The Wild Journey of Throne: Revolutionizing Gut Health with AI 🚽✨

In an unprecedented blend of health tech and humor, the Austin-based startup Throne is turning heads as it embarks on a mission of gut health innovation. The company recently snagged $4 million in seed funding, spearheaded by Moxxie Ventures founder, Katie Jacobs Stanton, alongside celebrity backers like Lance Armstrong. But this startup’s story is as fascinating as its product—a smart toilet device that utilizes AI to monitor gut health from the comfort and privacy of your home! 🏡💡

From Poker Night to Business Idea 🎲🤔

Believe it or not, Throne’s inception traces back to a lighthearted poker game in 2021. As players riffed on startups they wouldn’t want to face in public, the absurd yet intriguing idea of smart toilets emerged. Co-founder and mechanical engineer Scott Hickle laughed at the suggestion, but little did he know that this seemingly silly concept would become the cornerstone of a successful venture.

Fast forward to 2023, Hickle and his partner Tim Blumberg were at a crossroads with a previously funded startup that had fizzled out. After a suggestion from an investor to explore smart toilets, Hickle suddenly thought, "Hey, we’ve got a name for that!" Thus, Throne began to take shape. 🚀

The Science of Smart Toilets 💩🔬

Throne's device is designed to mount onto an existing toilet bowl and utilizes computer vision technology to monitor various indicators of gut health. From chronic conditions like IBS and colon cancer to tracking hydration levels, this product is set to transform how individuals maintain their health. With added privacy measures, images are anonymized before being sent to researchers, ensuring users’ discretion is protected—your bathroom habits are your business! 😌🔒

The startup is currently in pre-production, with its launch date set for January 2026. The anticipation is already building as potential customers await more development updates!

Facing Skepticism with Determination 💪🤷‍♂️

Pursuing this entrepreneurial journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. The duo faced skepticism from investors initially, but they persevered. With Hickle's mom—a gerontologist—sharing alarming insights on health indicators reflected by human waste, the co-founders found motivation in the significant benefits their invention could provide in preventing chronic illnesses. 🩺❤️

One memorable moment involved pitching the idea to none other than Lance Armstrong, who was keen to leverage the device’s capabilities due to his own medical history. Talk about a surreal endorsement! 🎉👏

A Series of Fortuitous Events 🍀🤝

The road to funding was paved with incredible networking milestones. Thanks to serendipitous encounters, including a friend striking up a conversation with a urologist on a plane, Throne successfully established partnerships with reputable research institutions like the University of Washington and The University of Chicago. With every new contact, Hickle felt more confident that there was something special about Throne—like the universe was rooting for their success!

Final Thoughts

Throne's journey is a testament to the power of imagination, perseverance, and a bit of luck! Their unique blend of health-oriented technology and the ever-hilarious theme of toilets is undeniably refreshing. As we eagerly await the product launch in 2026, it’s clear that Throne might just be seated on top of a health revolution! 🌍💕

To follow Throne's progress, check out their site at Throne Science or read more on TechCrunch for future updates! [#HealthTech #Innovation]

Stay tuned for what comes next in the world of smart health devices! 🌟