MetaFlex

In 2024, Téa Phillips founded ATS Innovations, a woman-owned medical device company in Cookeville, TN, to bring her flagship product, MetaFlex, to market. MetaFlex is a groundbreaking solution for hand health, offering a combination of adjustable tensioning bands for grip strengthening, finger stretching, and gentle compression to improve circulation. Designed for those with arthritis and other hand conditions, MetaFlex allows users to ease pain and restore mobility effortlessly, even while sleeping. 

Téa approached the TSBDC for guidance on funding strategies and financial planning as she navigated the growth phase of her business. Working with Center Director Kelly Sullivan, Téa explored multiple scenarios for franchising and funding. Together, they created financial projections that helped Téa secure investors and leverage the Regional Seed Fund through Launch TN. These funds enabled her to order more inventory, rebrand MetaFlex, and showcase the product at medical conferences nationwide. 

The TSBDC also provided practical advice to streamline her operations, helping Téa avoid unnecessary expenses, such as engaging a remote HR company for a single employee. This advice allowed her to reinvest those funds back into the business. With the encouragement and resources from the TSBDC, Téa expanded her reach and brought MetaFlex to a broader audience, including veterans at VA Medical Centers, Amazon customers, and individuals seeking relief from hand pain. 

Reflecting on her journey, Téa shared, “The Upper Cumberland Small Business Development Center gave me the financial support and encouragement I needed to bring the MetaFlex solution to life. Their guidance helped me scale operations, reach veterans across the U.S., and secure funding to grow my company.” 

Téa is excited about continuing to scale ATS Innovations, with a focus on expanding access to MetaFlex for people in need. The TSBDC remains committed to supporting her growth, providing guidance as she transforms her vision into a thriving enterprise that improves lives.