How a Poker Night Joke Turned Into a $4 Million Investment Opportunity

In a remarkable story of luck, opportunity, and entrepreneurial instinct, Austin-based startup Throne has secured $4 million in seed funding led by Moxxie Ventures. Founded by Scott Hickle and Tim Blumberg, Throne is developing a unique AI-powered device designed to attach directly to existing toilets, using advanced computer vision technology to detect and analyze health-related data in users’ waste.

Unlike traditional health devices, Throne discreetly mounts onto standard toilets, offering real-time insights into gut health conditions, hydration levels, urological function, and early indicators of chronic ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, kidney disease, prostate enlargement, and even certain cancers. To reassure privacy-conscious users, the company’s AI-driven software anonymizes images before research analysis.

Throne began somewhat unexpectedly. During a casual poker evening in 2021, co-founders Hickle, a mechanical engineer by training, and Blumberg, a software specialist, jokingly discussed startup ideas they wouldn’t want their names attached to. Blumberg introduced the idea of smart toilets, prompting laughter and, quickly thereafter, the name “Throne.”

Ironically, what started as a humorous quip emerged as their salvation two years later, after the rapid decline of another business venture. When seeking an alternative to return existing investor funds, one investor suggested “smart toilets,” unknowingly echoing their tongue-in-cheek concept. The coincidence reignited their enthusiasm, sparking serious research into potential medical applications.

Leveraging Hickle’s parents’ background—both practicing physicians—the pair discovered numerous significant healthcare applications from waste analysis. Equipped with newfound inspiration, the founders began to pursue funding and partnerships earnestly. Despite limited experience in hardware product development, they attracted powerful allies.

Their pivotal breakthrough occurred when, through personal connections within Austin’s entrepreneurial landscape, they were introduced to famed cyclist Lance Armstrong—well-known for his own battle with prostate cancer. Throne demonstrated their prototype in Armstrong’s home, standing nervously outside his bathroom door, before receiving a valuable endorsement and financial support from the former cycling champion himself.

Further serendipitous encounters followed, bringing aboard John Capodilupo—co-founder and former CEO of WHOOP—as Throne’s chief product officer. Capodilupo, who publicly shares his struggle with ulcerative colitis and serves on the board of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, initially joined as an investor, ultimately becoming a pivotal member of Throne’s leadership team. Throne also secured collaborations with researchers at the University of Washington and the University of Chicago, critical partnerships aimed at validating the accuracy and efficacy of their device’s analytics.

Among other notable investors accompanying Moxxie Ventures founder Katie Jacobs Stanton in this initial fundraising round are Accomplice, Long Journey Ventures, V1.VC, Night Capital, Retron VC, and Myelin Ventures. Additional prominent angel investors include Armstrong himself, Tara Viswanathan, co-founder of Rupa Health, and Justin Mares, founder of TrueMed and known brands such as Kettle & Fire.

Currently in the pre-production prototype stage, Throne plans a consumer launch by January 2026. Reflecting on the startup’s journey, Hickle acknowledges their improbable trajectory as a blend of determination and sheer fortune. However, he believes strongly that the persistent wave of coincidental connections shows an industry and world keenly awaiting exactly what Throne offers.

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