Episode 16: Daniel Månsson Talks tDCS, Depression and Scaling a Start Up

2 Nov

Flow Neuroscience has developed an at-home brain stimulation treatment for depression, but bringing it to market has involved years of clinical research, regulatory approvals, and commercial challenges. In this episode of the Business of Neurotech Podcast, host Adam Fraser welcomes Daniel Månsson, Co-founder and CEO of Flow Neuroscience, to explore the story behind the technology and the company's expansion into the U.S. market. Daniel explains how his background in clinical psychology led him to start the company, how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) works, and the benefits and challenges of the company’s early direct-to-consumer model in Europe. He shares how clinical trials helped secure FDA approval and how Flow is approaching its recent U.S. launch. The discussion also covers the company's funding journey, the challenges of moving from research to commercial growth, and its long-term ambitions. Listen in to hear Daniel's vision for making depression treatment more accessible and discover how precision psychiatry could help match patients with the treatments most likely to work for them.

Key Points From This Episode:

[01:11] How Daniel’s diverse career background led him to co-found Flow Neuroscience.
[02:09] Daniel's perspective on the challenges of diagnosing and treating depression.
[05:32] What inspired Daniel to found Flow Neuroscience with his partner.
[08:31] How tDCS works, compares with other treatments, and is used in Flow's headset.
[13:41] Flow's early direct-to-consumer model in Europe and its benefits and challenges.
[15:53] Why Flow was perceived as a wellness product despite its clinical evidence.
[17:54] Understand what it took to bring Flow's technology into the U.S. market.
[19:29] How Flow's U.S. prescription model differs from its European approach.
[21:37] Unpack the clinical trial results that helped Flow secure FDA approval.
[25:28] Hear about Flow's ongoing research into other potential treatment applications.
[27:17] Explore Flow's funding journey and the challenges of scaling a science-led business.
[32:10] Daniel's long-term vision for Flow and the potential of precision psychiatry.
[34:00] Find out how to connect with Daniel and learn more about Flow Neuroscience.