"Investors do not have to choose between profits and service; they can have both," says Vicki Rackner MD, President of Medical Bridges. 

"Owning a piece of a strategically-selected start-up company offers a way for physicians and other investors to make socially responsible investing choices that can generate revenue, support their own passions and make the world a better place" 

Rackner— who helps physicians achieve the personal, professional and financial goals that attracted them to a career in medicine— offers three examples of start-ups seeking investors.

Predictive Aviation http://predictiveaviation.com

The problem: Aircraft component failures cause flight delays, flight diversions and cancellations.  They also lead to accidents and death. 

The cost of the problem: World-wide airline maintenance costs run about $40 billion a year.  Further, component failures cost millions of dollars in lost productivity, aircrafts and property.

The solution: Predictive Aviation offers a breakthrough artificial intelligence to accurately predict probable aircraft component failure. This significantly reduces the airline client's maintenance costs and increases overall safety. Low direct operating costs are keys to airline profitability.

Plasma Stream http://predictiveaviation.com

The problem: The trucking industry actively seeks ways to reduce fuel consumption. A large portion of the power consumed by class 8 trucks is used to overcome aerodynamic drag. The reduction of this drag force would increase fuel efficiency and decrease engine horsepower requirements. 

The Solution:  Plasma Stream offers an innovative mechanic solution that decreases fuel use by 10 to 20%.  Just as geese fly in a V formation to lower the overall work of resisting drag, Plasma Stream offers proprietary mechanical ways to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. 

Wipe-Rite Technologies http://wiperitetech.com

The problem: Many costly cases of iatrogenic central-line associated bacteremia result from a systems problem: clinicians' poor knowledge of and adherence to hub cleaning protocols in hospitalized patients. 

The cost of the problem: Cases of central line-associated bacteremia cost hospitals $9 billion, expose them to lawsuits and result in a patient's death in 25% of cases.

The Solution Wipe-Rite offers a wipe with a clearly recognizable indicator of compliance with hub-cleaning protocol. When sufficient amounts of pressure over a period of time have been exerted on the hub, the clinical sees a color change.

Rackner offers three criteria for investors to evaluate when conducting their due diligence. 

Look for disruptive technology  Find game-changing innovation. Assure that the intellectual property upon which the company is built is patent-protected.

Look for a proven market  Make sure that the product or service solves a buyer's pressing problem.  Further, gather evidence that the buyer has an incentive to make the purchase.  

Look for the right team  The process of bringing a product from the white board to the marketplace requires a specialized skill set.  Make sure that the team principals include industry experts as well as experts who have experience building business.

"Investors can embrace a spirit of service," says Rackner.  "They can do well by doing good."

Vicki Rackner MD, President of www.MedicalBridges.com, helps physicians thrive in the era of the Affordable Care Act.  She leverages her experience as  practicing surgeon, clinical faculty at the University of Washington School of Medicine and entrepreneur to help physician clients build their practices by design.

Would you like to learn more about the companies profiled?  Contact Jason Pottinger, Director of Business Development at (857) 919-3562.