Levate LLC: Company Profile
Background
Overview
Levaté LLC is a product development company dedicated to enhancing the independence and quality of life for wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities through innovative design solutions. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Levaté's flagship product, the Levaté Wheelchair Lift, is a lightweight manual wheelchair accessory that restores reach and independence, empowering users to engage more fully in daily activities.
Mission and Vision
Levaté's mission is to empower individuals with disabilities by providing innovative design solutions that enhance their independence and quality of life. The company's vision is to create a vibrant, socially inclusive community where people with unique abilities can thrive.
Industry Significance
Operating within the medical device and assistive technology industry, Levaté addresses a critical need for accessible solutions that promote independence among individuals with mobility challenges. The company's focus on human-centered design positions it as a significant contributor to the development of products that improve daily living for people with disabilities.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
Levaté aims to design and manufacture products that empower individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. The company focuses on creating innovative solutions that address everyday challenges faced by wheelchair users.
Areas of Specialization
Levaté specializes in the development of assistive devices, particularly focusing on wheelchair accessories that improve reach and mobility. The Levaté Wheelchair Lift exemplifies this specialization, offering a practical solution for users to access high shelves, cabinets, and other elevated areas.
Key Technologies Utilized
The Levaté Wheelchair Lift employs advanced engineering and product architecture, incorporating electro-mechanical linear actuators and dual battery systems to provide a safe and comfortable lifting experience. This technology enables the lift to attach and detach quickly from the wheelchair, raising to eye level or any desired height to enhance vision and reach in various environments.
Primary Markets Targeted
Levaté primarily targets individuals with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, aiming to improve their daily living experiences. The company's products are designed for use in various settings, such as homes, workplaces, and public spaces, addressing the need for accessible solutions in everyday environments.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
Levaté has secured funding through multiple rounds, including grants and non-equity assistance. Notably, the company received a grant from the National Science Foundation in February 2021 to support the development of its portable, powered lift.
Total Funds Raised
The total amount of funding raised by Levaté is not publicly disclosed.
Notable Investors
Levaté's investors include the National Science Foundation and MassChallenge, which have provided support through grants and non-equity assistance.
Utilization of Capital
The capital raised has been utilized to advance the development of Levaté's products, particularly the Levaté Wheelchair Lift, and to support the company's mission of enhancing independence for individuals with disabilities.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
Levaté's primary focus is on the Levaté Wheelchair Lift, a lightweight manual wheelchair accessory designed to restore reach and independence for users. The company continues to refine and enhance this product to meet the evolving needs of its target market.
Stages of Development
The Levaté Wheelchair Lift has progressed through various stages of development, including design, prototyping, and testing. The product has been showcased in presentations and has received support from organizations like the National Science Foundation.
Target Conditions
The product is designed to assist individuals with mobility challenges, particularly wheelchair users, by improving their ability to reach elevated areas and enhancing their overall independence.
Anticipated Milestones
Levaté continues to work on refining the Levaté Wheelchair Lift, with ongoing efforts to improve its functionality and accessibility. Specific timelines for future milestones are not publicly disclosed.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
Levaté's proprietary technology includes the design and engineering of the Levaté Wheelchair Lift, which features electro-mechanical linear actuators and a dual battery system to provide a safe and comfortable lifting experience.
Significant Scientific Methods
The company employs human-centered design principles to create products that address the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. This approach ensures that the products are both functional and user-friendly, enhancing the daily lives of users.
Leadership Team
Ethan Van Meter – Chief Executive Officer
Ethan Van Meter serves as the CEO of Levaté, bringing experience from previous roles at Specialty Telecommunications Services LLC and the Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.
Dillon Dakota Carroll – Co-founder
Dillon Dakota Carroll is a co-founder of Levaté, contributing to the company's mission of developing innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities. Specific details about his professional background are not publicly disclosed.
Mary Beth Davis – Team Member
Mary Beth Davis is part of the Levaté team, supporting the company's initiatives in product development and design. Further information about her role and background is not publicly available.
Andrew Stewart – Team Member
Andrew Stewart is a member of the Levaté team, contributing to the company's efforts in creating assistive devices for individuals with disabilities. Additional details about his professional experience are not publicly disclosed.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The assistive technology market, particularly for mobility devices, is experiencing growth due to an aging population and increased awareness of accessibility needs. Companies like Levaté are well-positioned to address these demands with innovative solutions that enhance independence for individuals with disabilities.
Competitor Analysis
Levaté operates in a niche segment of the assistive technology market, focusing on wheelchair accessories that improve reach and mobility. While there are other companies in the broader mobility device market, Levaté's specific focus on lightweight, manual wheelchair lifts differentiates it from competitors.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Levaté has engaged in collaborations with organizations such as the National Science Foundation and MassChallenge, which have provided grants and non-equity assistance to support the company's product development efforts.
Operational Insights
Levaté's strategic focus on human-centered design and its commitment to enhancing independence for individuals with disabilities position it as a unique player in the assistive technology market. The company's lightweight, manual wheelchair lift addresses specific needs that are not fully met by other products in the market.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Levaté has the opportunity to expand its product line to include additional assistive devices that address other challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. By leveraging its expertise in human-centered design and innovative engineering, the company can continue to develop products that enhance the quality of life for its target market.
