These startups are building innovations that make life (and death) better

Founders Gabriel Sanchez (Enspectra Health) and Tom Harris (Earth Funeral) share what it takes to build highly regulated industries where “move fast and break things” won’t work. In this episode of Build Mode, they reveal the realities of navigating FDA approval processes, state-by-state regulations, and cultural taboos while building products that are literally a matter of life and death. Gabriel walks through Enspectra’s nearly decade-long journey to gain FDA approval for its skin imaging device, while Tom discusses creating a human composting service as an alternative to cremation and burial. They offer tactical advice on iterating while awaiting regulatory approval, planning your runway when success is largely out of your hands, and raising venture capital in areas that many investors consider too taboo.

New episodes of Build Mode are released every Thursday. Subscribe to the podcast Or watch YouTube. Isabel Johansson is our host. Build Mode was produced and edited by Maggie Nye. Audience development is led by Morgan Little. And special thanks to the Foundry and Cheddar video teams.