America Destroys Its Advantage
April 29, 2025
For decades American Universities have been the envy of the World. With the brightest minds and the best facilities, these globally recognized institutions acted as a magnet for talent everywhere.
Today, we’re spotlighting Sterling Road grant winner Diana Canghizer. Her goal is to improve patient-doctor communication with a focus on gynecological and hormonal health.
“This all started with my personal story, I experienced years of confusion around my hormonal and gynecological care, leading to a late diagnosis of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This journey made me realize the importance of having the right tools and knowledge for healthcare management.”
“As an Imperial College London alumna, I was aware of Sterling Road’s positive reputation. My background in STEM meant I lacked early-stage business knowledge, so I was drawn not only to the funding but also to the business insights that Sterling Road offered in the group sessions.”
“The application focused on potential customers, highlighting the importance of pre-customers for early-stage companies. This shifted my focus from perfecting the product to building a community of potential users.”
“The grant marked a significant shift in late 2023. We gained essential basics and insights on building a startup, including a sponsored trip to San Francisco to meet Y Combinator alumni. The accelerator prep sessions were transformative, leading to a Y Combinator interview.”
“The guidance to stay grounded and focused on what we are building and solving was invaluable. The questions about our startup’s purpose and benefits helped us maintain clarity and direction.”
“Applicants should clearly articulate their innovation and market impact. Understanding what you’re building, for whom, and why is crucial. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes.”
“Beyond building a customer advisory board, the sessions emphasized being direct with investors, customers, team members, and co-founders. Ash’s push towards focusing on what matters — product, customer, outreach, community — was pivotal.”
“Absolutely. Ash’s extensive experience and insights are invaluable. His advice is practical and can save founders from costly mistakes. His support is especially beneficial for technical people from non-business backgrounds.”
“The community around Sterling Road is a significant added value. It includes Y Combinator alumni and founders from diverse backgrounds, we’ve really enjoyed sharing our experiences with others.”
Thanks, Diana!
