This Innovator-Entrepreneur Built 00 Laptops And Now Raised 00 Million To Develop Wearable Imaging Devices And Therapeutic Tools 00 Laptops And Now Raised 00 Million To Develop Wearable Imaging Devices And Therapeutic Tools" loading="eager" /> Mary Lou Jepsen is an award-winning, trailblazing technologist, entrepreneur, and creative thinker whose career has spanned some of the most groundbreaking technological advancements–from building holographic video systems to creating the world’s first 00 laptop. Mary Lou Jepsen is an award-winning, trailblazing technologist, entrepreneur, and creative thinker whose career has spanned some of the most groundbreaking technological advancements–from building holographic video systems to creating the world’s first 00 laptop. Mary Lou’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and impact. Through the highs and lows of her personal and professional life, she has demonstrated the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging the status quo. In this in-depth interview, Mary Lou talks about walking away from a salary that paid very well and figuring out a business model that is faster and cheaper than direct and indirect competitors. She reveals her experiences with funding cycles and fluctuating market conditions during COVID-19. Listen to the full podcast episode and review the transcript here. *FREE DOWNLOAD* The Ultimate Guide To Pitch Decks A Childhood of Curiosity and Challenges Born in rural Connecticut, Mary Lou grew up on a farm, learning the value of hard work and hands-on problem-solving. By high school, her penchant for engineering was already evident—she rebuilt car engines and test-drove submarines as a part-time job while holding a security clearance. Mary Lou recalls loving math and art and learning how to build things–which would later serve her well in engineering and entrepreneurship. Despite her creative brilliance, her early years were marked by significant health challenges. As a child and later as a young adult, Mary Lou battled undiagnosed illnesses that left her hospitalized for long stretches and, at one point, confined to a wheelchair. The disease grew progressively worse by the time she reached her 20s. These experiences gave Mary Lou a unique perspective on life. “I decided then that I wanted to live before I died,” she recalls, emphasizing how adversity shaped her fearless approach to life and work. Through the challenges of spending 20 hours a day in her wheelchair, Mary Lou did her PhD in physics at Brown University. Breaking New Ground in Education and Innovation Mary Lou’s academic journey took her from Brown University to the MIT Media Lab, where she got her Master’s degree and co-created the world’s first holographic video system. This revolutionary technology projected images into thin air without needing a headset. Continue reading the full guide Related guidesWhat Is a Down Round? A Founder's Guide to Navigating a Valuation ResetHow To Get Your Team Involved In Startup FundraisingBrian O’Kelley On Building A .6 Billion Company Acquired By Microsoft And Creating A Protocol To Measure And Lower Carbon Emissions In Digital Supply ChainsHe Built A .6 Billion Company Acquired By Microsoft And Has Now Created A Protocol To Measure And Lower Carbon Emissions In Digital Supply ChainsDavid García Aceves On Raising $60 Million In Equity And Debt To Build A Financial App Helping Prime Customers In LatAm Eliminate Debt And Improve Their FinancesHe Raised $60 Million In Equity And Debt To Build A Financial App Helping Prime Customers In LatAm Eliminate Debt And Improve Their Finances Read on Startup Fundraising · More articles · Browse the Library Library homeFull library indexArticlesHomeInvestor directoryFounder directoryCompany funding databaseResearch hubPricing
