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Forrest Smith began learning Chinese when he was just 14 years old. He now speaks and writes it fluently. This early immersion in language and culture set the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey that took Smith from factories in China to cutting-edge medical technology innovations in the US.
Smith is currently the CEO and co-founder Kineoncompany that has developed a wearable, FDA-registered near-infrared (NIR) red light therapy device. Smith, a serial entrepreneur, recently appeared on the One Day with Jon Bier podcast to share insights from 18 years of founding startups in China. He also offers priceless advice to each beginners and experienced entrepreneurs.
Seeing light
Smith’s path to founding Kineon was paved with a unique combination of passion for sports and a deep understanding of the Chinese manufacturing process. As a former skilled athlete who still plays rugby, Smith is no stranger to the pain of sports injuries. He has also seen firsthand the therapeutic advantages of red light therapy in treating pain and inflammation following MCL injuries
Additionally, Smith is also familiar with Chinese business practices. During his stay in China, he worked with various start-ups, especially in the LED lighting industry, which allowed him to explore the potential of light-based technologies.
The idea for Kineon crystallized when Smith noticed a need in the market for more accessible clinical-grade light therapy devices.
“We saw an opportunity to take a typically bulky and expensive clinical device and make it portable and affordable, without sacrificing effectiveness,” he explains. This vision led to the creation of the company Kineon MOVE+Pro device.
Today, Kineon has gained popularity among athletes, chronic pain victims and health-conscious individuals. The company recently raised $1.5 million through crowdfunding. Here are some lessons Smith says he learned along the way.
Start with a clear mission
Smith emphasizes the importance of starting a company with a well-defined mission before selecting a product or treatment method. For Kineon, the mission was crystal clear: “to improve the lives of as many people as possible in the most measurable and meaningful way possible,” he says.
This mission-focused approach guided every subsequent decision, from product development to market strategy.
“When you wake up with purpose, everything becomes more meaningful.”
Watch out for the gap
“One of the things we look for is the gap between what exists and what can be based on technology,” Smith says.
While studying red light therapy and talking to experts, Smith realized two things: There were good clinical-level devices in space that had great medical literature behind them, but cost between $30,000 and $50,000. dollars.
His goal was to make use of current technology to realize the same results while significantly reducing the price. MOVE+ Pro costs $699.
Build a diverse team
Smith owes much of his success to working with individuals who complement his skills and perspectives. He describes himself and his business partner, Tom Sanderson, as “almost exact opposites”.
Smith’s experience in manufacturing and supply chain management provides a structured, data-driven approach to business. Meanwhile, Sanderson’s strengths lie in interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
“We really are so different that it masks much of how we can successfully run a business,” Smith says.
Prioritize work-life balance
Smith makes sure his health comes first. His every day schedule includes two training sessions: a morning cardiovascular exercise, often on an assault bike or echo bike for long zone two work, and an afternoon strength training session.
Smith also practices meditation and breathwork for 20 to half-hour a day, often using yoga nidra to recharge her energy levels. He tries to take care of this routine seven days a week.
“If I don’t exercise every day, if I don’t meditate every day… I’m not myself,” Smith admits. “And the impact I have on the people I want to have a positive impact on is no longer positive.”
Listen to your customers
Smith attributes Kineon’s success to its early emphasis on customer engagement. They launched their product on a crowdfunding platform, which allowed them to interact directly with early users.
“We have received hundreds of calls and continue to receive calls from our community,” Smith says.
What did they learn? There was a great demand in the market for red light therapy delivered in a more convenient and cheaper way.
Their goal became clear, as Smith sums it up: “Let’s make this device inexpensive so people can put it in their homes and start using it every day. Let’s make it wearable so they do not have to plug it into the wall.
Mission achieved.