Betterguards’ CEO Tony Verutti on Sports Tech Designed By Athletes

Betterguards' innovative ankle protection, made by athletes, for athletes is changing the game for athletes worldwide. Founded over a decade ago by biomechanical engineers and sports scientists in Germany, they recently unveiled their newest model, BetterGuard 2.0—a super lightweight brace with adaptive micro-hydraulic technology. This state-of-the-art innovation reacts faster than the human body to provide unparalleled ankle stability without limiting movement. This technology offers unparalleled ankle stability without limiting movement, marking a substantial leap in performance enhancement.

Since his appointment in May 2023, CEO Tony Verutti has driven rapid global expansion. Verutti's vision includes rapid global expansion and solidifying Betterguards as essential in sports performance and injury prevention. Key achievements include the successful launch of BetterGuard 2.0 at the NBA Summer League and widespread adoption in major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NCAA. With 200 million athletes worldwide suffering from ankle injuries annually, Betterguards' dedication to preserving both performance and health is on a global scale.

In this exclsuive interview we sit down with Betterguards' CEO, Tony Verutti and dive into his visionary leadership and groundbreaking sport technologies.

1. What is the background of Betterguards? 

Betterguards was born from a simple idea: to reimagine how we protect athletes from injuries. Our journey started a decade ago in a small lab in Germany with a team of biomechanical engineers and sports scientists. “Adaptive protection” was born, and we started to design products designed by athletes, for athletes. Over the years, this mission has driven us to constantly innovate, combining scientific rigor with cutting-edge technology to create products that redefine injury prevention, recovery, and performance.

2. How does The BetterGuard solve issues that are otherwise not solved by wearing high-top sneakers or athletic tape? What makes this product better? 

When the first high-top Chuck Taylor shoe was released, it promised to prevent ankle injuries for basketball players. The theory is pretty simple: A high upper pulled nice and tight, straps the ankle into place, giving that joint more support and preventing it from twisting dangerously. Makes sense! Except, there was never a study that proves or even solidly indicates that a high-top sneaker prevents ankle injuries when compared to a low-top. 

Athletic tape offers some level of ankle protection when it works. However, it has been scientifically proven to lose all protective effects in 5 – 20 minutes. As a single-use product, it’s also extremely wasteful, contributing to high volumes of plastic waste. Both high tops and tape fall short in crucial moments while The BetterGuard offers unmatched protection. Our adaptive ankle stabilizer is engineered to provide dynamic support precisely when it's needed, without compromising an athlete's natural range of motion. It’s like having a responsive guardian that only activates to prevent injuries while allowing freedom during normal activity. This intelligent adaptability is what sets The BetterGuard apart and makes it superior to traditional solutions.

3. Describe how The BetterGuard can help improve performance and promote injury prevention for athletes. 

Unlike traditional semi-rigid and rigid braces, The BetterGuard offers active ankle support with freedom of movement, giving your foot and ankle maximum mobility in an ultra-lightweight design. Our philosophy is that athletes should not be forced to restrict movement for the entirety of a game to protect against an injury that occurs in a split second. Instead, we design a solution that only activates in that split second, providing full mobility during normal gameplay. The BetterGuard features a breathable, lightweight compression sock, offering a high range of motion without sacrificing ankle support. Made with breathable, lightweight compression, The BetterGuard is 40% lighter than traditional ankle braces, giving you agile fluidity and explosiveness without the excess weight. 

The BetterGuard's innovative mini-stabilizer, with its sleek, minimalist design, reacts three times faster than your body and actively stabilizes your ankle during sudden and unexpected inversion or supination movements. The BetterGuard empowers your return to the court providing athletes with a high range of motion to rebuild mobility, and targeted support to minimize re-injury risk throughout recovery. The BetterGuard's mini ankle stabilizer aids in preventing ankle injuries with dynamic support. For the first time, you really can have it all; performance, protection, and recovery all in one device.

4. How does the technology behind The BetterGuard work to help athletes? 

The heart of The BetterGuard is its adaptive stabilization technology. Think of it as an extra ligament that intuitively understands when to engage. During normal movement, it remains flexible and unobtrusive. However, when a sudden, potentially dangerous motion is detected, it activates instantly to provide support. The technology activates based on velocity and reacts three times faster than your body. This seamless transition between flexibility and stability is achieved through advanced materials and precise engineering, ensuring athletes receive the right level of protection exactly when they need it, without any unnecessary restrictions.

5. How does Betterguards compare to its competitors? What can The BetterGuard do that a traditional ankle brace can’t? 

Betterguards was designed by athletes for athletes. The BetterGuard is different compared to traditional ankle braces and medical devices that were never designed for the high-velocity movements real athletes experience every day. Other products often force athletes to choose between mobility and protection. The BetterGuard eliminates this compromise. Unlike conventional braces that are rigid and uncomfortable, our product adapts dynamically, providing support only when necessary. This intelligent responsiveness is something traditional braces simply can't match. Additionally, our technology is backed by rigorous scientific testing and user-driven feedback from elite athletes, ensuring it meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

6. What are the biggest strengths of your product? 

The biggest strengths of The BetterGuard lie in its innovative technology, adaptive functionality, and user-centered design. Our world-class team of sports scientists and engineers have designed the product to offer unmatched protection without sacrificing mobility, which is a game-changer for athletes. The ability to provide dynamic support during critical moments while remaining flexible and fluid during regular activity sets us apart. Furthermore, our rigorous scientific validation and R&D process, in collaboration with world-class athletes, ensures that we continuously refine and enhance our products to meet the evolving needs of the sports community. It's this combination of innovation, adaptability, and athlete-focused design that makes The BetterGuard truly exceptional.

7. What are the biggest technological advances you have seen in the industry and where are we going next? 

One of the most profound shifts we’re witnessing in the industry is the growing emphasis on preventive health and overall well-being. Athletes today are taking comprehensive measures to extend their careers and maintain peak health much later in their lives. This zeitgeist of longevity and proactive care is reshaping the entire landscape of sports.

Athletes are now more focused on holistic health strategies that encompass injury prevention as well as sustained performance and recovery. The BetterGuard embodies this philosophy. It’s not just about protecting against injuries; it’s about empowering athletes to play longer and stronger. Our adaptive technology is part of a larger movement toward smarter, more proactive health measures. 

The tools and technologies available today make it possible for athletes to continue playing at high levels well into what was once considered the twilight of their careers. We’re seeing a blend of personalized training regimens, advanced recovery techniques, and mindful practices that collectively enhance longevity. It’s about creating an ecosystem of support that helps athletes stay in the game, both physically and mentally. 

Looking ahead, the future is incredibly promising. We’re moving toward a world where athletic gear and health strategies are seamlessly integrated, providing continuous support and real-time insights that help athletes make informed decisions about their bodies. At Betterguards, we’re excited to be part of this new era. We’re committed to developing solutions that not only prevent injuries but also promote long-term health and vitality, ensuring athletes can enjoy their sport for many years to come. This is the new era of athletic excellence, where the focus is on thriving, not just surviving.