Pulse Charter Connect: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Pulse Charter Connect is a healthcare logistics company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in optimizing organ transplant logistics through its innovative digital platform. Founded in 2022 by Laura Epstein, a former aerospace engineer and Federal Aviation Administration pilot, the company aims to streamline the scheduling and coordination of organ and surgical team transportation, ensuring faster, safer, and more cost-effective organ transplants.

Mission and Vision

The company's mission is to enhance organ transplant success rates by eliminating inefficiencies in the organ transport process. Its vision is to revolutionize organ transportation logistics, making it more efficient and reliable through the use of advanced technology and real-time data.

Primary Area of Focus

Pulse Charter Connect focuses on automating and streamlining the organ transport logistics process, connecting transplant centers with transportation providers to ensure timely and safe delivery of organs.

Industry Significance

In the healthcare logistics sector, Pulse Charter Connect addresses critical challenges in organ transportation, aiming to reduce delays and improve transplant outcomes, thereby contributing significantly to the efficiency and success of organ transplant procedures.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Automation of Logistics: Replace manual coordination between transplant centers and transportation providers with automated systems.

• Time Efficiency: Provide transplant coordinators with a 66% time savings by eliminating bottlenecks in transplant operations.

• Cost Reduction: Reduce organ loss and damage, leading to more savings for patients and healthcare providers.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Organ Transport Logistics: Specializes in the transportation of transplant organs, ensuring timely and safe delivery.

• Digital Platform Development: Develops and maintains a digital platform that automates scheduling and communication processes.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Real-Time Data Analytics: Utilizes real-time data to monitor and manage organ transport logistics.

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Solutions: Offers a SaaS platform that integrates various stakeholders in the organ transport process.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Transplant Centers: Hospitals and medical facilities performing organ transplants.

• Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs): Organizations responsible for the procurement and distribution of organs.

• Charter Operators and Brokers: Companies providing air and ground transportation services for organ delivery.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Total Funds Raised: As of May 2025, Pulse Charter Connect has raised a total of $3.3 million in funding.

Recent Funding Rounds

• Seed Round (May 2025): Raised $2 million, led by Ivy Ventures and Simplex Ventures, with participation from Cedars-Sinai Health Ventures, Belal Badat Ventures, Techstars, and strategic angel investors.

Notable Investors

• Ivy Ventures: An Indianapolis-based venture capital firm.

• Simplex Ventures: A Chicago-based venture capital firm.

• Cedars-Sinai Health Ventures: The investment arm of Cedars-Sinai Health System.

• Belal Badat Ventures: A venture capital firm investing in healthcare logistics.

• Techstars: A global accelerator program.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to expand operations and further develop the company's digital platform, enhancing its capabilities in organ transport logistics.

Pipeline Development

As a technology-driven company, Pulse Charter Connect's pipeline development focuses on enhancing its digital platform to improve the efficiency and reliability of organ transport logistics. Specific pipeline candidates and timelines for anticipated milestones are not publicly disclosed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Automated Scheduling System: A system that automates the scheduling of organ transport, reducing manual coordination.

• Real-Time Data Integration: Integrates real-time data from various stakeholders to monitor and manage organ transport logistics.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Utilizes data analytics to optimize transport routes and schedules.

• Predictive Modeling: Employs predictive modeling to anticipate potential delays and proactively address them.

Leadership Team

Laura Epstein, CEO & Founder

• Professional Background: Holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia. Previously worked as a Systems Engineer specializing in Risk Management for the Federal Aviation Administration.

• Key Contributions: Founded Pulse Charter Connect in 2022, leveraging her expertise in aviation and logistics to address inefficiencies in organ transport.

Chris Tyler, CTO

• Professional Background: Over 30 years of experience in technology, including 16 years with IBM and 8 years with AT&T, with a focus on data and analytics.

• Key Contributions: Leads the development of Pulse Charter Connect's digital platform, ensuring its technological robustness and scalability.

Jack Foley, VP Operations

• Professional Background: Aviation expert with experience as a Flight Service Specialist and co-owner of a flight school. Holds a Bachelor's in Air Traffic Control from the University of North Dakota.

• Key Contributions: Oversees the operational aspects of organ transport logistics, ensuring timely and safe deliveries.

Suzie Edwards, VP Business Development

• Professional Background: Over 20 years of experience in business development, focusing on strategic partnerships and go-to-market strategies in digital health and enterprise tech.

• Key Contributions: Drives growth through strategic partnerships and market expansion initiatives.

Carlos Lima, Developer

• Professional Background: Senior full-stack engineer with over 8 years of experience in building scalable web applications across aviation, fintech, and enterprise software.

• Key Contributions: Plays a key role in shaping the platform's user experience and technical infrastructure.

Kierstin Bryson, Developer

• Professional Background: Graduated with a degree in Computer Programming and Data Analytics, along with certifications in Amazon Web Services.

• Key Contributions: Contributes to the development and maintenance of the digital platform, focusing on cloud infrastructure and data management.

Market and Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The organ transplant logistics market is critical to the healthcare sector, with a growing emphasis on efficiency and reliability. Advancements in technology are driving innovation, leading to increased competition among companies offering logistics solutions.

Competitor Analysis

• TransMedics, Inc.: Specializes in organ transplant technology, offering solutions to improve transplant outcomes.

• Buckeye Transplant Services: Provides transplant services, including offer screening and transplant technology.

• Clinical Consulting Associates, Inc.: Offers staffing and consulting solutions for Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) and Tissue Banks.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Pulse Charter Connect has engaged in various accelerator programs, including Techstars Fort Worth and MassChallenge, which have provided mentorship and networking opportunities to refine their business model and expand their market presence.

Operational Insights

Pulse Charter Connect differentiates itself by leveraging advanced technology to automate and streamline the organ transport process, reducing delays and improving transplant success rates. Its focus on real-time data integration and predictive analytics provides a competitive edge in the healthcare logistics sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company aims to expand its operations nationally, enhancing its digital platform's capabilities and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen its market position. Future directions include investing in advanced data analytics and AI-driven optimization tools to further enhance predictive scheduling and operational efficiency.