Without a Doubt: How to Go From Underrated to Unbeatable

In this inspiring debut, Sarna, partner at the startup accelerator Y Combinator, recalls the founding of her biomedical company nVision Medical. After Sarna experienced ovarian pains in her teens, and subsequent inconclusive medical tests led to a needless cancer scare, the author was motivated to address “antiquated approaches” to women’s health. Sarna recounts the sometimes-arduous process of networking and raising capital despite countless rejections, and describes how, after consulting women’s health specialists and scouting out hires, she started a company dedicated to early ovarian cancer detection. Following frustrating clinical trials, Sarna and her partners created the first FDA-approved device that collects cells from the Fallopian tubes, allowing earlier testing for ovarian cancer; they sold the company for $275 million in 2018. Along the way, Sarna chronicles her efforts to keep the company running during her pregnancy, as well as how she dealt with gender discrimination (she recommends not dedicating mental energy to others’ “negative assumptions” and instead focusing on one’s “task at hand”). Throughout, she dispenses entrepreneurial advice that’s sometimes useful (assessing work/life priorities to avoid burnout), though elsewhere overly general (ensuring one’s work is based in a “wholly felt passion”). Sarna comes across as thoughtful and upbeat while remaining forthright about the potholes awaiting startups on the road to success. Budding entrepreneurs will find this a motivating, accessible entry. (Mar.)