UpLyft™

More than 3 million Americans require in-house assistance to get in and out of bed.

UpLyft is targeting this demographic with the first FDA-compliant "self-transfer" system. In about 60 seconds, a person can transfer themselves from a flat position in bed, into a seated position in a wheelchair (or vice versa).

This product was designed to benefit those who need assistance at home, as well as healthcare facility and hospital workers. It gives those at home peace of mind and independence. And it reduces pain for healthcare workers — over 52% of caregivers report experiencing chronic back pain — and workers compensation liabilities related to patient-lifting injuries.

The idea for this transfer system came after UpLyft’s Founder, Anton Simson, learned that his friend’s son was paralyzed in a bicycle accident. Simson, who obtained three degrees from MIT and spent 35 years in the aerospace industry, soon realized that a critical need existed to safely and efficiently transfer physically impaired patients between the bed and a wheelchair.

In 2016, he developed the first prototype of the UpLyft system. By 2019, the company had created eight different prototypes, and was issued a design patent — the first of 12 patents.

Today the company’s system is ready to be released commercially. Here’s how it works:

This motorized system works in tandem with a hoist, and features patented finger panels that wrap securely around a person’s thighs and torso. This enables the patient to transfer themselves safely. However, dual controls allow for a caregiver or loved one to assist as needed.

UpLyft’s system is fully-padded, has a back-up power supply, and can support up to 350 pounds.

To manufacture these systems, UpLyft has partnered with D&K Engineering. It costs the company $1,750 to build each system, and it sells the device to customers for $6,000. This is priced competitively with other at-home lifting equipment like ceiling lifts ($8,000 to $14,000), portable floor lifts ($1,200 to $9,500), and stairlifts ($2,000 to $5,000).

UpLyft has engaged with a third-party insurance reimbursement specialist who's identified a potential pathway for the device to be covered by Medicare under an existing code.

In addition to being the first FDA-compliant self-transfer system, UpLyft’s product is the only known device that can meet the requirements of a new California law — the Hospital Patient and Health Work Injury Protection Act. Similar laws have been introduced at the federal level and enacted in 11 U.S. states.

With funds raised, UpLyft will focus on manufacturing its system, and sales/marketing efforts. Initial marketing will be directed towards individuals for at-home care, and consist of television advertising programs and targeted media campaigns.

UpLyft estimates that it could one day achieve $180 million in revenue. This is based on its $6,000 retail price, and an estimated 300,000 homes in the U.S. that could benefit from its system. Adding healthcare facilities to this opportunity increases its potential revenues to $1.5 billion.

Team Background

Anton Simson - Founder & CTO

Prior to starting UpLyft, Anton spent 35 years in the aerospace industry.

During this time, he worked for General Dynamics, McDonnell Douglas, and L3. He also spent time as a private consultant.

Anton earned three degrees from MIT — his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. — and also holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Craig Misrach - President

Craig has more than 20 years of executive experience, including a decade in the medical technology industry.

In addition to his role with UpLyft, he is Managing Director of Poppy Capital, a private investment fund, and is Founder and CEO of Ampla Holdings, an operational management company.

Prior to these positions, he was an investment advisor with AB Bernstein, a financial research company.

Before that, he spent 11 years with Freedom Meditech, a company developing medical devices aimed at monitoring diabetes. He founded the company and served as its CEO. Freedom Meditech was acquired by Sinocare Group in 2016.

Earlier in his career, Craig was Chief Operating Officer for EyeChem, a company developing a glucose monitoring device. Before that, he was Assistant Vice President with Silvergate Bank, a financial services company.

He began his career as a senior accountant with Deloitte, a management consulting company.

Craig holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Virginia.

Bria d'Amours - Marketing Director

Bria first gained marketing experience as a strategic partnerships coordinator with Formula 1, one of the largest racing events in the world.

From there, she started her own marketing consulting business, before joining UpLyft in June 2020.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia University and is working on her MBA at the University of San Diego.

Kelly Jensen - VP of Marketing

Kelly is a management consultant with more than 30 years of experience introducing new technologies.

He’s spent the last 10 years as a consultant with Compelling Reason, a company providing guidance to businesses regarding strategic planning and marketing.

Prior to that, he was Director of Business Consulting with Kaiser Permanente, a healthcare provider. And before that, he was a senior associate with Point B, a management consulting company. While there, he led consulting projects for a national healthcare provider.

Earlier in his career, Kelly was a senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers, a consulting company. He began as President and General Manager of Northwest Medical Supplies, a regional provider of home care products.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree and MBA from Harvard.

Todd Simson - VP of Engineering and Manufacturing

With the help of his brother, Anton, Todd oversees the development of UpLyft’s self-transfer system.

Todd has worked for 20 years in new product design and manufacturing. In addition to his role with UpLyft, he is Head of Design and Manufacturing for Corporate Refreshment Co., a beverage company.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree from MIT.

Co-Investors