How Dr. Art Steffee’s Innovation Sparked My Journey—and Why I Founded KIC Ventures to Continue That Legacy
By Kingsley R. Chin, MD, MBA
Dr. Art Steffee introduced pedicle screws and plates, filing his patent on December 16, 1983, before the top spine companies of today dominated the market. But he faced a limitation—extending the plate construct beyond one level. The Rogozinsky brothers attempted to solve this with their SpineLink system, distributed by EBI, allowing the plate to rotate around the pedicle screw. Yet, the problem remained unsolved.
As a resident in the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program (HCORP), I saw this challenge firsthand. In 2000, I jumped at the opportunity to invent a solution—the X Plate—designed to address these limitations. I filed the patent on June 28, 2002. This was my first patent, and it KIC-started my drive to innovate.
Since then, our team at KIC Ventures has quietly developed 10x advancements in spine technologies, carrying forward a legacy of innovation with patience and purpose. Our innovations are now guided by our LESS Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS™) philosophy: to Restore Function, Enable Early Intervention, and Preserve Anatomy.
Why Surgeons Like You Should Bet on Us
Early in my spine career, I learned that the best spine surgeon isn’t defined solely by surgical skill but by the ability to market effectively. As a CEO, I realized that the most successful leaders are often those with the capital to pursue bold ideas. But here's the truth: while capital can buy success, it cannot buy greatness. Greatness comes from dedication to solving problems that matter.
At KIC Ventures, we are more than investors—we are surgeons first, with a deep understanding of the challenges you face in the OR and the evolving outpatient landscape. We don’t just invest in technologies; we invent them, ensuring they address real-world problems with practical, surgeon-led solutions.
So, ask yourself: Do you want to innovate, or do you want to remain just a consumer of technology?
If you believe, as we do, that spine surgeons are at their best when collaborating with engineers to drive meaningful change, we invite you to join our LESS™ movement. Together, we can make KIC Ventures the leading innovator of spine technologies for the growing outpatient market worldwide.
Bet on a company founded by surgeons, driven by innovation, and built for the future of spine care.
Contributing author: Dr. Jason Seale MBA
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