We are excited to highlight a longtime partner of the Norfolk Innovation Corridor: Embody, a Norfolk-based sports medicine company that is pioneering the next generation in soft tissue healing with collagen-based biofabrication techniques and biologic products. Founded in 2014, the company continues to develop unique biomaterials providing healing solutions for challenging orthopedic procedures involving foot and ankle, rotator cuff, and knee ligaments.
In a recent video, we sat down with Jeffrey Conroy, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Embody. Jeff is a medical device and life science executive with over 35 years of experience in the field, and he takes great pride in how Embody has grown over the last 8 years. Throughout his career, he has continued to work with innovative start-ups as he considers himself an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building teams that solve challenging and complex problems to serve a purposeful goal.
Embody was formed and born at the Norfolk Innovation Corridor from its inception.
This was done intentionally as his team of cutting-edge scientists was already located in the Norfolk area, and Jeff found that Hampton Roads is an excellent place to scout new talent. Embody believes it will continue to see success with growth in the local community as it continues to recruit and retain hard-working individuals. It has successfully grown to provide 48 jobs and expects to double that number within the next 15 months, recruiting new staff members from around the United States. Embody, and its staff are excited to be a part of Norfolk and its surrounding communities as it plants its roots here and leaves its mark on this growing and innovative city.
Not only does Embody receive support from the local community, but it also receives tactical and financial help. Finances are, unarguably, one of the biggest needs for any growing company, and the Norfolk Innovation Corridor provides a great base to seek funding from local organizations and investors. Embody has raised $31 million from investors and an additional $24 million of non-dilutive capital from DARPA and AFWERX as part of their Department of Defense (DOD) contract.
The main reason Embody was able to secure DARPA funding early on was its compelling solution for a sports medicine issue with direct applications for the military. Surrounded by Norfolk’s large military presence, Embody has a front-row seat to issues facing our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country. Embody knew its regenerative solutions would provide transformative therapies and quicker recuperations for those affected by rotator cuff, Achilles, and ACL injuries, common challenges for Navy SEALs.
Embody was one of the first companies to join the Norfolk Innovation Corridor, and we are honored to be its partner as we share the same goals and are both aiming for resilience within our respective industries. The NIC is always seeking to share resources, relationships, and access to other like-minded organizations that will continue to not only grow the local Norfolk business community but positively affect the world.