Dr. Biquan Luo is the founder and CEO of Lumos. She started her career as a bioscientist trained at the University of Southern California and Stanford University. She is the principal investigator of two DoD-funded projects on optimizing human performance via circadian rhythm and an NSF-funded project exploring how to improve sleep for adolescents.

Herbert Hill is an ex-professional basketball player who was drafted in the 2007 NBA. He played internationally for 15 years and is a Providence College alum. He is currently a second-year MBA student at NYU Stern.

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Guest Resource

Lumos.tech – Rest better, wake up stronger. Use the code “gofriars” at checkout! A percentage of profits will support student-athletes.

3 Value Bombs

1) Poor sleep is a complex problem with many causes.

2) Light is the most dominant regulating factor for the circadian clock, and Lumos is designed to help people sleep better and wake up more refreshed by harnessing light.

3) You can benefit from a healthy circadian rhythm regardless of your lifestyle.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Harnessing The Power of Light for a Good Night’s Sleep with Dr Biquan Luo

[2:45] – What was your AH-HA moment for the creation of Lumos?

Biquan was trained as a bioscientist and always relied on evidence to validate her hypotheses. While doing post-doctoral research at Stanford University, she learned how short light flashes can change the body’s internal clock and how this can help with jet lag.
She built a prototype using Arduino boards and off-the-shelf masks based on this research.
After testing the prototype on herself during a trip to Asia, she found that it worked.
This led to the beginning of her journey to develop a solution for jet lag.

[6:26] – How does Lumos use the power of light to improve sleep?

Poor sleep is a complex problem with many causes.
In 2020, 76% of Americans admitted to purchasing sleep aids.
These populations experience sleep problems because their body’s internal clock, or circadian clock, is not fully aligned with their sleep schedules, causing morning grogginess.
Light is the most dominant regulating factor for the circadian clock, and Lumos is designed to help people sleep better and wake up more refreshed by harnessing light.

[10:40] – How did you get Lumos to stand out from other solutions on the market?

One of their biggest challenges is standing out in the crowded market of sleep products.
As a consumer, it is tough to know which product to choose, and many people choose the one with the loudest advertising.
It is something she is still learning as they navigate the marketing process.

[11:56] – Herb talks about Lumos.

Lumos stands out from products like overweight rings and whoop beds because it treats the problem rather than just recommending solutions.
Unlike bulky alternatives, the mask is practical, comfortable, and stylish. Many products only provide temporary solutions, but Lumos solves the problem for good.
It is backed by science, making it a reliable solution.

[13:57] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!

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[16:27] – Biquan talks more about what they did with Lumos to stand out in the market.

She learned that speaking to customers about their problems is essential so they feel seen and understood.
Balancing scientific truth with customer understanding is essential in this process.

[17:50] – How do you fund the day-to-day operations of Lumos?

Running a hardware company requires a lot of upfront capital, so most startups seek venture funding. However, Lumos has been bootstrapping and receiving government funding through small business grants from organizations such as NASA, the Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation.
Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo are also famous for hardware companies to raise money for production.
Generating revenue is the best way to support the company and make it more independent from outside investment. It also makes the company more appealing to investors. As Eric Schmidt said, “Revenue solves all problems.”

[20:36] – Herb talks about accelerator programs.

As an entrepreneur starting out, it is essential to tap into accelerator programs.
Non-traditional funding rounds are also worth exploring.

[22:34] – Herb talks about why he decided to join the Lumos team and shares the process that went into it.

While at NYU, he joined an accelerator program where he discovered Lumos, which he liked.
As an athlete, he saw the immediate need for Lumos, especially regarding travel and jet lag.
Being an entrepreneur gives him a sense of fulfillment, similar to what he felt as an athlete.

[24:08] – How did you go about building your team?

As someone who did not have much leadership experience, she had to learn about leadership along the way.
She learned to be patient and picky when hiring.
She lets her team members be autonomous and flexible in their work schedules and how they want to conquer a task.

[29:57] – Herb presents an opportunity where you can support student-athletes at Providence College while also benefiting from a great opportunity yourself.

They have partnered with JLD and EOFire and invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to support student-athletes at Providence College!
Lumos.tech – Visit the website and use the code “gofriars”! A percentage of profits will support student-athletes.

[31:18] – Biquan’s takeaway and call to action.

You can benefit from a healthy circadian rhythm regardless of your lifestyle.
Lumos.tech – Rest better, wake up stronger.

[32:51] – Thank you to our Sponsor!

HubSpot: Join us in Boston from September 5 – 8, 2023 for an event like no other! INBOUND brings together leaders across the business space including sales, marketing, customer success, and operations teams. Visit Inbound.com to get your ticket today!

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Harnessing The Power of Light for a Good Night’s Sleep with Biquan Luo

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