Samuel Owen

Founder & CEO | Clinical-Stage Medtech | SBIR Phase II (USAF) | Product, Clinical & Cross-Functional Leadership

United States

About

I’m the technical founder of Otolith Labs, where I’ve spent 11 years as CEO building a clinical-stage medtech company focused on the vestibular system. I am the first-named inventor on multiple patents and have been directly involved in developing and prosecuting the company’s IP portfolio. My work has spanned company building end-to-end: securing funding (including a Phase II SBIR with the U.S. Air Force), leading cross-functional teams across engineering and clinical domains, and driving product development from concept through clinical trials. I’ve primarily operated in capital-constrained environments, requiring hands-on execution, prioritization, and coordination across technical, clinical, and external stakeholders. I’m focused on roles where I can contribute as an operator and leader in medtech, biotech, or dual-use environments.

Experience

  • Founder at Otolith Labs
    Jan 2015 - Present · 11 yrs 6 mos

    Created the first therapeutic for vertigo that interacts with the vestibular system. Invented the underlying technology and led the company as CEO for eleven years through growth, fundraising, product development, clinical trails and FDA interactions. • Invented the company’s core technology; first-named inventor on 7 issued patents, and led patent strategy and prosecution •Built and led a 17-person cross-functional team spanning engineering, clinical operations, and product development •Raised $20M+ in venture and non-dilutive funding, including a Phase II SBIR with the U.S. Air Force •Directed company operations and capital allocation, planning and managing annual budgets exceeding $5M •Advanced product from concept through clinical-stage development, including planning and executing human trials •Established and managed external partnerships across clinical, regulatory, and government stakeholders

  • 2026-7 Alumni Steering Committee Member at Halcyon
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • Fellow at Halcyon
    Jan 2015 - Jun 2016 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • President at Prodigy Tutors LLC
    Aug 2010 - Aug 2012 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Founded a tutoring agency that matched clients with experienced tutors.

  • Life Cycle Cost Analyst / Earned Value Analyst at Tecolote Research, Inc.
    Aug 2007 - Aug 2010 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Preformed life cycle cost estimating and earned value analysis on military acquisitions. Wrote algorithms to assist in organizing raw data into useable information.