How Go Vertical ICM Rescued a Failing Product Prototype and Rebuilt Market Confidence
The Founder’s Challenge
“I wasted $40,000 on a prototype that doesn’t even turn on.”
That was the first sentence our founder shared when she reached out.
She had a powerful idea: a medtech product aimed at improving quality of life for patients at home. But after trusting a patchwork of freelancers and a low-cost agency, she was left with a non-functioning prototype, no documentation, no IP protection, and no clear roadmap forward.
Her vision was strong, but her confidence was shattered.
What Was Broken?
- No Functional Architecture: The prototype was a hollow shell with no proper electrical, firmware, or mechanical integration.
- Zero Compliance Consideration: The build ignored all Class I safety and regulatory criteria.
- IP Exposure: Without a strategy, the founder had no legal protections for her concept.
- Founder Burnout: Most critically, the experience left her hesitant to try again.
The Go Vertical ICM Strategy
We didn’t just pick up the pieces, we rebuilt the foundation.
Here’s how we turned a painful experience into a launchpad:
- Technical Audit → Deconstructed the prototype and assessed its gaps against a real-world architecture.
- IP Strategy Integration → Drafted and aligned utility claim scope (through our licensed IP Attorneys) with planned functional specs.
- Class I Compliance Mapping → Mapped out the regulatory landscape, aligned design features, and QMS scope for FDA readiness.
- Founder Reset → Restored the founder’s trust in the process by structuring a phase-based roadmap with realistic timelines, budget visibility, and milestone accountability.
What We Delivered
🔹 Functional Specification Document
→ Clearly defined form, function, performance specs, backed by evidence, not assumptions.
🔹 Fresh CAD & DFM Strategy
→ Cost-optimized design plan built for small-batch manufacturing, with supplier integration.
🔹 CAP Onboarding
→ Transitioned the founder into our Tier 2 CAP program, enabling staged development over 24 months with strategic controls.
To learn more about CAP, Check it out here
🔹 Market Narrative Reset
→ Helped reposition the brand publicly, signaling strength and future readiness, key for partner outreach and future grant funding.
The Results
✔ A project once destined for the “failed startup graveyard” is now moving through CAP
✔ Positioned for pilot-ready prototyping within 6 months
✔ Rebuilt founder confidence and stakeholder interest
✔ Protected intellectual property in time for investor outreach
Final Thought
Most inventions don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because of broken process.
At Go Vertical ICM, we turn chaos into clarity, especially when the stakes are high.
If your product journey has hit a wall, don’t quit, restructure.
“Your product deserves better than duct tape and delays. Let’s get it back on track.”
