Medical device consultancy launches with Start Up Loan funding

Background

MedStride is a UK-based MedTech regulatory consultancy supporting medical device innovators, from early-stage start-ups to university spinouts, in navigating the complex regulatory pathways required to bring new innovations safely to market.

The business was founded by Dr Benyamin Rahmani, who launched MedStride after spending almost six years at the British Standards Institution (BSI) as a Senior Assessor reviewing applications for CE marking and market access across the UK and EU.

Prior to this, Dr Rahmani worked in medical device R&D, including developing prosthetic heart valve technology. His experience across both innovation and regulation positioned him uniquely to support companies seeking to bring medical devices to market.

In 2025, Dr Rahmani decided to launch MedStride with the backing of a five-figure Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance (GCBF).

The Challenge

During his time at BSI, Dr Rahmani saw first-hand how many innovative medical technologies struggled to reach patients because of the complexity of regulatory requirements.

As he explained: “I was reviewing applications from some of the biggest global medical device manufacturers, and even they were struggling to get it right. For smaller start-ups, it was often overwhelming.

The technology was there. The innovation was there. In many cases, these were devices that could genuinely save lives. But because of the complexity of regulation, companies simply couldn’t get them approved.”

After launching MedStride, Dr Rahmani faced the challenges common to many founders in highly specialised sectors.

“The first few months are always the hardest. You’re setting everything up from scratch while trying to win clients at the same time.”

The Solution

The Start Up Loan provided vital early-stage funding that enabled Dr Rahmani to establish MedStride and create a credible presence from day one.

The funding supported investment in:

• Digital infrastructure

• Online presence

• Essential business setup activities

For a consultancy operating in a global, trust-led sector, these investments helped create a professional platform from which to attract and serve clients.

The Process

Alongside financial support, Dr Rahmani benefited from mentorship through the Start Up Loans programme.

“I was matched with a mentor who had extensive financial experience, and those conversations were incredibly valuable. Getting feedback from someone who has seen how businesses grow and evolve was hugely beneficial.”

The business also benefited from the credibility associated with securing formal funding.

“When you’re starting a business, trust is everything. The fact that MedStride had already gone through a formal funding process gave reassurance to people I spoke to. It signalled that the business had already been reviewed and validated in some way.”

This combination of funding, mentorship and external validation helped support the company during its launch phase.

The Results

Since launching in November, MedStride has:

• Secured a number of clients

• Built a pipeline of additional projects

• Established a credible presence in the MedTech sector

• Benefited from ongoing business mentoring and support

Looking ahead, Dr Rahmani plans to:

• Grow MedStride’s client base

• Open a new London office

• Bring in associates over the next 12 months

What This Case Study Shows

This case study demonstrates how targeted early-stage funding can help specialist founders transform their expertise into successful businesses.

As Alex Mearns, Head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: “Dr Rahmani’s journey highlights how specialist expertise can be transformed into a valuable business that supports innovation across the wider healthcare sector. MedStride is a great example of how early-stage funding can help founders establish credibility and bring high-impact services to market.”

The story also highlights the wider value of the Start Up Loans programme, showing how funding, mentorship and credibility can help entrepreneurs overcome the uncertainties of launching a business and build strong foundations for future growth.

Thinking about starting or growing your own business?

Whether you're launching a specialist consultancy, developing an innovative product, or turning years of expertise into a new venture, the right support can make all the difference. Through the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme, delivered by GC Business Finance, entrepreneurs can access funding, mentoring and practical guidance to help bring their ideas to life.

Find out more about Start Up Loans and how GC Business Finance could support your business journey today. Contact the team to explore your funding options and take the next step towards building your business with confidence.