News + Culture

IAMBIC CEO Named 2025 Inc. Female Founder for Revolutionizing $400B Footwear Industry

Maeve Wang, IAMBIC cofounder and CEO, seated by the New York City skyline with three MODEL T shoes in front, highlighting her 2025 Inc. Female Founders recognition.

Inc.’s eighth annual Female Founders list highlights the nation’s top business leaders who challenge the status quo to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems.

New York, NY, March 11, 2025 — Inc., the premier media brand for entrepreneurs and business leaders, has named Maeve T. Wang, Co-founder and CEO of IAMBIC, to its prestigious eighth annual Inc. Female Founders list. Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the $400B global footwear industry, Wang is pioneering a future where AI-driven, precision-fit footwear is accessible to all—eliminating an age-old problem affecting over 25% of the population.

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Inc. Female Founders 500

Wang joins an elite cohort of 500 trailblazing women whose companies collectively generated $9B in revenue and raised $10.6B in funding in 2024 while tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Selected through Inc.’s rigorous three-round evaluation process, honorees are chosen for their ability to drive economic impact, disrupt industries, and redefine leadership in business.

“I’ve spent my career at the intersection of retail and technology, watching people struggle with shoes that never quite fit right,” said Wang. “IAMBIC goes beyond being a better shoe—it’s about fundamentally changing how people experience shoes. Being recognized by Inc. validates our mission to make true personalized fit accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford $10,000 bespoke footwear. We’re creating the future of footwear where technology finally serves the human body, not the other way around.”

Each year, Inc. editors evaluate thousands of applicants across three rounds, assessing quantitative metrics—revenue growth, funding, and audience reach—and qualitative impact, including social influence and industry disruption. The program’s advisory board includes Cate Luzio (Luminary), Anu Duggal (Female Founders Fund), Katherine Power (Greycroft), Tiffany Dufu (Tory Burch Foundation; The Cru), and Kay Koplovitz (Springboard Enterprises; USA Network).


AI-powered innovation backed by science

IAMBIC’s patent-pending technology translates simple smartphone scans into AI-tailored, precision-fit footwear. Developed over five years of government-backed R&D and testing, IAMBIC’s proprietary AI is trained on extensive in-house data. The system analyzes 20+ measurements with accuracy comparable to NASA-grade scanning—delivering personalized fit traditionally reserved for $3,000–$10,000 bespoke footwear.

The company’s debut shoe sold out in two weeks, and its current model, the MODEL T, was named a TIME Best Invention. IAMBIC has been recognized by Techstars, the U.S. National Science Foundation, and the Harvard Innovation Labs.

Beyond product innovation, IAMBIC is scaling through strategic partnerships. The company was featured in Times Square via a partnership with Brex and holds 12 patent-pending inventions across AI-powered fit optimization, digital-to-physical customization, and next-generation manufacturing. Technology leadership is driven by Co-founder & CTO Dr. Raza Hassan and global footwear expert Dr. Hylton Menz.

“Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity… their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress.”

— Diana Ransom, Executive Editor, Inc.

See the full 2025 list

To view Inc.’s complete 2025 Female Founders list, visit inc.com/female-founders. For IAMBIC’s technology, visit Technology and learn How Custom-Fit Shoes Work.

Explore the MODEL T

Not ready to order? Use the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized fit guidance.


About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. informs, educates, and elevates the profile of the risk-takers and innovators creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, alongside Fast Company. Learn more at inc.com.

About IAMBIC

IAMBIC, named a TIME Best Invention, creates AI-tailored, custom-fit shoes that redefine modern luxury. Using a precise smartphone scan and proprietary AI, IAMBIC analyzes 20+ measurements to craft shoes uniquely tailored to each individual. Each pair is handmade in Portugal using full-grain leather. Explore the product in MODEL T and our Technology.


FAQs

Do I need to take the Fit Guide Quiz before ordering?

No. If you’re ready, go straight to MODEL T and place your order. Not ready to order? Take the Fit Guide Quiz for personalized fit guidance.

How long does delivery take?

Most orders ship in about 4–6 weeks after you upload your smartphone consultation. Learn the steps in How Custom-Fit Shoes Work.

What makes IAMBIC different from “wide” sizing?

“Wide” adds width but ignores shape and volume. IAMBIC builds a last from your 3-image scan and comfort context, then crafts your pair to that geometry. See IAMBIC 101.

Is my data secure?

Your scan and assessment are used to design your fit and support refits/future pairs. We store them securely and do not sell personal data. Read more on our Technology page.


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