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Sam Shames

Chief Operating Officer, Co-Founder

Embr Labs Inc. Profile



Company Overview:
Embr Labs Inc. is a pioneering technology company addressing the needs of thermal wellness. The company has developed the Embr Wave, a wearable device that provides both cooling and heating capabilities to assist with comfort, sleep, stress, and hot flashes. The company has achieved significant recognition and success, including securing $35 million in funding and being featured on the Foremost 50 list of breakout challenger brands in 2024. Embr Labs is especially focused on providing menopause and hot flash relief solutions, positioning itself as a leader in this niche market.

Key Contact: Sam Shames



Position: Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Company: Embr Labs
LinkedIn: [Sam Shames on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samshames)
Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science & Engineering
Notable Recognition: Forbes 30 Under 30

Background and Career Path



Sam Shames started his journey at MIT, where he majored in Materials Science & Engineering, a field he found could provide him with diverse career opportunities. During his time at MIT, Sam encountered his eventual co-founders while participating in a research lab project. This collaboration led to the creation of Embr Wave in 2013, inspired by the thermal discomfort experienced due to fluctuating lab temperatures. Embr Labs was founded in early 2014 after winning a prototyping contest.

Professional Role and Responsibilities



As the COO and Co-Founder of Embr Labs, Sam Shames has played a pivotal role in various functional areas, including research and development (R&D), engineering, manufacturing, fundraising, finance, and sales operations. He is deeply involved in the strategic operations and growth of Embr Labs, guiding the company through its innovative journey. He is committed to expanding the company's thermal technology capabilities, both through software enhancements and new hardware development.

Achievements and Contributions



  • Embr Wave Product Development: Under Sam's leadership, Embr Labs developed the Embr Wave, a wearable device that provides thermal comfort by intelligently heating or cooling the body. This device has widespread application, helping users manage comfort, sleep, stress, and hot flashes, thereby balancing the autonomic nervous system.

  • Fundraising Accomplishments: Embr Labs has secured significant financial backing, including a notable $35 million funding round.

  • Industry Recognition: The company and its products have been recognized in various platforms, including being listed in the Foremost 50 list of 2024, and Sam himself has been distinguished as a Forbes 30 Under 30.

  • Market Reach: Embr Wave has sold tens of thousands of devices in 160 countries, demonstrating a successful global market penetration.


Leadership and Vision



Sam Shames emphasizes a leadership approach that differentiates between management and empowering employees. He believes in fostering a supportive environment where employees are given the context and resources needed to solve problems effectively. His leadership style is customer-centric, aimed at ensuring Embr Labs’ technology meets the real needs of its users.

Notable Public Engagements



  • Medium interview: Sam discussed his views on disrupting the wearables industry, emphasizing the importance of creating devices that actively help users rather than just tracking data.

  • Public Speaking: He has participated in numerous interviews and speaking engagements where he shared insights about the company's innovation journey and the science behind thermal wellness.

  • Publications and Media: Sam has contributed to various articles and has been featured in media discussing the technological advancements and the future of Embr Labs’ offerings.


Future Outlook



Sam Shames and Embr Labs are focused on broadening the reach and capabilities of their thermal wellness technology. This includes investing in new software tools to enhance the existing Embr Wave device and developing next-generation hardware products. Sam's vision is to make thermal wellness accessible to a broader audience to assist more people in managing various conditions through temperature control.

Contact Information







This profile reflects the extensive contributions and forward-looking vision of Sam Shames at Embr Labs. His background in materials science from MIT and his approach to leadership have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and innovation in thermal wellness technology.