In a recent interview with ING Bank Śląski, Grzegorz and Franek Kosch, the founders of WIMBA, share the story behind our journey to revolutionize pet care through cutting-edge technology. Their insights highlight the challenges we’ve overcome, the successes we’ve celebrated, and the ongoing evolution of our mission to transform veterinary orthotics and prosthetics.
As WIMBA’s impact continues to grow, our collaboration with leading institutions like ING Bank Śląski marks the next step in expanding our influence and furthering their innovative approach to pet care.
Read the original version of the interview in Polish here.
WIMBA: Revolutionizing Veterinary Orthotics and Prosthetics with 3D Printing
At WIMBA, we’re committed to improving the quality of life for pets around the world. We provide innovative orthopedic solutions for dogs and cats using 3D printing technology to restore their mobility. Founded in Kraków, Poland, WIMBA has quickly grown into a leader in the field, collaborating with over 260 clinics across 30 countries and fulfilling over 1200 orders while analyzing nearly 3000 medical cases.
The Mission: Enhancing Pet Mobility
The mission behind WIMBA is clear – to provide high-quality, custom-designed orthoses and prosthetics that give pets back their mobility and improve their overall quality of life. By replacing traditional plaster casts with 3D-printed solutions, we shorten the production process, offer better anatomical fit, and provide more comfort for pets during their recovery.
A Decade of Experience Behind WIMBA
We began our entrepreneurial journey nearly 20 years ago. Before WIMBA, we gained extensive experience in human prosthetics, working with companies like Glaze Prosthetics and Inovamed. We recognized the huge potential to apply our expertise in the veterinary field.
The Idea Behind WIMBA
The idea for WIMBA arose after years of working in human prosthetics. We noticed a gap in the veterinary market.
“While there’s a growing demand for advanced medical care for animals worldwide, the availability of modern orthopedic solutions were still limited. We wanted to bridge that gap and provide pets with the same quality of care that humans receive.”
The pet care market is booming, and veterinary orthopedics is becoming an increasingly important segment. As the number of pet owners rises globally, so does the need for advanced medical solutions. According to recent data, the global pet care market was valued at $235 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $360 billion by 2030. With the growing number of pets facing orthopedic issues, the demand for advanced solutions has never been higher.
Overcoming Challenges in the Veterinary Market
Building WIMBA hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was convincing the market that custom 3D-printed orthoses and prosthetics for animals were not just a novelty but the future of veterinary care. The veterinary industry can be slow to adopt new technologies, for example WimbaSCAN, and educating pet owners and veterinarians takes time and effort.
Another challenge was creating an efficient production model that could deliver custom-made orthoses and prosthetics quickly, without sacrificing quality. The traditional methods were time-consuming and complex, but with the power of 3D printing, we were able to provide faster and more affordable solutions.
The Breakthrough Moment
“We quickly realized that our products were truly making a difference. When we saw a dog or cat recovering after months of struggles, that was the best reward.”
To further accelerate growth, WIMBA received a $1 million investment in 2022, which enabled us to move from concept to real products and scale their operations quickly.
Why We’re Proud
What makes our team most proud is the impact we’ve had on the lives of pets and their owners. When we see a dog or cat return to full mobility thanks to our solutions, that’s the most rewarding feeling. We are proud to set new standards in veterinary care and show how 3D printing can revolutionize the industry.
Within just ten months, WIMBA introduced the first products, expanding our range of solutions within the next six months. Today, our products are used in over 30 countries and are ordered via WimbaAPP, helping an increasing number of animals and improving their mobility.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation
One of our most significant moves was relocating its production to Kraków in October 2024. This has allowed us to have full control over the manufacturing process, reducing order turnaround times and maintaining high quality. This move has allowed us to serve our customers more quickly and even more improve the quality of our products.
Advice for Other Businesses
Don’t be afraid to take action, but be prepared for a long journey. Building trust and customer loyalty takes time, especially for innovative businesses. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and don’t hesitate to seek support from investors, mentors, or partners. Most importantly, listen to your customers and adapt to their needs—they are the ones who will ultimately determine the success of your business.
At WIMBA, we are incredibly grateful for our amazing WIMBA Providers who continuously offer valuable feedback, driving our innovation forward.
We are proud to be part of a growing movement dedicated to giving pets the medical care they deserve. As we continue to evolve our products and expand globally, we remain focused on our mission: restoring the mobility of pets and improving their quality of life with innovative 3D printing solutions.
Final Thoughts
At WIMBA, our journey reflects the power of vision, innovation, and persistence in transforming an entire industry. We’ve dedicated ourselves to improving the lives of pets and their owners, which has earned us a strong position in the world of veterinary orthotics and prosthetics. With the support of trusted partners like ING Bank Śląski, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring we leave a lasting impact on the future of pet care.
