Psyonic, the innovative biotech company behind the Ability Hand, has emerged as one of the most remarkable stories in modern prosthetics. Founded by Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, a scientist and engineer with a compelling personal mission, the company is now valued at $65.07 million as of 2025, according to the latest estimates. This rise was catalyzed by a winning pitch on Shark Tank and strategic partnerships in the prosthetics industry.
The Inspiration Behind the Ability Hand
Dr. Akhtar, now in his mid-30s, was born in the U.S. to Pakistani immigrant parents. At just seven years old, he met a girl his age in Pakistan who was using a tree branch as a makeshift limb. That memory stayed with him and later became the driving force behind his mission to build prosthetic technology that is not only advanced but affordable and accessible.
He went on to earn a biology degree from Loyola University Chicago, followed by master’s degrees in computer science and electrical/computer engineering, and a Ph.D. in neuroscience. While many would have pursued a medical career from such a background, Akhtar chose to leave medical school after graduation to focus full-time on 3D printing and developing the Ability Hand.
What Makes the Ability Hand Revolutionary?
The Ability Hand is not just another prosthetic. It stands out as the fastest bionic hand on the market, offering touch feedback, USB-C charging, and water resistance. Remarkably, users can even use it to reverse charge their phones. Built with both human amputees and robotic use in mind, the device blends engineering precision with human-centric functionality.
It’s also FDA-registered and covered by Medicare in the U.S., meaning it’s available to far more patients than typical bionic limbs. Before Psyonic’s innovation, only about 10% of amputees could afford a prosthetic of this caliber.
Shark Tank Success and Funding Journey
In early 2024, Dr. Akhtar appeared on Shark Tank Season 15, asking for $1 million in exchange for 2% equity, valuing the company at $50 million. While Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec declined due to concerns over the funding strategy and investor interest, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John saw the potential.
After several rounds of negotiation, Dr. Akhtar accepted an offer of $1 million for 6% equity, dropping the valuation to approximately $16.67 million. That moment significantly raised the company’s visibility and attracted widespread public interest.
Funding and Sales Milestones
At the time of the pitch, Psyonic had already raised:
- $1.4 million at a $12 million valuation
- $2.2 million through a StartEngine crowdfunding campaign at a $50 million valuation
- $2.4 million in government grants
- An expected $2.7 million from Department of Defense grants in the following year
While impressive, the company was only producing 100 Ability Hands per year due to manufacturing constraints. Dr. Akhtar explained that scaling production to 1,000 units annually would require an additional $5 million investment.
Despite the small production scale, lifetime sales exceeded $2 million, with $1 million in revenue in the last year alone and a $100,000 profit—strong indicators of product-market fit.
Strategic Partnerships and Growth
In May 2024, Psyonic partnered with EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics and Advanced 3D, Inc. to produce custom sockets for the Ability Hand, improving comfort and usability. These collaborations are expected to expand Psyonic’s reach and improve production capacity.
Additionally, Psyonic has leaned into social media marketing, with viral videos showcasing amputees and veterans using the Ability Hand to perform complex, everyday tasks. These efforts have contributed significantly to brand awareness and user engagement.
A Dual-Use Product in a Divided Market
One of the key hurdles Dr. Akhtar faced was convincing investors that a product serving both medical and robotics markets could be viable. As he shared on Shark Tank, investors were often divided—those focused on healthcare were hesitant to back a dual-use product, while tech investors preferred to avoid human medical applications.
By securing a trio of sharks who understand branding, manufacturing, and innovation, Psyonic has positioned itself as a category disruptor with both emotional and technical appeal.
Real-World Impact and Mission
What sets Psyonic apart isn’t just its technology, but its mission. The Ability Hand is used by amputees across the U.S., including military veterans like Sergeant Garrett Anderson, who appeared on Shark Tank to demonstrate the device’s power and dexterity.
With its mix of functionality, accessibility, and human connection, the Ability Hand empowers users to perform tasks that were previously out of reach—gripping delicate objects, holding hands with loved ones, or simply performing work tasks without assistance.
Current Valuation and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Psyonic’s current valuation stands at $65.07 million, a significant jump from its Shark Tank valuation just one year prior. The growth stems from increased media exposure, new partnerships, expanded customer base, and continued grant support.
With further investment, Psyonic plans to scale to thousands of units annually and continue developing advanced prosthetic technologies that merge with AI and robotics for even greater functionality.
Final Thoughts
From a $1.8K manufacturing cost to a $15.5K retail price, the Ability Hand is already transforming lives—and turning heads in tech and healthcare alike. What started as a dream sparked by a chance encounter in Pakistan has evolved into a multimillion-dollar company with global potential.
Psyonic’s journey, led by Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, reflects what can happen when personal mission, scientific expertise, and business acumen align. With an ever-growing demand for high-functioning prosthetics and increasing support from industry leaders, Psyonic is not just changing lives—it’s redefining the future of human-machine integration.