With the rise of digital health, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, the demand for innovative medical solutions is growing globally. The dental industry is no exception, as it undergoes a technological revolution.
New York has a well-established healthcare sector and a massive market demand for dental restoration, minimally invasive procedures, and improved patient experiences.
The pursuit of cutting-edge technology has become a key competitive driver, making the city a prime destination for entrepreneurs looking to tap into a wealth of resources and opportunities.
This is why i2i has been running the IP2 Scale Out Program for four consecutive years, helping Taiwanese startups that are well-suited for the East Coast market prepare for expansion into New York.
In this interview, we spoke with Bill Chou, CEO of Dentscape (formerly Preteeth AI), about how he positioned his company in New York’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Dentscape develops AI-powered solutions for automated denture design, significantly streamlining and improving the traditional denture manufacturing process. Its core technology enables dentists to complete high-precision dental restorations in a short amount of time while enhancing the overall patient experience.When evaluating strategies for entering the U.S. market, Chou sees New York as a hotspot for startups due to its world-class medical institutions and dental professionals. He believes that forming partnerships with local healthcare organizations, clinical experts, and investors is the key to successfully establishing a presence in the region.
He also shared insights into New York’s startup ecosystem, highlighting its growing strength in venture capital and its increasing competitiveness with Silicon Valley.
New York’s Startup Scene Is Catching Up to Silicon Valley: A Strategic Gateway to Market Insights and Resources
According to Chou, New York’s startup ecosystem is on the rise—it’s no longer just following in Silicon Valley’s footsteps. The city’s entrepreneurial culture and investment landscape are attracting high-tech medical startups from around the world.
"In the past, when we expanded to the U.S., we mostly focused on the West Coast, especially Silicon Valley, because that’s where the strongest networks were. But in the dental industry, New York is the second-largest hub. The dental community here is extensive, so joining this program to explore the East Coast market was a key objective for us."
Beyond its wealth of healthcare resources, New York is home to a high concentration of investment firms and industry professionals, creating an environment where startups can scale quickly and expand globally.
Chou emphasized that being on the ground allows startups to gain a deeper understanding of real market needs and access unique local resources.
"Before, we weren’t that familiar with New York’s ecosystem since the focus was always on Silicon Valley—it had the biggest buzz and the strongest connections. But this time, we had the chance to explore the East Coast and understand how to leverage different regional resources to create value for our company."
Building Local Connections: The Key to Market Entry Strategy
Chou stressed that forging deep collaborations with local healthcare professionals is crucial for startups looking to break into the U.S. market. Dentscape has been actively engaging with New York-based medical institutions and clinical research experts to facilitate the adoption of its technology.
"We’ve had in-depth discussions with local academic institutions. Being physically present here gives us the chance to meet experts face-to-face. Personal interactions make a huge difference, and our initial discussions have gone quite smoothly."
Another major takeaway for Chou was the value of mentorship from venture capitalists familiar with the local industry landscape and market dynamics.
"The mentors come from diverse backgrounds, including healthcare, tech, and finance. Many have experience running major enterprises and deep expertise in the dental sector. Their guidance has been invaluable, especially in helping us build connections within the local ecosystem—this has been one of the biggest highlights of the program."
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