Stern Venture Fellow Dr. Ross Kopelman (MS ‘15) is the co-founder of DermOnDemand, a teledermatology platform focused on making affordable dermatologic evaluations accessible one consultation at a time. We spoke to Ross to learn more about his venture and his experience as an entrepreneur.

Can you share insights into your startup, DermOnDemand, and the unique issue it is geared towards resolving?

DermOnDemand is a teledermatology service for employees at self-insured companies to access skincare. We are driven by the need to reduce the time and financial burdens commonly associated with accessing dermatology care, which often involves a 30-day waiting period in the United States.

How does your venture distinguish itself from existing offerings in the market?

Status quo thinking is that a fee-for-service business model will be perpetuated into the future in dermatology. But we think differently and believe value based care models will impact dermatology in a meaningful way over the next decade. We plan to lead the transformation.

What drove you to embark on this entrepreneurial venture?

My entrepreneurial instincts were kindled during my time as an undergraduate and graduate student at NYU, where I was first exposed to the vibrant startup culture and began exploring innovative concepts. I had also been the NYU Entrepreneurial President and experienced first hand the excitement that was buzzing around the campus. Fast forward to the present, I am a fully licensed physician with an MBA, yet my passion to build and challenge existing norms is just as fervent.

What prompted you to apply for the Stern Venture Fellows accelerator program, and what do you aim to achieve from this experience?

My deep-seated affection for the NYU Berkeley Center is due to its staff, who are deeply invested in the success of their students and alumni in launching prominent ventures in NYC. The opportunity to join their Health & Wellness accelerator, endorsed by David Ko and his wife Stephanie, presented an exciting prospect to collaborate and learn within the health space.

I want to see DermOnDemand become a big success for the NYU entrepreneurial community. I am certain that this program will fortify my entrepreneurial foundation, expedite my progress towards achieving my goals, and provide the mentorship I need for subsequent steps.

Can you share a pivotal moment from your startup journey?

Biggest turning point was getting validation from mentors who saw the vision I was driving with DermOnDemand. I had countless discussions and took extensive feedback before I felt that my understanding of the problem was complete and my solution was concrete. Finding a consistent pattern of support reassured me that I was on the right path.

What major obstacles have you encountered in building your startup, and how did you overcome them?

I've learned that with every milestone, there's a fresh set of challenges waiting. These problems tend to be intricate and require deep thinking for solutions. However, a robust determination to realize my vision keeps me going, helping me navigate to the next phase in the journey.

Can you share some recent achievements or current goals for DermOnDemand?

I am thrilled to announce that starting July 1st, 2023, DermOnDemand will be available to the entire NYU community. This MVP release will allow the first 500 users to submit their skin concerns for free, and they'll receive a diagnosis and a treatment plan, if needed, within 24 hours. Please spread the word among your friends and family.

Given the immense time and energy required for a startup, how do you maintain a work-life balance?

Being a founder, my startup is an integral part of my life. However, balance is vital. Regular exercise and quality time with loved ones provide the necessary mental break and keep me grounded. These quiet moments also often lead to a clearer vision and fresh ideas for my startup.

Do you have any advice for budding entrepreneurs, particularly those at the beginning of their journey?

The most crucial advice I can offer is not to hesitate in sharing your ideas and plans widely. Execution is key, and it only improves as you refine your concept through open discussions. You'll also build valuable connections that can boost your progress. Remember, no great venture is built in isolation. You'll need constructive feedback, both positive and negative, from a variety of sources to move forward.