Heath Rutledge-Jukes never envisioned becoming a startup founder, but his preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) changed that.
Uninspired by his options to prepare for the test, the 24-year-old created a new option. He is co-founder of King of the Curve, a startup that has created a mobile app that can be used to study for the MCAT, as well as other standardized tests. It tries to make test preparation more like a video game, allowing users to seek out high scores and compete with others. It says its technology also helps to make test preparation customizable to each user to best tailor their studying to their specific needs.
King of the Curve said it has been used by 10,000 medical students and has been downloaded more than 150,000 times across the different exams for which it offers test preparation. Rutledge-Jukes said the startup plans to soon begin raising a pre-seed funding round, with hopes to raise $1.5 million.
Did you always envision becoming an entrepreneur? It's funny, but I never really pictured myself as a business owner. Raised on a farm, my days were filled with the raw beauty of nature and the relentless rhythm of daily tasks. These early years taught me dedication and gave me a profound respect for the simple things in life. For a good while, I was set on a medical career, walking the steady road towards becoming a doctor. I held onto this aspiration, convinced of the magic of healing and the positive change I could bring about.
Yet, as I delved deeper into my medical studies, I observed many doctors venturing into the world of startups and business. Watching their journeys revealed something to me: I wasn't bound to just one trajectory, and I could blend my medical insights with the vibrant realm of business. This realization shifted my entire perspective.
While embarking on my own business adventure, I uncovered a fresh zeal and recognized the vast horizons I could explore. This journey of fusing my roots, principles, and budding entrepreneurial zeal has been enlightening. It has taught me that one can truly embrace and thrive in two worlds simultaneously.
What’s your proudest accomplishment? Beyond my involvement with King of the Curve (KOTC), one achievement holds a special place in my heart: co-founding Cardiac Life Foundations. This nonprofit was inspired by a simple yet powerful mission: to change the lives of children in rural Vietnam who are battling serious heart conditions. In areas often forgotten by the mainstream, countless kids need urgent medical aid. Determined to make a difference, our foundation set out to offer these children life-saving cardiac surgeries. Our dedication and community support helped us raise over $65,000, enabling 32 transformative surgeries.
The journey, filled with its share of challenges, has been nothing short of inspiring. Every surgery symbolizes a child's renewed chance at life, free from the shadows of heart ailments. The genuine smiles of these kids and the profuse thanks from their families speak volumes. To me, the success of Cardiac Life Foundations is a reminder of the incredible impact we can have when we collaborate for a heartfelt cause.
Where do you see yourself and your career in five years? In five years, I envision myself having successfully completed medical school, armed with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the medical field. In addition, I see myself deeply immersed in KOTC. My passion lies in addressing and rectifying the transition challenges from college to becoming a physician. I genuinely believe that with the platform and potential of KOTC, we can streamline this process, ensuring that aspiring doctors have a smoother, more efficient path to realizing their dreams. With the combined insights from my medical education and KOTC, I'm confident that this vision will become a reality.
What can St. Louis do to engage more young entrepreneurs like yourself? St. Louis, with its rich educational landscape, has a unique advantage in engaging young entrepreneurs, especially with leading institutions like WashU. WashU's medical school serves as a prime example of blending academic excellence with entrepreneurial spirit. The Skandalaris Center at WashU is a testament to this by offering students a platform to explore innovation, providing valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, the center equips students with the skills and mindset to transform their ideas into viable ventures.
Moreover, initiatives like Sling Health further emphasize the city's commitment to nurturing young talent. Sling Health, with its problem-driven approach, bridges the gap between medical professionals and engineers, facilitating collaborative solutions to real-world health care challenges. By providing hands-on experience, it allows students to understand the intricacies of health care entrepreneurship. Such initiatives, deeply rooted in academic institutions, not only inspire students but also position St. Louis as a hub for young innovators. By leveraging these strengths and expanding on such models, St. Louis can truly become a magnet for young entrepreneurial talent.
What’s the biggest advantage of being a young entrepreneur in St. Louis? The biggest advantage of being a young entrepreneur in St. Louis is the city's unique blend of a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem and rich educational resources. St. Louis offers a more intimate and accessible network compared to larger cities, which empowers young entrepreneurs to easily connect with mentors, investors, and potential partners. Institutions like WashU, with its Skandalaris Center and Sling Health initiatives, provide young innovators with invaluable resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. This combination of academic excellence and real-world entrepreneurial exposure is unparalleled. Additionally, St. Louis boasts affordable living and operational costs, enabling startups to maximize their capital efficiency. The city's commitment to fostering innovation is evident in its numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces tailored for startups. In essence, St. Louis provides young entrepreneurs with a nurturing environment that balances both educational depth and practical support, making it an ideal launchpad for budding ventures.
Who are your biggest mentors? My grandfather, Dale Rutledge, was more than just family; he was my mentor during those formative years on the farm. He had this incredible way of showing me how to find value in the simplest things. He taught me that with grit and imagination, we can create something out of nothing. His wisdom went beyond the fields, shaping my worldview and approach to life.
My parents, Lawrence Jukes and Susan Rutledge-Jukes, have been my guiding stars. Through their journey, marked by ups and downs, they've shown me the power of perseverance. Their tales of hard work and dedication have always reminded me that passion, perseverance, and commitment do unlock the doors of success.
On the professional front, Dr. Keith Berend and Doug Villhard have been game-changers for me. Keith, with his unique blend of medicine and entrepreneurship, opened my eyes to the vast opportunities that come from merging different worlds. Meanwhile, Doug has been a guiding light for our company, helping us refine our vision and navigate the often-turbulent waters of the startup world. Their insights and support have been pivotal in shaping my entrepreneurial journey.
