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
